Bonne Femme Creek rises in southeast Columbia, Missouri, and flows southwestward, entering the Missouri River south of Easley. Along the way, it merges with Turkey Creek and Bass Creek in Three Creeks Conservation Area and receives Smith Creek in its lower valley.
The Lower Valley of Bonne Femme Creek is a mosaic of farm fields, pastures and woodlands, attracting an excellent mix of wildlife in any season; raptors and wild turkeys tend to be the highlights throughout most of the year. On this mild, March day I thus visited the Lower Valley, including a drive through the lower reaches of Smith Creek (via Fox Hollow Road). While the usual mix of permanent and winter residents were encountered (including a few white-tailed deer and a coyote), the influx of summer residents is still a few weeks away.
Nevertheless, this secluded valley, which offers broad views of the Missouri River at the mouth of Bonne Femme Creek, is especially peaceful during the less verdant months, when hikers and bikers are not as inclined to use the Katy Trail (which crosses the Valley).
