Its headwaters initially flow south then turns west to northwesterly north of Seymour and turns southwest near Northview and passes down the east side of Springfield where it is impounded to form Lake Springfield.

[5][6] From Springfield, it flows west and then south past Galena where it enters Table Rock Lake, a reservoir on the White River.

A solid 3-day float from the public access on the downstream side of the (Lake Springfield) dam to Galena is possible when the levels are high enough.

Lake Springfield is the primary source of water for the cooling system at the James River Power Plant which sits by the dam.

The lake is a popular fishing and kayaking destination with docks and access points made by the Missouri Conservation Department.