Our camps include Eagle Creek and Slaughter River, both Lewis & Clark campsites. The gentle meandering current allows you the solitude to paddle your own tandem canoe a long side our guides. We had to bail out in the middle of our 6-day trip with MRO, but not because of anything they did or could control. What are good water flows in the Upper Missouri River Breaks? We follow Leave No Trace principles, ensuring that our impact on the river and its wildlife is minimal. 148.2 Cedar Creek, left. Well, as Rob once said at a campsite with a particularly impressive grove of mature cottonwood trees on a misty morning, I hear more birds than some jungles I have been in! Montanas Badlands aka The Missouri River Breaks is teaming with bird life during the spring, from resident prairie species and raptors to magnificent migratory species. Thank you for the wonderful experience our entire family (76 years to 8) had with your team on the river. Upper Missouri National Wild and Scenic River page. 23.6 St. Stanislaus County Park, right, begins. Mule deer and sharp-tailed grouse are also found in the valley slopes and coulees. Missouri River Outfitters (Fort Benton) - All You Need to Know BEFORE Saturday, 07/17/2021. 352.6 La Benite Park. 339.5 Fort Osage Access. The landscape has changed little since Lewis & Clark passed through the Upper Missouri in the spring of 1805. Missouri River Outfitters came highly recommended by Stephen Ambrose, well known author of Undaunted Courage and Band of Brothers, among many other history works. Missouri River - Missouri Float Trips Fishing guides use drift boats or large NRS or Aire Rafts with fishing frames. All visitors are encouraged to carry a map and have basic land navigation skills before exploring the remote areas of the monument. 2020 Upper Missouri River Guides, LLCinfo@uppermissouri.com406 -616-2001, Planning a TripHistory & ResourcesContact UsBook Now, Steamboats on the Missouri River - History, Quick Facts about the Missouri River and Name Origin, Mornings on the Banks of the Missouri River, Designating the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument - Proclamation, Woodhawks and Steamboats of the Upper Missouri River, The White Cliffs of the Upper Missouri River - Sample Itinerary and Video, The Upper Missouri River Breaks or 'Badlands' - Sample Itinerary and Video. You can register at the Missouri Breaks Interpretive Center in Fort Benton, Fort Benton Canoe Launch, Fort Benton Motorboat Launch, Wood Bottom, Coal Banks Landing and Judith Landing. 164.0 Marion Bottoms Conservation Atea, tight, begins. Its flows are slow to moderate, with no rapids. The gear is designed with your comfort in mind. Missouri River V Mile by Mile Description. We'll never be able to thank them enough. For the river adventurer or history buff with a limited amount of time available, Montana River Outfitters offers an exciting day trip through the most popular and beautiful section of the Wild and Scenic Missouri River through the White Cliffs section of the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument. We are happy to accommodate various dietary needs so let us know your requests. The black color of these volcanic features contrasts sharply with the lighter colored shales and sandstones. Large canoes may be available with advance notice for larger groups. You will enjoy paddling the gentle and meandering current through breath taking White Cliffs of Eagle sandstone and igneous rock formations. No Reservations. 250.0 Grand River, left. Upper Missouri River Guides | Family River Trip Vacations in Montana ." The first steamboat made the journey in 1819. More or updated information on this topic can be found at the Missouri Department of Conservation web site located at: Driftsun Teton 120 Hard Shell Recreational Tandem Kayak, 2 or 3 Person Sit On Top Kayak Package with 2 EVA Padded Seats, Driftsun Voyager Inflatable Kayak - 2 Person Tandem Kayak, Includes Aluminum Paddles, Padded Seats, Double Action Pump, Malone Auto Racks FS 3 Kayak Storage Rack System, RAD Sportz Tall Stand Freestanding Heavy Duty Kayak Rack Two Kayak Storage Holds 6 Kayaks, Waterproof Stereo or iPod Cases for Floating, Kayaking 101: Safety in Transporting and Trailering, 9 Hiking/Climbing Tips and Tricks Every Professional Guide Needs You to Know, Have a Blast On Your Next Float Trip With The Best Fishing Tubes. 391.3 Platte River, left. Cow Creek WSA Fresh, hearty and creative. Below Canyon Ferry Dam, the river goes through two more dams before entering the prime fishing waters between Holter Dam and Cascade. 451.6 Arrhur Dupree Memorial Conservation Area, right, begins. The wide, fertile valley below Fort Benton differs considerably from the scenic white cliffs down river from Coal Banks Landing. This treaty established boundaries and provided for railroads, roads, telegraph lines and military post access across what is now northern Montana. Dinner is usually something on the grill, dutch oven roasted potatoes, colorful salad, bread from local bakeries. About 3,500 acres of the WSA are within the UMNWSR corridor. We are local and support local year round! Among them are the sparrow hawk, prairie falcon, and golden eagle. An interesting beginning for Fort Benton with very friendly staff and a close up of the Missouri River. The journey down the one hundred forty nine miles of the Upper Missouri National Wild & Scenic River and into the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument is a trip back into time. P.O. Fort Benton changed from being a river port to an agricultural supply center. The answer is: a lot! Colters Landing Access, 1.4 miles up Boeuf Creek. Before commercial steamboat traffic disappeared from the scene in 1891, supplies unloaded in Fort Benton were being freighted as far west as Fort Walla Walla in Washington and north to the Great Slave Lake in the Northwest Territories. 530.6 Langdon Bend Access on left. Bing Maps has a collection of great trails with directions to trail heads as well as photos. The information in this guide is organized by "river mile" which is the distance along the river traveling downstream from Fort Benton (mile 0), to the Judith Landing Public Access Site and Campground (mile 88.5). BLM was directed to preserve the Upper Missouri River in a free-flowing condition and protect it for the benefit of present and future generations. Both vegetation and wildlife in this area are dependent upon normal fluctuations in water height and silt load and the river's tendency to meander. They provide all the major equipment and organize everything beautifully, down to the last detail. . 482.8 Bob Brown CA ends. Well, go camping in a wild, remote place! No ramp, but can access river by carrying boat over riprap near parking lot. For most trips, Missouri River Outfitters puts in at Fort Benton and takes out three or four days later at Judith Landing. Boating (by any type of watercraft) is one of the premiere activities in the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument as you can obtain access to the sweeping "breaks" views, numerous camping opportunities, homestead viewing, hiking and premier hunting and fishing. Paddle 20 miles of Montana's Wild and Scenic Missouri River from Fort Benton to Wood Bottom Recreation Area while . Dont forget a waterproof, mile-by-mile map showing public and private land, camp areas, historical sights, safety tips and much more. Let us help you make the job of organizing easier! Feel free to email or call us for suggestions or to help plan a custom itinerary. Along with that, we have a quiet waters policy and do not run motored gear boats and loud motors. . During busy times, floaters should keep well back from the boat in front of themand ideally be on the other side of the river if possible. The American Fur Company was finally successful in opening the upper river to trade in 1831. 239.1 Dalton Bottoms Access on left. Call the BLM Missouri Breaks Interpretive Center for credit card purchases at (406) 622-4000. Our team of experienced river guides will take you on a journey through the stunning Missouri River landscape, where youll have the chance to see amazing wildlife and beautiful natural scenery that will take your breath away. We have made the trip ten times. Outstandingly Remarkable Values. Fort Benton, Montana served as the innermost port for shipping and human transportation thanks to the arrival and successful voyages of steamboats. minnows to 140 lb. The railroad reached Fort Benton in 1887. Staff will be able to assist with maps, local outfitters, closure information, and general safety tips. (The best tomato Ive ever eaten!) 339.5 Fort Osage Access. Missouri River Outfitters helped make our dream of canoeing down the same river as Lewis and Clark come true. Since 1977 Montana River Outfitters has provided float trips on the Missouri, Smith and other area rivers of central and western Montana. This is the perfect quick trip if you are limited on time but still to experience the solace and beauty of the Upper Missouri River. Good food & drink, outdoor activity, and leisure in an area rich with history and natural beauty. Since 1994, we've guided hundreds of clients on this wild and scenic river, and have published a guidebook for the river. Three are big rivers, and two are small. A small Class II rapids exists about ten miles upstream from Cascade. Canoeing the Upper Missouri River is like floating through history. Box 1389 Bring your interests and curiousity and well do our best to satisfy! 112.9 Tate Island Conservation Area, left, begins. We take pride in their camp cuisine. Their lives were dangerous, and often short (okay, Hobbes). 132.5 Smokey Waters CA ends, and private land begins. Why the Breaks? Paddling across Fort Peck Lake, except for perhaps in a sea kayak during periods of calm weather, is difficult due to long distances and frequent high winds. The monument includes six wilderness study areas, the Cow Creek Area of Critical Environmental Concern, segments of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail and the Nez Perce National Historic Trail, the Fort Benton National Historic Landmark, a watchable wildlife area and the Missouri Breaks Back Country Byway. Great lunch, local beer and friendly folks. The Missouri is the longest river in the United States, flowing more than 2,500 miles from its source on the eastern slope of the Rockies near Three Forks, Montana, to its confluence with the Mississippi River at St. Louis, Missouri. 351.6 Liberty Bend Conservation Area, right, begins. This section is controlled by the Bureau of Land Management, Department of Interior. Nicole and Lanny made our guided day-trip on the Missouri easy and informative. Before this magnificent river corridor was a national monument, it was first designated a National Wild and Scenic River. None of this WSA was recommended for wilderness designation due to a variety of resource conflicts and manageability concerns including a high potential for natural gas development. Pass by the vistas Lewis & Clark described as "scenes of visionary enchantment", sites of American Fur Company forts, and landmarks whose names' recall the days of the western frontier. Click Here for BLM Rules and regulations for the Upper Missouri River Breaks 2. Fort Benton, MT 59442. Sea kayaks are used by solo paddlers. The 130 mile lake behind Fort Peck Dam is entirely within the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Area . What are access points? This 8,100 acre WSA is on the south side of the Missouri River. 182.8 Rocheport Cave CA ends. 449.8 Arthur Dupree Memorial CA ends. Both sunrise and sunset provide unrivaled natural light shows on the cliff faces. 195.2 Franklin Island CA access. 77.8 Boeuf Creek, right. . The Missouri River is one of the few rivers in Montana where some common-sense etiquette should be followed by all floaters. Fresh, hearty and creative. Piggs Landing Access, 3.8 miles up Fishing River. . Their stewardship of these lands has contributed greatly to maintaining the area's unique qualities and values. Floating the Missouri River - Wikitravel Missouri River I Mile by Mile Description. Stafford WSA During the steamboat era, woodhawkers (wood cutters) cut timber to fuel steamboats plying the Missouri River. 502.4 Rush Bottoms Conservation Area, left, begins. This WSA does not contain outstanding primitive recreation opportunities. Even though we were novices, the Guides were patient and understanding. We are the longest run outfitter in Montana, and have been providing experiences for over 60 years. seens of visionary enchantment (sic) . Marine deposits, materials that settled out of the water to the bottom of the sea, resulted in beds of shale. Upper Missouri River Guides provide guided canoe float trips along the full 149 mile stretch of the Upper Missouri National Wild and Scenic River. The WSA covers about 12,350 acres on the north side of the Missouri River. The Marias is one of northern Montanas best kept secrets. One of the most common species living here is the prairie dog, a critter that is especially popular with visitors from outside the region. We will ensure your trip is safe and memorable. Beyond these dams, the river then runs unobstructed without any major rapids for the next two hundred miles. However, the area is very scenic and rugged, combining steep slopes with narrow ridges. Principal river launch points are: Fort Benton Canoe Launch (mile 0), Fort Benton Motorboat Launch (mile 1), Wood Bottom (mile 20.3), Coal Banks Landing (mile 41.5), Judith Landing (mile 88.5), and James Kipp Recreation Area (mile 149). The vast amounts of capital to be obtained encouraged steamboat captains to brave the treacherous Missouri. Although the law gives recreationists the right to use rivers and streams for water-related recreation, it does not allow them to enter posted lands bordering those streams or to cross private lands to gain access to streams. Antelope Creek WSA ", Stephan Ambrose - Undaunted Courage - Page 228, 2021 Missouri River Outfitters Fort Benton, Montana All Rights Reserved, Website Designed and Developed by Shortgrass Web Development, DIY Day Trip Fort Benton to Wood Bottom, Guided Day Trip Fort Benton to Wood Bottom. He is presently involved with the conservation of Great Salt Lake and its abundant bird life. ." 499.8 Rush Bottoms CA ends. 172.6 Plowboy Bend Conservation Atea on tight. Lewis and Clark Expedition - What was on the Menu. Nooks and crannies in the cliffs provide perching and nesting habitat for the many raptors that inhabit the river area. The food, beyond our expectations. 55.0 Weldon Spring Conservation Area, left, begins. In this section, the Missouri River receives protection and becomes a National Wild and Scenic River. Public access to the Upper Missouri River and the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument is remote and limited, so you need to plan ahead and be prepared for inclement weather and difficult travel conditions. The Badlands are generally less travelled and have only one developed campsite. The topography changes from Eagle sandstone and igneous rock formations to the high & grand bluffs of Claggett shale. The monument contains an amazing number of individual features that have all warranted some level of previous identification for their important and unique values. The journey down the one hundred forty nine miles of the Upper Missouri National Wild & Scenic River and into the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument is a Fort Benton is the ideal starting point for your journey into the beauty and solitude of the Wild and Scenic Upper Missouri River. How to Plan a Missouri River Breaks Trip Although not as famous as the White Cliffs, most guides and folks who have done both sections will report that the Badlands are their favorite. The staff and our fellow travelers made it a trip to remember! When. 340.6 Cooley Lake CA ends. Per site, per night. Our staff are local farmers/ranchers, historians, outdoor enthusiasts and river boat wranglers. paddlefish) reside in the river. 130.3 Smokey Waters CA ends. Summer mornings are a long, serene process with several phases culminating in the delicious glow of the sun on your skin as it finally crests over the cliffs. The scenery cannot be beat and honestly pictures dont do it justice. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); FloatMissouri Premium Sponsorship Opportunity. Shoreline areas provide habitat for soft-shelled turtles, beaver and a wide variety of waterfowl. For your convenience, we offer travel protection through Travelex Insurance Services. As a route of western expansion, the Missouri River had few equals. Except for sea kayaks during good weather, floating is impossible across Canyon Ferry Lake. Travel planning: The closest airport to fly in/out of would be Great Falls, MT. Powerboats are very restricted, but canoe outfitters are abundant. Robert made his first canoe trip down the Missouri River in 2016 and has enjoyed returning to float with his friend Haley and Brett almost every year since. This is especially true for anglers. The riparian zone immediately adjacent to the river bank is the most important vegetative type in the river valley. Visiting the Breaks - Friends of the Missouri Breaks Monument We hope to disperse after the trip as friends. 185.1 Taylors Landing Access on right, just before 1-70 Bridge. Join us on a fully guided multi day trip (3-6 day) or a do-it-yourself rent and shuttle package. Fort Peck Lake. Thanks Nicolle and MRO! Bonnots Mill Access, 1.9 miles up Osage River. Private land begins. What is the best way to get away from the dull roar of city lights? Below Totson Dam, another twenty-two miles of moderate slow water begins, with no major rapids. The name, Missouri, comes from the Indians that lived in the region, the Missouri and Ottee. Youll camp where they camped, see what they saw and learn about their trip from our experienced guides. upper missouri river - Fort Benton, Montana Float a river with the whole family - Great Falls Tribune Within Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument, the last section, river miles 88.5 to 149 or Judith Landing to James Kipp Recreation Area, is generally referred to as the Breaks' or Badlands of the Upper Missouri River. Private land begins. United States . 167.6 Plowboy Bend CA begins. Forty-nine species of fish (ranging from 1/2-oz. Gear Tips for Floating the Missouri River, Missouri River - Detailed Fishing Information, Missouri River - Floating & Paddling Information, Missouri River Recreation Road Scenic Byway, Missouri River in Missouri Breaks National Monument, Fairweather Fishing Access Site (FAS): 11, Giant Springs State Park (Great Falls): 204, West Boundary Charles Russell Wildlife Refuge: 396, Rock Creek Access and Boat Ramp (before Fort Peck Lake): 401. UPPER MISSOURI RIVER BREAKS NATIONAL MONUMENT - Bureau of Land Management 97.6 Hermann Riverfront Park Access (Hermann) on right. The Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument and the Marias River corridor are best experienced by canoe or kayak. We suggest spending an extra day there. These upstream tributary accesses allow you more flexibility when planning a paddling trip. This activity is a perfect addition - let us help you plan! River travelers today can appreciate the words of Meriwether Lewis when he wrote of the endless seens of visionary inchantment. Cant wait to return next summer! Brunswick Access, 3.4 miles up Grand River.