They spent days at the mouth of the Marias River trying to resolve the dilemma of which river to follow. As a route of western expansion, the Missouri River had few equals. Here it is that nature presents to the view of the traveler vast ranges of walls of tolerable workmanship, so perfect indeed are those walls that I should have thought that nature had attempted here to rival the human art of masonry had I not recollected that she had first began her work As we passed on it seemed as if those seens of visionary inchantment would never have an end., Meriwether Lewis On the Missouri River - Review of Missouri Breaks National Monument If you are looking to continue following the Lewis & Clark Trail, plan a hiking trip on the Lolo Trail, retracing their arduous journey overland across the Bitterroot Mountains. Immerse yourself in this magnificent, wild landscape without hassle or worry. Difficult canoe/kayak access due to high bank. There is a reason Montana is called the Big Sky State. Ah, that moment you finally lay down in your tent, snuggle in your sleeping bag, breathe deep and peer into the endless sea of flickering stars above. 132.5 Smokey Waters CA ends, and private land begins. Mixed among these features you can find incredible displays of our geologic past; see where American Indians carved a living; enjoy the Upper Missouri River that tested Lewis and Clark and their crew; find evidence of the earliest hopes and dreams of homesteaders, businessmen and women; and pass by central Montana ranches of the 21st century. It is the best time for birdwatching and listening to the wildlife wake for the day. 406-728-7609 Email Us Policies 239.1 Dalton Bottoms Access on left. When is the best time of year to float the Missouri River Breaks. They will love the hiking, exploring, campfires and more. The size of the area, opportunities for solitude and primitive recreation, and the attractiveness of the setting combine to provide excellent wilderness quality. The name, Missouri, comes from the Indians that lived in the region, the Missouri and Ottee. Those who enjoy the Upper Missouri River today owe a debt of gratitude to those who have worked for the protection that it so eminently deserves. River travelers today can appreciate the words of Meriwether Lewis when he wrote of the endless seens of visionary inchantment. Bonnots Mill Access, 1.9 miles up Osage River. Poor canoe/kayak access. Upper Missouri River Guides | Family River Trip Vacations in Montana Easy canoe/kayak access by carrying boat down short path to river. 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. Fort Peck Lake. What are access points? It is fragile and its survival depends upon many of the natural forces that at first glance appear to be quite harsh. Homesteaders began arriving in large numbers around 1910. This journey was the perfect combination of adventure and peace. 27.5 Blanchette Landing Access ends. 23.6 St. Stanislaus County Park, right, begins. Except for sea kayaks during good weather, floating is impossible across Canyon Ferry Lake. 334.0 Fishing River, left. Recommended Activities. 363.0 Riverfront Park Access. Beyond these dams, the river then runs unobstructed without any major rapids for the next two hundred miles. Schimmel City Access, 2.8 miles up Platte River. 170.6 Perche Cteek, left. Additional launch opportunities at Virgelle Ferry (mile 39.1) and McClelland (or Stafford) Ferry (mile 101.8) make possible trips of various lengths. I am looking for float trip companions to float the Missouri River from Fort Benton, MT to St. Louis, MO about June 1, 2011 I can be reached at ([emailprotected]), i ahve 2 questions if i live in st.charles where is the best place to start and finish a float trip and if you suggest one how long mile wise, Your email address will not be published. The Premier Outfitter on the Upper Missouri River since 1965, "It is today as Lewis saw it Missouri River Outfitters at Fort Benton, Montana, rents canoes or provides guided tours. For smaller groups and solo paddlers, probably the best vessels to use for recreational floating are quality inflatable kayaks (such as from NRS, Innova or Sea Eagle) or small rafts (small motormount inflatable rafts are ideal for fishing the Missouri on a budget, since a trolling motor can be attached). The two sections are wildly different in geology, topography, hikes, sites and wildlife. Good food & drink, outdoor activity, and leisure in an area rich with history and natural beauty. We are a family-run business, owned and operated by a mother-daughter duo with a passion for both experiencing and protecting the great outdoors. From the booking to the end of the paddle, we felt like we were in great hands! minnows to 140 lb. Long, multiday floats on the upper portion of the Missouri River are difficult due to the many dams and reservoirs. This section of the National Monument is highly underrated, underappreciated and rarely visited. Of this total, 9,600 acres were recommended for wilderness. 499.8 Rush Bottoms CA ends. Within the monument you can float the river, fish, hike, hunt, drive for pleasure, find a little solitude, enjoy a sense of exploration in a remote setting or simply marvel at the variety of natural beauty. Saturday, 07/17/2021. From there we will shuttle you about an hour to the put-in location (Coal Banks) While boats are getting loaded you will have a brief safety talk and paddling instructions. Let us help you make the job of organizing easier! 148.2 Cedar Creek, left. The organization and ease in booking was very efficient. 49.1 Weldon Springs CA access on left. At a Christmas party in 1850, Fort Clay was renamed Fort Benton. Cant wait to return next summer! They provide all the major equipment and organize everything beautifully, down to the last detail. Outstandingly Remarkable Values. Hope you can join us! The staff and our fellow travelers made it a trip to remember! Just over 3,900 acres are within the UMNWSR corridor. 449.8 Arthur Dupree Memorial CA ends. We travelled with our 8 year old grandson on a 3 night White Cliffs trip, and the pace of the excursion, the support & involvement of the guides, the unique setting were perfect for his first big outdoor adventure. Although we are technically down in a river corridor, the breadth of the sky is still extremely vast. In addition, BLMs definition of commercial use includes, when any person, group, or organization receives money, or obtains goods and services, as compensation from participants in recreational activitieswhen anyone collects a fee that is not strictly a sharing of expenses for the purpose of the activity, service, or use. For example, a non-profit organization advertises guided trips on the Missouri. From Fort Benton to the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge, the monument spans 149 miles of the Upper Missouri River, the adjacent Breaks country, and portions of Arrow Creek, Antelope Creek, and the Judith River. The badlands section comprises a nearly 70-mile stretch where the river seems to have broken through the surrounding rough uplands, hence the famed title, the Missouri Breaks. 195.2 Franklin Island CA access. This WSA does not contain outstanding primitive recreation opportunities. 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 wide, fertile valley below Fort Benton differs considerably from the scenic white cliffs down river from Coal Banks Landing. Heat, wind, rain, lightning. 183.5 Rocheport Cave Conservation Area, left, begins. Canoe and Kayak Race - Fort Benton, MT - Central Montana Fresh, hearty and creative. Nooks and crannies in the cliffs provide perching and nesting habitat for the many raptors that inhabit the river area. Im already thinking about doing it again. 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. Our experienced guides will work with you to plan every detail of your trip, from the route and duration to the meals and extra activities. Click Here for BLM Rules and regulations for the Upper Missouri River Breaks 2. 339.8 Cooley Lake CA ends. Generally only taken by snagging in the spring during upstream spawning runs, they are excellent table fare. Thanks so much Nicolle, Kelly, Isaac and Jesse. The WSA does not contain outstanding primitive and unconfined recreational opportunities, but does have colorful broken topography. We saw lots of wildlife, ate a great lunch, and Nicolle was very patient as we figured out the tandem kayak. From Fort Benton to the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge, the monument spans 149 miles of the Upper Missouri River, the adjacent Breaks country, and portions of Arrow Creek, Antelope Creek, and the Judith River. Canoe with the only available guidebook. The valley of the Upper Missouri is a living museum, the product of many events over time. upper missouri river - Fort Benton, Montana We take pride in their camp cuisine. Missouri River III Mile by Mile Description. The land was originally laid down in horizontal layers, the sediments and shorelines of a great inland sea that once covered most of the Great Plains. In 1855, Washington Territorial Governor Isaac Stevens conducted a treaty council with the Blackfeet, Flathead, Gros Ventre and Nez Perce. Throughout the season, we offer Missouri River trips with special guests who bring an added element of knowledge to our trips, these trips are always popular, so make sure you reserve early! Since 1977 Montana River Outfitters has provided float trips on the Missouri, Smith and other area rivers of central and western Montana. Have you ever wondered what the Corps of Discovery consumed in order to battle the elements, labor those heavy boats upriver and survive the perilous journey into the West and back? outfitters and shuttle services - Fort Benton, Montana The food, beyond our expectations. Much of the monument is not accessible by any road, inviting visitors to explore on foot. In this protected area elk graze, bighorn sheep climb precariously in the bluffs and water fowl thrives in the natural riparian environment. 190.1 Diana Bend Conservation Area, left, begins. MRO provided excellent service! If your group size is more than 30 you need to apply for a Special Recreation Permit by contacting the Missouri Breaks Interpretive Center at (406) 622-4000. From the Siouan language the name was, Ouemessorita, (pronounced Oh-ma-sur-ray) which literally means people of the wooden canoe. Later anglicized to be spelled and pronounced, Missouri. The answer is: a lot! For more information on Conservation Department areas along the river, write for the three free area brochures on the upper, middle and lower Missouri River. Highly recommend a day trip for families. LockA locked padlock Our 3 6 day Guided Trips are great for you! The Upper Missouri National Wild and Scenic River (UMNWSR) section starts at Fort Benton, Montana, and runs 149 miles downstream ending at the James Kipp Recreation Area. Morning of your launch date:We meet at 8:30am. Canoe/kayak must be carried down moderately steep rip rap bank. The fur trade era stimulated the first extensive use of the Missouri River as an avenue of transportation.