White Cliffs of the Upper Missouri River
3 days / 2 nights
2024 Available Dates
June 11-13, July 30-August 1, August 13-15, August 26-28
If you are interested in an earlier or later date, please call.
Trip Details
Retrace the most famous and visited section of the legendary Lewis and Clark Expedition into the West and experience the Upper Missouri River much like they did—undisturbed and magnificent. Camp in actual Lewis & Clark campsites, visit tepee rings and petroglyphs and hike to spectacular off-river locations, including a slot canyon, the famed Hole in the Wall and learn about the spectacular and unique geology of this uncovered formation. Every night we read from the journals of Lewis and Clark and share stories of early homesteaders and the Native peoples who inhabited the area.
Difficulty level:
Appropriate for all ages 4+
This trip is certainly an adventure. However, the Upper Missouri is a flat water river with no rapids. Plus, we are there to help!
Overview
Every day we canoe between 14-21 miles. We offer optional (but amazing) hikes every day ranging from a short jaunt up a hill to view tipi rings to a bit longer hike to a viewpoint or through an outstanding slot canyon.
We provide all necessary camping equipment, gourmet meals (locally sourced or food from our own garden or that we foraged, hunted or fished), expert guides and as much historical, geological and wildlife interpretation you can handle.
General Information
$950 per adult
$855 per child (10 and under)
Deposit requirement:
We require a $400 deposit per person to secure your spot. We require final payment 60 days prior to the trip departure.
Cancellation policy detailed below.
Departure location:
All trips start and end at our headquarters in Fort Benton, MT.
Address: 2210 Main St.
Scroll down for additional logistics information
Most famous and revered section of the Lewis and Clark Expedition.
“The hills and river Clifts which we passed today exhibit a most romantic appearance…. The water in the course of time in decending from those hills and plains on either side of the river has trickled down the soft sand clifts and woarn it into a thousand grotesque figures… at a distance are made to represent eligant ranges of lofty freestone buildings…. As we passed on it seemed as if those seens of visionary inchantment would never have and can, end.”
Sample Itinerary
Through this section, you will camp in actual Lewis & Clark campsites, visit tepee rings and petroglyphs and hike to spectacular off-river locations, including a slot canyon, the famed Hole in the Wall and learn about the spectacular and unique geology of this uncovered formation. Every night we read from the journals of Lewis and Clark and share stories of early homesteaders and the Native peoples who inhabited the area.
The White Cliffs section encompasses 46 miles from Coal Banks Landing, River Mile (RM) 42 (1 mile down river from Virgille, MT and about 45 minute drive from Fort Benton) to Judith Landing RM 88 (about 41 miles Southeast of Big Sandy, MT). We utilize a 3 day/2 night minimum in order to take advantage of the great hiking opportunities as well as make time to relax after paddling and exploring.
3 day/2 night Itinerary
DAY 1
7:30 am – Meet at headquarters, load drive to Coal Banks Landing (RM 42)
10:00am - Launch
12:00 – Lunch at Big Sandy camp, hike to tepee rings (RM 46.7)
3:30-4:00 - Arrive at camp: Eagle Creek camp (RM 56) and Lewis and Clark Campsite May 31, 1805
4:00ish – Hike through Neat Coulee
5:00ish – Hors d'oeuvres & cocktails
6:30ish – Dinner, dessert, fire, etc
After dinner – Walk to petroglyphs or Lewis and Clark marker
Day 2
7:00am – Coffee
7:30 – Walk to petroglyphs or Lewis and Clark marker
8:00am - Breakfast, clean up, camp tear down, load canoes
10:00am – Be on water
11:00am – Land at Hole in Wall, hike to Hole in the Wall (RM 63.8)
12:00-12:30 – LUNCH then head down river
2:00pm - STOP – Dark Butte, potty break (RM 68.8)
CAMP – Slaughter River (RM 76.8)
5:00ish – Hors d'oeuvres & cocktails
6:30ish – Dinner, dessert, fire, etc
Exploration: Walk to Lewis and Clark marker
Alternative camp options: Flat Rock (RM 80.7) or The Wall (RM 81.3)
Day 3
7:00am – Coffee
8:00 – Breakfast
9:00-9:30 – Be on water
10:00ish – Stop at The Wall campsite, potty break, walk up to see prairie dog town (RM 81.3)
12:00 – Arrive at Judith take out, eat lunch, pack up and head back to Fort Benton (RM 88)
Additional Information
Discounts
Early booking discount – 5% early off when you send a deposit prior to January 31st
Large group – enjoy a 5% discount when you party reaches 10 or more people
Returning customer - 5% discount for returning customers
Kids - Children 10 or younger receive 10% off the adult trip price.
Veteran (active and retired service members) - 5% in honor of Robert Hartung, a best friend who served his country and left us too soon
Journalists - please contact us for details and arrangements
Shuttle Service
Are you flying into Great Falls? Don’t know how to get to Fort Benton? We can help.
For our guided trip folks, we can offer shuttle service for $145 each way (for the van, not per person). Thus, if there is multiple people, you can split the cost. Sometimes, renting a car and storing it at our headquarters is less expensive. Send us an email or call if you are interested in arranging a shuttle through us.
Deposit, Final Payment & Cancellation Policy,
We require a $400 deposit per person to secure your spot. We require final payment 60 days prior to the trip departure. Reservations made within 60 days of trip departure must be paid in full at the time of booking.
Due to the seasonal nature of our business, cancellations can prove very costly to us. However, we understand that things happen outside of our control. Refunds of monies will be given at the following rates:
Prior to 60 days before launch date, we will refund your deposit less 50%.
60 days or less before launch date, no refunds will be given.
In certain circumstances, you can opt to hold credit with us for monies paid, and postpone your trip for the following summer. A $300 handling fee will be applied. The remaining funds will be applied to a trip in the future. Contact us for details.
Travel Insurance
Why is travel insurance so important?
In today’s changing travel environment, it’s important to protect your travel investment so you can relax and enjoy your trip. Unforeseen events such as flight delays, baggage loss or even a sudden sickness or injury could impact your travel plans. For your convenience, we offer a Travelex Insurance Services protection plan to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected.
For more information on the available plans click here or contact Travelex Insurance 800-228-9792 and reference location number 26-0056.
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The product descriptions provided here are only brief summaries and may be changed without notice. The full coverage terms and details, including limitations and exclusions, are contained in the insurance policy. Travelex Insurance Services, Inc CA Agency License #0D10209. Travel Insurance is underwritten by Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company, NAIC #22276. V94
Have questions?
Visit our Frequently Asked Questions page, or contact us below.