White Cliffs & Badlands 6 or 7 Day Adventures

Trip Snapshot:

Duration: choose from a 5 or 6 day adventure.

Difficulty level: Appropriate for all ages 4+

Departure location: Fort Benton, MT

Overview

Float the famous Upper Missouri River White Cliffs and the less-traveled and wilder Badlands.

The White Cliffs are magnificent, but we promise, it only gets better. The most popular and immersive option - enjoy the immeasurable benefits of being very far from noise, lights, technology and crowds for an extended period of time. Most river folks will claim one can’t properly immerse into the ‘flow of things’ until day 2 or 3, at which time after, the real magic begins.

You will retrace and camp in actual Expedition campsites, visit tepee rings and petroglyphs, hike to spectacular off-river locations, explore in-tact homesteads and spot wildlife, including Bighorn Sheep and abundant birdlife. This canoeing adventure is absolutely the trip of a lifetime!

The difference between our 6 and 7 day trips:

The 6 day trip is considered the minimum amount of time required to enjoy both sections, comprising 2 nights in the White Cliffs and 3 nights in the Badlands.

For our 7 day trips, we offer two separate itineraries. The first option is comprised of 2 nights in the White Cliffs and 5 nights in the Badlands (which includes a layover day in the Badlands). The second option is comprised of 3 nights in each the White Cliffs and Badlands. Although slightly different, the extra day does allow for more exploration, hiking and relaxation time as compared to the 6 day trip.

In short, whether you only have 6 days or chose to opt for 7 days, you will still be embarking on a big adventure, as far as river trip standards go. This trip is truly a trip of a lifetime.

Sample Itineraries

White Cliffs & Badlands 6 Day Adventure

6 days is the minimum amount of time needed to paddle the 107 miles and fit in a few of the most popular hikes. With a few longer days on the water, you still experience serene, peaceful paddling and time out of the canoe to take in the magnificent and varied hiking opportunities, explore, indulge in the history, spend quality time with your fellow travelers, and, of course, relax riverside.

  • Launch day! Meet at our headquarters in Fort Benton. Everyone is transported in our shuttle vans to the launch point, either Coal Banks Landing or Virgelle Ferry, about a 45 minute drive downriver. We paddle just over an hour, about 5 river miles, to a riverside lunch spot and take a jaunt up a hill to teepee rings and a fabulous overlook. After lunch, enjoy a serene and magnificent 8 mile paddle as the famed White Cliffs appear, then we arrive at camp: Eagle Creek (also Lewis and Clark Campsite May 31, 1805). Situate your personal items in your tent & refresh with a swim. When the group is ready, the guides lead everyone on the Neat Coulee hike, a stunning slot canyon. (Moderate difficulty, about 3 miles, 2 hours, relatively zero elevation gain but a few rock scrambles.) Around 5:30, enjoy hors d'oeuvres & cocktails. Gourmet dinner & dessert are served and clean up completed. Afterwards, we offer optional walks just outside camp to petroglyphs or the Expedition camp marker. When permitted, the guides will close the evening with a prudent campfire.

  • Coffee is ready by 6:30am. Enjoy the sunrise and morning solace while the guides prepare a hearty, homemade breakfast. While they clean up, you pack your personal items. The guides will help tear down all the tents, load the canoes. Embark on a beautiful 8 mile paddle past the Grand Natural Wall and Citadel Rock. Take a break and optional hike (if weather permitting) to the magnificent the Hole in the Wall. Lunch is served post hiking. The afternoon paddle ranges from 14 to 17 miles broken into several chunks with breaks. Along the way, formations include, Dark Butte, Seven Sisters, Steamboat Rock and more. We typically camp at Slaughter River - Lewis and Clark Campsite May 29, 1805 & July 29, 1806. Other options are available. Once arriving at the chosen camp, swim, relax & play games. Appetizers, cocktail hour and dinner lead into a peaceful evening full of relaxation.

  • Resupply & enter the badlands. Coffee is ready by 6:30am. Again, breakfast will be served and camp will be packed up. We leave the White Cliffs behind, and the river corridor opens into the Judith River basin. Paddling distance is roughly 12 miles, and we stop midway for a bathroom break and to stretch the legs. At Judith Landing, the guides set out lunch under shade cottonwood trees while they work hard and fast to resupply food, water and gear. Once finished, everyone loads back into the canoes and embarks on the second half of the adventure - into the magnificent Badlands! Enjoy a serene and magnificent paddle. The distance can vary widely depending on the campsite of choice. Expect 8-12 miles. Optional exploration to Hagadone Homestead or Murray Dugout. Arrive at camp, options include McGary Bar, McKeiver Rapids, Stafford Ferry and Connie’s Bottom. Gourmet dinner & dessert are served and clean up completed.

  • Coffee is ready by 6:30am. Enjoy the sunrise and morning solace while the guides prepare a hearty, homemade breakfast. While they clean up, you pack your personal items. The guides will help tear down all the tents, load the canoes. The group sets out for a rull day of paddling to camp #2 - Gist Bottom or Bullwacker Creek. The paddling distance can also vary widely, from 18-26 miles depending on where the group camped that night. Suffice to day, we take several breaks and offer a lengthy stop of lunch. There aren’t significant hikes, but rather opportunities to visit in-tact homesteads along the river. This day is absolutely magnificent and the most beautiful scenery on the entire river. Once at camp, use this time to settle in, relax, stretch your legs and refresh after a day of paddling. Gourmet dinner & dessert are served and clean up completed. Afterwards, explore, play games, relax, unwind. When permitted, the guides will close the evening with a prudent campfire.

  • Coffee is ready by 6:30am. Enjoy another magnificent paddle - about 8 miles - passing Cow Island, the Nee Mee Poo Trail and several important historical sites to Woodhawk Bottom. Cool off in the river and prepare for an optional hike to a special overlook where you can view the massive horseshoe bend in the river below. Enjoy the shade of the trees and dine on a homemade, fresh lunch post hike. Jump back in the canoes for a seemingly short paddle, 5-8 miles. Camp options include Chimney, Hideaway Coulee or Stairstep. Gourmet dinner & dessert are served and clean up completed. This night is usually memorable. Walk upriver with a life jacket and float to camp or don a party shirt during cocktail hour.

  • Take out day. Enjoy the last morning and take it all in. The paddling distance today is roughly 12 miles, and we stop midway for a bathroom break and to stretch the legs. Our take out destination is James Kipp Recreation Area. The guides set out lunch under shade cottonwood trees while they work hard and fast to load all the gear and canoes onto our trailers. The three hour drive puts most folks to sleep. We will stop for a bathroom break. We arrive back at our headquarters in Fort Benton around 4pm. Once back, we unload, regroup and say our goodbyes.

Pricing & Availability

$1600 per adult
$1440 per child (10 and under)

Available Dates:

June 8-13
June 24-29
June 29-July 4
July 13-18

As always, if you are interested in a private trip, please contact us. We can usually accommodate any launch date request.


White Cliffs & Badlands 7 Day Adventure
3 nights in the White Cliffs & 3 nights in the Badlands

The ultimate long river trip. This itinerary presents a relaxed pace in the beginning of the trip, allowing you to settle in and get physically acclimated to river life. It offers the perfect balance between serene, peaceful paddling and having ample time out of the canoe to experience the magnificent and varied hiking opportunities, explore, indulge in the history, spend quality time with your fellow travelers, and, of course, relax riverside.

  • Launch day! Meet at our headquarters in Fort Benton. Everyone is transported in our shuttle vans to the launch point, either Coal Banks Landing or Virgelle Ferry, about a 45 minute drive downriver. We paddle just over an hour, about 5 river miles, to a riverside lunch spot and take a jaunt up a hill to teepee rings and a fabulous overlook. After lunch, enjoy a serene and magnificent 8 mile paddle as the famed White Cliffs appear, then we arrive at camp: Eagle Creek (also Lewis and Clark Campsite May 31, 1805). Situate your personal items in your tent & refresh with a swim. When the group is ready, the guides lead everyone on the Neat Coulee hike, a stunning slot canyon. (Moderate difficulty, about 3 miles, 2 hours, relatively zero elevation gain but a few rock scrambles.) Around 5:30, enjoy hors d'oeuvres & cocktails. Gourmet dinner & dessert are served and clean up completed. Afterwards, we offer optional walks just outside camp to petroglyphs or the Expedition camp marker. When permitted, the guides will close the evening with a prudent campfire.

  • Coffee is ready by 6:30am. Enjoy the sunrise and morning solace while the guides prepare a hearty, homemade breakfast. While they clean up, you pack your personal items. The guides will help tear down all the tents, load the canoes. Embark on a beautiful 8 mile paddle past the Grand Natural Wall and Citadel Rock. Take a break and optional hike (if weather permitting) to the magnificent the Hole in the Wall. Lunch is served post hiking. The afternoon paddle ranges from 14 to 17 miles broken into several chunks with breaks. Along the way, formations include, Dark Butte, Seven Sisters, Steamboat Rock and more. We typically camp at Slaughter River - Lewis and Clark Campsite May 29, 1805 & July 29, 1806. Other options are available. Once arriving at the chosen camp, swim, relax & play games. Appetizers, cocktail hour and dinner lead into a peaceful evening full of relaxation.

  • Resupply & enter the badlands. Coffee is ready by 6:30am. Again, breakfast will be served and camp will be packed up. We leave the White Cliffs behind, and the river corridor opens into the Judith River basin. Paddling distance is roughly 12 miles, and we stop midway for a bathroom break and to stretch the legs. At Judith Landing, the guides set out lunch under shade cottonwood trees while they work hard and fast to resupply food, water and gear. Once finished, everyone loads back into the canoes and embarks on the second half of the adventure - into the magnificent Badlands! Enjoy a serene and magnificent paddle. The distance can vary widely depending on the campsite of choice. Expect 8-12 miles. Optional exploration to Hagadone Homestead or Murray Dugout. Arrive at camp, options include McGary Bar, McKeiver Rapids, Stafford Ferry and Connie’s Bottom. Gourmet dinner & dessert are served and clean up completed.

  • Coffee is ready by 6:30am. Enjoy the sunrise and morning solace while the guides prepare a hearty, homemade breakfast. While they clean up, you pack your personal items. The guides will help tear down all the tents, load the canoes. The group sets out for a rull day of paddling to camp #2 - Gist Bottom or Bullwacker Creek. The paddling distance can also vary widely, from 18-26 miles depending on where the group camped that night. Suffice to day, we take several breaks and offer a lengthy stop of lunch. There aren’t significant hikes, but rather opportunities to visit in-tact homesteads along the river. This day is absolutely magnificent and the most beautiful scenery on the entire river. Once at camp, use this time to settle in, relax, stretch your legs and refresh after a day of paddling. Gourmet dinner & dessert are served and clean up completed. Afterwards, explore, play games, relax, unwind. When permitted, the guides will close the evening with a prudent campfire.

  • Layover Day! Enjoy the sunrise and morning solace. Absolutely no need to rush. The guides prepare a hearty, homemade breakfast. While they clean up, you pack your hiking pack or decide to stay in camp. What is a layover day? Well, it is a day where we stay at the same camp twice, meaning we don’t have to pack up anything or load canoes or paddle! The guides will lead interested folks on a hike back, up and out of the river corridor. This hike can be long (8 miles) and folks can turn around and head back to camp anytime. The hike passes by Gist Homestead and winds back and up. The views from the top are absolutely stunning and worth it. On a clear day, you can see several satellite mountain ranges. The loop hike takes you close to Clark’s Viewpoint, where Captain Clark thought he first spotted the Rocky Mountains. After hiking, use the day to swim, relax, nap, bathe and get to know your fellow travelers. Optional short walk to the John Ervin Homestead just outside of camp. Gourmet dinner & dessert are served and clean up completed. Afterwards, explore, play games, relax, unwind. When permitted, the guides will close the evening with a prudent campfire.

  • Coffee is ready by 6:30am. Enjoy another magnificent paddle - about 8 miles - passing Cow Island, the Nee Mee Poo Trail and several important historical sites to Woodhawk Bottom. Cool off in the river and prepare for an optional hike to a special overlook where you can view the massive horseshoe bend in the river below. Enjoy the shade of the trees and dine on a homemade, fresh lunch post hike. Jump back in the canoes for a seemingly short paddle, 5-8 miles. Camp options include Chimney, Hideaway Coulee or Stairstep. Gourmet dinner & dessert are served and clean up completed. This night is usually memorable. Walk upriver with a life jacket and float to camp or don a party shirt during cocktail hour.

  • Take out day. Enjoy the last morning and take it all in. The paddling distance today is roughly 12 miles, and we stop midway for a bathroom break and to stretch the legs. Our take out destination is James Kipp Recreation Area. The guides set out lunch under shade cottonwood trees while they work hard and fast to load all the gear and canoes onto our trailers. The three hour drive puts most folks to sleep. We will stop for a bathroom break. We arrive back at our headquarters in Fort Benton around 4pm. Once back, we unload, regroup and say our goodbyes.

Pricing & Availability

$1795 per adult
$1615 per child (10 and under)

Available Dates:
July 2-8
July 16-22
August 6-12
August 20-26
August 29 - September 4
September 10-16

As always, if you are interested in a private trip, please contact us. We can usually accommodate any launch date request.


White Cliffs & Badlands 7 Day Adventure
2 nights in the White Cliffs & 3 nights in the Badlands

Again, the ultimate long river trip. The appeal of this itinerary (versus the one above) is the layover day, where we stay two nights at the same camp, don’t have to pack up and enjoy the opportunity for a long hike and lots of relaxation time! Feel free to contact us and we can explain the difference in more detail.

  • Launch day! Meet at our headquarters in Fort Benton. Everyone is transported in our shuttle vans to the launch point, either Coal Banks Landing or Virgelle Ferry, about a 45 minute drive downriver. We paddle just over an hour, about 5 river miles, to a riverside lunch spot and take a jaunt up a hill to teepee rings and a fabulous overlook. After lunch, enjoy a serene and magnificent 8 mile paddle as the famed White Cliffs appear, then we arrive at camp: Eagle Creek (also Lewis and Clark Campsite May 31, 1805). Situate your personal items in your tent & refresh with a swim. When the group is ready, the guides lead everyone on the Neat Coulee hike, a stunning slot canyon. (Moderate difficulty, about 3 miles, 2 hours, relatively zero elevation gain but a few rock scrambles.) Around 5:30, enjoy hors d'oeuvres & cocktails. Gourmet dinner & dessert are served and clean up completed. Afterwards, we offer optional walks just outside camp to petroglyphs or the Expedition camp marker. When permitted, the guides will close the evening with a prudent campfire.

  • Coffee is ready by 6:30am. Enjoy the sunrise and morning solace while the guides prepare a hearty, homemade breakfast. While they clean up, you pack your personal items. The guides will help tear down all the tents, load the canoes. Embark on a beautiful 8 mile paddle past the Grand Natural Wall and Citadel Rock. Take a break and optional hike (if weather permitting) to the magnificent the Hole in the Wall. Lunch is served post hiking. The afternoon paddle ranges from 14 to 17 miles broken into several chunks with breaks. Along the way, formations include, Dark Butte, Seven Sisters, Steamboat Rock and more. We typically camp at Slaughter River - Lewis and Clark Campsite May 29, 1805 & July 29, 1806. Other options are available. Once arriving at the chosen camp, swim, relax & play games. Appetizers, cocktail hour and dinner lead into a peaceful evening full of relaxation.

  • Resupply & enter the badlands. Coffee is ready by 6:30am. Again, breakfast will be served and camp will be packed up. We leave the White Cliffs behind, and the river corridor opens into the Judith River basin. Paddling distance is roughly 12 miles, and we stop midway for a bathroom break and to stretch the legs. At Judith Landing, the guides set out lunch under shade cottonwood trees while they work hard and fast to resupply food, water and gear. Once finished, everyone loads back into the canoes and embarks on the second half of the adventure - into the magnificent Badlands! Enjoy a serene and magnificent paddle. The distance can vary widely depending on the campsite of choice. Expect 8-12 miles. Optional exploration to Hagadone Homestead or Murray Dugout. Arrive at camp, options include McGary Bar, McKeiver Rapids, Stafford Ferry and Connie’s Bottom. Gourmet dinner & dessert are served and clean up completed.

  • Resupply & enter the badlands. Coffee is ready by 6:30am. Again, breakfast will be served and camp will be packed up. We leave the White Cliffs behind, and the river corridor opens into the Judith River basin. Paddling distance is roughly 12 miles, and we stop midway for a bathroom break and to stretch the legs. At Judith Landing, the guides set out lunch under shade cottonwood trees while they work hard and fast to resupply food, water and gear. Once finished, everyone loads back into the canoes and embarks on the second half of the adventure - into the magnificent Badlands! Enjoy a serene and magnificent paddle. The distance can vary widely depending on the campsite of choice. Expect 8-12 miles. Optional exploration to Hagadone Homestead or Murray Dugout. Arrive at camp, options include McGary Bar, McKeiver Rapids, Stafford Ferry and Connie’s Bottom. Gourmet dinner & dessert are served and clean up completed.

  • Coffee is ready by 6:30am. Enjoy the sunrise and morning solace while the guides prepare a hearty, homemade breakfast. While they clean up, you pack your personal items. The guides will help tear down all the tents, load the canoes. The group sets out for a rull day of paddling to camp #2 - Gist Bottom or Bullwacker Creek. The paddling distance can also vary widely, from 18-26 miles depending on where the group camped that night. Suffice to day, we take several breaks and offer a lengthy stop of lunch. There aren’t significant hikes, but rather opportunities to visit in-tact homesteads along the river. This day is absolutely magnificent and the most beautiful scenery on the entire river. Once at camp, use this time to settle in, relax, stretch your legs and refresh after a day of paddling. Gourmet dinner & dessert are served and clean up completed. Afterwards, explore, play games, relax, unwind. When permitted, the guides will close the evening with a prudent campfire.

  • Coffee is ready by 6:30am. Enjoy another magnificent paddle - about 8 miles - passing Cow Island, the Nee Mee Poo Trail and several important historical sites to Woodhawk Bottom. Cool off in the river and prepare for an optional hike to a special overlook where you can view the massive horseshoe bend in the river below. Enjoy the shade of the trees and dine on a homemade, fresh lunch post hike. Jump back in the canoes for a seemingly short paddle, 5-8 miles. Camp options include Chimney, Hideaway Coulee or Stairstep. Gourmet dinner & dessert are served and clean up completed. This night is usually memorable. Walk upriver with a life jacket and float to camp or don a party shirt during cocktail hour.

  • Take out day. Enjoy the last morning and take it all in. The paddling distance today is roughly 12 miles, and we stop midway for a bathroom break and to stretch the legs. Our take out destination is James Kipp Recreation Area. The guides set out lunch under shade cottonwood trees while they work hard and fast to load all the gear and canoes onto our trailers. The three hour drive puts most folks to sleep. We will stop for a bathroom break. We arrive back at our headquarters in Fort Benton around 4pm. Once back, we unload, regroup and say our goodbyes.

Pricing & Availability

$1795 per adult
$1615 per child (10 and under)

Available Dates:

June 8-14
June 17-23
June 24-30
July 13-19
July 27 - August 2

As always, if you are interested in a private trip, please contact us. We can usually accommodate any launch date request.

Reservation Information

Deposit and Cancellation Policy

We require a 25% 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. We accept check or you can conveniently and seamlessly book online.

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 50% of your deposit.

  • 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 a 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.

Discounts Available

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 R. Hartung, best friend

  • Journalists - please contact us for details and arrangements

What We Provide

Equipment supplied by Upper Missouri River Canoe Guides

  • Wenonah fiberglass and Kevlar canoes with paddles (12 oz. carbon fiber bent shaft). Read more about our high-end gear and equipment - definitely the best on the river!

  • Canoe backrests

  • Life jackets

  • Waterproof dry bags sufficient to carry all of your gear (multiple sizes, large and small)

  • Tent - varying sizes & capacities (we will coordinate sleeping arrangements)

  • Inflatable extra thick ThermaRest sleeping mattress

  • Complete camp kitchen, including chairs and tables, utensils, etc.

  • Large waterproof tent to cover dining area

  • First aid kit

  • Gear Boat (on most trips)

  • Food: 3 meals per day starting with lunch on the first day to lunch on the last day, including ALL cooking and clean up. Varying snacks throughout the days. Browse our sample menu

  • A cooler of locally-crafted beer

  • Drinking water, juice, iced tea, lemonade, Gatorade, coffee, hot chocolate, tea

  • Drinking ice: multiple coolers of drinking ice for beverages and cocktails. We encourage you to bring any and all beverages you prefer.

  • We bring multiple reference books, including the only comprehensive mile-by-mile history digest authored by us. We also bring games appropriate for adults and kids!

In Addition

  • Advice and logistics assistance throughout the planning process

  • Detailed preparation and packing list

  • Consistent and reliable communication for everyone in your group

  • Pre-trip meeting then night before Launch (not mandatory). We meet at the Grand Union Hotel (or another convenient location depending on where you are staying). During this meeting, we will do introductions, give you dry bags and instruction on packing them efficiently, answer any last minute questions you might have, establish a time to meet at our headquarters the next morning and offer a brief safety talk.

Upper Missouri River Guides Montana River Trips

Logistics and Planning

We recommend you stay in Fort Benton the night before the trip. Great Falls is also an option.

Night before Launch - 5:00pm - (not mandatory) Attend our pre-trip meeting at the Grand Union Hotel. We will do introductions, give you dry bags and instruction on packing them efficiently, answer any last minute questions you might have, establish a time to meet at our headquarters the next morning and offer a brief safety talk.

Launch Day - 7:30-8:00am - We meet at our headquarters at 2210 Main St. You can park your car safely and securely outside our shop and leave any valuables or heat sensitive electronics in our locked shop as well. After we finish packing up, we hit the road. For the White Cliffs, the launch point is Coal Banks Landing (45 minute drive).

Take-out - It never fails to be a reluctant endeavor, but all good things must come to an end. We meet our shuttle vans at the take out around noon and typically arrive back at our headquarters between 3-4 o’clock. Thus, we recommend you stay in Fort Benton or Great Falls this night.
The take out location is James Kipp Recreation Area.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • 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.

  • You provide the following:

    • Your personal clothes and gear (reference our comprehensive list when packing)

    • Sleeping bag (you can rent a clean, lightweight bag for $30 if absolutely necessary)

    • Pillow

    • Sunscreen, insect repellent, etc.

    • Optional snacks, beverages and alcohol

    • Gratuity for the hard working guides: We recommend the following gratuity guideline: $15 - $25 per person per guide per day. But, any amount is appreciated and welcomed

    Additional considerations:

    • Travel Insurance - For your convenience, we work with Travelex Insurance Services to provide plans to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. Inquire for information.

    • Shuttle to and from the airport - flying in and don’t want to rent a car? Contact us for current pricing and scheduling information.

    • 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

  • 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.

  • 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.

    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

  • We will provide a gourmet lunch (locally sourced or food from our own garden or that we foraged, hunted or fished), snacks and beverages including, cold water, iced tea/lemonade & seltzer water. We can loan you a cooler and provide ice if you wish to bring additional beverages. Browse our sample menu page and get hungry for our amazing food.

  • NO WAY! We have guided folks from age 2–90 years old. There are no rapids, and this canoe trip is accessible to all ages and ability levels. Beginner paddler? No problem. We will offer expert paddling guidance on and off the water.

  • We primarily use double canoes and folks will be split according to their travel companions. We have 3 and 4 seater canoes for families with children. If there are is an odd number, someone will be with a guide. We take the canoe configuration seriously and factor in the composition of the group. Solo? Good for you! You will most likely be in a canoe with a guide (not a stranger).

  • During the day, we stop regularly to stretch our legs and offer potty breaks. The guides carry supplies and take care to make everyone comfortable. We generally camp at 1-3 sites that have normal pit toilets, depending on the itinerary. If we decide to camp at a site that does not have an established pit toilet, you will have the pleasure of enjoying a ‘toilet’ system erected by the guides. We find a private, gorgeous location away from camp, erect a privacy tent and set up a toilet (a five gallon bucket with a regular toilet seat fitted to the top) - otherwise known in river language as ‘the groover.’

  • We do not offer formal showers, but most folks choose to bath in the river. Biodegradable soap is recommended. Please pack all items you need on a regular basis.

  • Relaxing in camp is a wonderful choice also. The guides will provide a thorough overview of what to expect, duration and difficulty of each hike so you can opt in or out. On most hikes, you can simply go part of the way and turn around and head back to camp to relax.

  • In short, no. This canoe trip takes us deep into the remote prairie of North central Montana. Consider this a wilderness adventure. There is no place to plug in a device to charge it. The guides generally bring a small solar charger which you can utilize. We recommend you consider purchasing a small solar charger and battery bank. If you primarily use your smart phone for pictures, put your phone on airplane mode right away (you should anyway because there is no cell phone reception), and your battery should last 3-4 days or more. We recommend you embrace the lack of connection :-)

  • No! In the spring (May and June), we do encounter mosquitos in the early morning and evening, but the annoyance is nothing a little bit of bug spray can’t handle. Towards late July and August, we find ourselves dealing with an increased fly population, but again, they are more of an annoyance. We recommend you bring along a s

  • This trip takes you through the grassland prairie of north central Montana. During the main paddling season the weather is typically hot and sunny; temperatures in the 90’s are common, but fortunately humidity is very low. Evening temperatures are normally in the 40’s and 50’s.

    June is a terrific month - everything is green, the flowers are blooming, the river is flowing a bit faster, and there is generally less river traffic. However, the weather can be unpredictable during Spring. Rain is likely and expect to experience the infamous and tenacious Missouri River mud.

    July and August are incredibly reliable as far as weather is concerned. It is mostly hot with long days, virtually no bugs, and a bit more river traffic. The heat may be a challenge for some, but also enjoy the opportunity to swim often in the shallow and refreshing river.

    September brings the nostalgia of fall colors, warm days, cool nights and generally less people, and, again, chance of intermittent inclement weather.

Have additional questions?

Visit our Frequently Asked Questions page, or contact us below.

The Upper Missouri River Guides Difference

Ready to plan your Upper Missouri
River adventure?

Use the link below, email us (info@uppermissouri.com), call or text (406-616-2001)