River Trip Durations - What’s the Difference?
When you browse our list of Montana canoe trip offerings, there are a lot of options. Many ask what difference a day can make. In short, when choosing an itinerary, there are many factors to consider, but, ultimately, your choice might boil down to your schedule. Summer is busy, packed with activities and relatively short, and this is why we offer so many different options. Hopefully, one of our trips fits with your schedule so you can experience our unforgettable Upper Missouri River and be able to spend some time in our great state of Montana.
The Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument encompasses 149 river miles, starting in Fort Benton, Montana and culminating at James Kipp Recreation area. This section of the might Missouri courses through the magnificent and vast prairie of northcentral Montana with its general meandering course flowing due east. If you were to continue past James Kipp Recreation area on the river’s slow but powerful current, you would find yourself deposited into the massive expanse of Fort Peck Reservoir.
The 149 monument miles is broken down into three main sections: the Upper River (Fort Benton to Coal Banks Landing - 42 river miles), the White Cliffs (Coal Banks Landing to Judith Landing - 46 miles) and the Badlands or “Breaks” (Judith Landing to James Kipp Recreation Area - 61 miles). You can see maps and detailed river logistics on this page: Planning a Canoe Trip - Logistics, Maps, Location Information. Often, visualizing the flow, direction and take outs is very helpful for orienting yourself and planning.
Section 1 - the Upper River
2 Day Trip Itinerary
This is the perfect quick trip if you are limited on time but still want a few days of river solace and to experience the beauty of the Upper Missouri River. Each day we canoe between roughly 20 miles. We stop regularly for breaks, snacks, lunch and stretch our legs by walking to viewpoints or exploring the many islands throughout the braided channels. The days are filled with peaceful paddling, relaxing in the boat and taking in the magnificent scenery.
Single Day Trips
Only have one day? Well, we have you covered. This trip covers roughly 20 miles over 4-5 hours and includes lunch, snacks & beverages. A day trip is also ideal for families with small children who might not be ready for several days of camping. Are you coordinating a group event or family gathering? This activity is a perfect addition - let us help you plan!
Section 2 - the White Cliffs of the Missouri River
Of the 149 river mile Upper Missouri River Break National Monument, arguably the most renown and visited section is the 46 mile stretch referred to as the “White Cliffs,” also corresponding to the most famous portion of the legendary Lewis and Clark Expedition. From the eloquent, mesmerizing descriptions by Meriwether Lewis of the formations to the varied hiking and exploration opportunities along the river, this section will always be immortalized as a pivotal piece of history. Throughout the trip, you will retrace this famous section and camp in actual Expedition campsites, visit tepee rings and petroglyphs and hike to spectacular off-river locations, including a slot canyon and the famed Hole in the Wall while learning about the spectacular and unique geology of this uncovered formation. Learn more about the White Cliffs and sample a video of the adventure.
Difference between the 3 and 4 day trip. Many ask what difference a day can make. In very simple terms, the major difference is the pace. We offer the same hiking and explorations opportunities for both trips. However, with only 3 days, each day is more packed with activities. With an extra day, the overall pace is much more relaxed. On the 4 day trip, the middle day is split into two days with compared to the 3 day trip. If you have limited time, the 3 day trip is perfect - at least you get to see the river! If you have time, we recommend the longer option for more time to relax, unwind and be in nature.
4 Day Trip Itinerary
4 days allows for 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. We also think this itinerary is ideal for families with kids. The pace is relaxed, time in the canoe is limited and broken up into doable time frames and kids LOVE the hikes.
3 day trip
3 days is the minimum amount of time needed to paddle the 46 miles and fit in a few of the most popular hikes. With one long day in the middle, you still experience this magnificent section on a slightly quicker pace. This trip is perfect if you are limited on time and perhaps visiting other worthwhile destinations in Montana, such as our National Parks.
Imagine waking up to this view!
Hiking up to the famed Hole in the Wall.
5 day trip
This trip itinerary is almost identical to the 4 day trip option. The major difference is it includes a layover day - where we stay at the same camp for two nights. The layover day is open for extensive exploring and relaxing. It is such a treat to wake up in the morning and not have to pack up anything. Although we typically don’t have any on our regular summer schedule, this trip is best for private groups who simply wish to spend more time together in this magnificent place. If you are interested in this option for your group, let us know.
Section 2 - the Badlands or ‘Breaks’ of the Missouri River
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 two sections are wildly different in geology, topography, hikes, sites and wildlife. The Badlands are generally less travelled and have only one developed campsite. There are several in-tact homesteads to explore, bighorn sheep to hopefully spot and vast, towering landscape surrounding you. The ‘Breaks’ refers to how the land appears from above - as though the braided, twisted and numerous drainages leading down to the river have broken the landscape. One can always feel a slight or major change when you push off from Judith Landing and head downriver into the marvelous Badlands. Learn more about the White Cliffs and sample a video of the adventure.
Difference between the 4 and 5 day trip. The main difference is the inclusion of a layover day.
5 Day Trip Itinerary
5 days allows for a coveted layover day. 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 rest of the day is spent relaxing and exploring.
4 day trip
4 days is the minimum amount of time to cover the 61 miles. Of course, there is plenty of time to enjoy serene, peaceful paddling with ample time out of the canoe to experience the magnificent hiking opportunities, explore homesteads, indulge in the history, spend quality time with your fellow travelers, and, of course, relax riverside.
Heading into the vast, wild, magnificent Badlands.
View from the top of the layover day hike!
Longer Trip Itineraries - White Cliffs and Badlands Combined
Why make yourself choose between the two very different and equally amazing sections - do them both on a longer trip! More time on the river means more time immersed in the landscape away from the hubbub of life. The 107 miles is magnificent from start to finish.
Difference between the 6 and 7 day trips. Many ask what difference a day can make and many wonder if they are capable of this long of a river trip. In terms of the latter, we always say longer is better - more time immersed in nature, more time disconnected and more time to explore. However, only you can determine if you are physically ready for a long trip. We would rather you leave wanting more (and possibly returning to see the other half in a subsequent year). With regard to the former, the major difference is the pace. With 6 days, you will experience virtually the same trip and hiking opportunities, but each day is a bit more packed with activities. The 7 day trip also presents two itineraries, both very different with their respective advantages. All in all, regardless of the time ultimately allotted, time spent on the river is better than none at all! And a 7 day river adventure is seriously the trip of a lifetime!
6 day trip
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
7 Day Trip - 2 Itinerary options
2 nights in the White Cliffs/4 nights in the Badlands
The appeal of this itinerary is the layover day in the Badlands, 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!
3 nights in the White Cliffs/3 nights in the Badlands
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 also allows for two major hikes in the White Cliffs, which are generally considered ‘not-to-be-missed.’
Are you still unsure of which trip to choose? We are here to help. Give us a call to discuss in depth your situation, schedule, group composition and vision for your adventure on the unforgettable Missouri River. We will guide you through the process of deciding and reserving a trip.
Call or Text: 406-616-2001