Woodhawk Creek is named for the men who set up shop on the banks of the Missouri to supply the steamboats with fuel-wood for their boilers, which consumed as many as twenty-five to thirty cords per day (a cord is basically the equivalent of the amount of wood that, when chopped, can fill the bed of a pick up truck). The ‘wookhawks’ were an independent breed of men, and the work they performed was physically demanding. They led an isolated existence and were extremely vulnerable to attacks by hostile Indians. Their lives were dangerous, and often short (okay, Hobbes).

The Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument encompasses 149 rives miles, yet, arguably the most renown and visited section is the 46 miles stretch referred to as “The White Cliffs.” This magnificent section also corresponds with the most famous and portions of the legendary Lewis and Clark Expedition into the West. From the eloquent and mesmerizing descriptions by Meriwether Lewis in his journal entries to the countless modern texts romanticizing the landscape and formations to the innumerable dramatic photographic opportunities along the river, this river section will always be immortalized as a pivotal piece of history. Moreover, it is unique and inspiring in that you can experience the Upper Missouri River much like the early explorers and homesteaders did—undisturbed and magnificent, and hopefully, through continued efforts towards protection and conservation, this area will remain a Wild and Scenic River.

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. 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 - it appears as though the braided, twisted and numerous drainages leading down to the river have broken the landscape.

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? The answer is: a lot!