Upper Section of the Upper Missouri River Breaks

Fort Benton to Coal Banks | 2 days /1 night

Dates available upon request

Please call or email us to request a launch date!
2 person minimum

Trip Details - 41 miles

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. This itinerary is also ideal for families with small children who might not be ready for several days of camping. This section of the National Monument is highly underrated, underappreciated and rarely visited. The river takes you through expansive range and farming land, along the magnificent Black Bluffs and past the famous Decision Point, where the Marias River enters the mighty Missouri. Here, the Lewis and Clark Expedition spent 10 days deciding which channel would take them to the Northwest Passage. The trip departs from Fort Benton, which makes for a seamless launch.

Difficulty level:
Appropriate for all ages 4+
The Upper Missouri is a flat water river with no rapids. Plus, we take care of the heavy lifting!

Overview

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.

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 must historical, geological and wildlife interpretation you can handle.

General Information

$475 per adult
$427.50 per child (10 and under)

Deposit requirement:

We require a $200 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

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 $200 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.