Canoeing the White Cliffs of the
Upper Missouri River

Retrace the Lewis and Clark Expedition through the
White Cliffs of the Missouri

Paddling the White Cliffs

We invite you to addle the gentle current and enjoy the majestic scenery that has remained much the same as when first described by Meriwether Lewis. The calm and meandering flow of the Missouri is perfect for beginners and experienced paddlers. Our Missouri River and Lolo Trail combination trips are perfect for those who seek the services of guides in the remote off-road areas of the L&C trail, but also desire the freedom of self exploration along the sections that are easily accessible by Montana's wide open roads & highways.

We'll journey 47 miles over three days, visit several landmarks and learn about the history and natural environment. Our guides are fun-loving, experienced outdoor enthusiasts and knowledgeable historical interpreters. The Upper Missouri is rich with Native American history, early pioneer and homestead history. This river was the major waterway for western expansion until the coming of the railroad. Fort Benton was the farthest point up the Missouri steamships could travel. On the river, you will have the opportunity to paddle next to vertical sandstone cliffs and see Montana's abundant wildlife. The weather worn sandstone and intrusive igneous rock formations make for spectacular scenery and hiking.

Our first night's camp, Eagle Creek, was a Lewis & Clark encampment May 31, 1805. The shade of old Cottonwoods is the perfect place to read from the journals, enjoy a cold beverage and watch the sun set on the cliffs across the river. Day two we stop for lunch and a hike to the Hole in the Wall rock formation. From there we paddle to Slaughter River Camp (Lewis and Clark encampment of May 29, 1805 and July 29, 1806) Day three we paddle from Slaughter River to the take-out, Judith Landing, a historical river crossing and near Lewis and Clark's encampment of May 28, 1805. From Judith Landing your trip can continue for 3 more days into a less traveled area of the Missouri. Here, the canyon deepens with greater grandeur and camping is more primitive. Upon entering the Charles M. Russell wildlife refuge, you will see the Missouri River that Lewis & Clark saw, riparian environments rich with vegetation and wildlife like elk and bighorn sheep.

Ritchie Doyle speaking at Slaughter River Camp

2008 Schedule
Missouri River trips depart on Sundays in June - August, which coincide with Thursday Lolo Trail (Mid-July-Aug) departures. We can make exceptions to the schedule depending on date, reservations, group size or custom tour options. See specialty trip below.

• Prices do not include Idaho Sales tax (Lolo Trail)
• Most of our trips during July and August are 3-day trips. A 6-day would simply continue on from a 3-day
• A 3-day trip from Judith Landing to James Kipp is possible, please call us to discuss in more detail

Trip Provisions:
3 days of guided canoeing and camping with historical interpretations
17' Mad River canoes for 2 people and personal gear
Camping equipment-2 person Eureka tents, self-inflating Paco sleeping pads, camp chair and coffee mug
River equipment-PFD, paddle and 24"x40" dry bag for sleeping bag, clothing and personal items.
Transportation to and from Fort Benton
All meals starting with day-1 lunch and ending with day-3 lunch. Gourmet camp cuisine. Sample Menu
See recommended gear list for what to bring.

Pre-trip meetings & Pick-ups:
Pre-trip meetings the evening before the trip either the Grand Union or Pioneer at 6 pm.
Pick up at your choice of lodging the morning of the trip 8:30 am.
Call us 72-48 hours prior to departure to confirm pre-trip meeting time and location.

Getting there & away:
Flying:
The closest major airport is Great Falls, MT. If you fly you'll need to get to Fort Benton. Pioneer Lodge does Great Falls Airport to Fort Benton shuttles.
Time-saver option is to fly into Great Falls and out of Missoula, renting a car in Great Falls and drop off in Missoula. Costs a bit more, but saves time.
Car Rentals in Great Falls--ask about drop off options for Fort Benton and/or Missoula
National 406-453-4386, Hertz 406-761-6641, Rent-a-Wreck 406-761-0722
We recommend renting a car for maximum freedom to see the most sites between Fort Benton and Lolo Trail
Driving the Lewis & Clark route:
Traveling east to west Take I-90/94 to Three Forks area then Hwy 287 to Helena (Gates of the Mountains) and I-15 North to Great Falls, Hwy 87 North to Fort Benton.
Traveling west to east take Hwy 12 (two lane & windy, but beautiful) Lewiston, ID to Missoula, then either Hwy 200 to Great Falls or I-90 to Helena and 1-15 to Great Falls. See our maps for more detailed info.
We recommend traveling east to west. After your Missouri River trip make your way west to Missoula and join a 1, 2, or 3 Day trip on the Lolo Trail. The Missouri River and Lolo Trail are the most pristine and diverse areas of the Lewis & Clark Trail, located only 4 hours apart.

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