Adventure Bound Canoe Co. Missouri River Information

Adventure Bound Canoe & Shuttle Co.

General River Information

The Upper Missouri Wild and Scenic River can be divided into roughly three sections.

Ft. Benton to Coal Banks Landing (40 Miles)
Coal Banks Landing to Judith Landing (47 Miles)
Judith Landing to Kipp Rec. Area (60 Miles)

The first 20 miles or so from Ft. Benton to the confluence with the Marias River is somewhat braided with lots of islands and high bluffs with several public campsites along the way. You will see lots of birds and deer along this section. The 20-mile section from the Marias River to Coal Banks Landing has virtually no public camping, plan to paddle this section in a single day.

Coal Banks Landing is the primary put-in on The Upper Missouri Wild & Scenic River. Here you will find a developed campground with full time camp hosts, camping sites with fire rings and tables, vault toilets, water, boat ramp, and parking. This 47-mile section to Judith Landing includes the famous "White Cliffs"; you will find several developed campgrounds along the way with good hiking right from the camp. From about mile 52 eroded white sandstone and igneous dikes dominate the landscape on both sides of the river nearly to Judith Landing.

At Judith Landing you have three choices, continue paddling down into the "Breaks", end the trip and go north to Big Sandy, or go south to Lewistown.

If you are paddling into the "Breaks" you have about 60 miles of wild & remote river ahead of you. This section of the river has been left largely undeveloped to retain its "wild" character, you won't find a vault toilet for 42 miles but you will find several minimally developed campsites along the way. Expect to see lots more wildlife than people through this section. Most of the land down here is public and features a lifetime of hiking opportunities and many old log homesteads to explore.

Some folks filter river water - we don't. When traveling by canoe it is no problem to carry enough water on board with re-supply available at our store at Judith Landing for those going through to Kipp Rec. Area. Those traveling by kayak need to carry their water in smaller containers that are more easily stowed throughout the kayak. Dehydration is a constant threat, drink lots of water and follow safety guidelines, CARRY ONE GALLON OF WATER PER PERSON PER DAY. Dehydration can creep up on you in this high desert environment schedule regular water breaks during the day. Keep a water bottle handy as you paddle, if the kids put up a fuss mix a bit of Gator Aid with it. Protect yourself from the sun with a wide brimmed had, sunscreen, lip balm, and sunglasses. Temperatures can rise to 100 degrees during mid-summer afternoons.

The new carryout rule:
The BLM now requires all human waste to be carried out of the river corridor. YIKES! YUCK! NO-WAY! LET'S GO TO DISNEYLAND MOM! Hold on folks, it's not that bad.

The rule actually goes something like this. If you camp over night in the monument you must carry out your waste unless you stay at campgrounds with vault toilets. You are required to have a toilet system if you don't camp at sites with vault toilets. The most economical and convenient way to accomplish this is with a $2.50 BLM approved biodegradable disposable toilet bag per two people per day. Believe it or not this is a step up from the old dig-a-hole method.

Michael & Meredith Gregston
Adventure Bound Canoe
Box 31 Ft. Benton, Montana 59442
abc@adventureboundcanoe.com
1-877-538-4890

The Wild & Scenic Upper Missouri River
and
The Missouri River Breaks
National Monument

The entire Upper Missouri Wild & Scenic River is Class I, no rapids. The rapids named on the river maps pertain to the steam- boat era when rocky areas in the river impeded upstream navigation during low water. You may bump a rock here and there but for the most part you will float right over them. Average summer flow is 3.5 miles per hour and the river tends to be quite shallow.

WEATHER

Springtime on the river is cool and green with daytime temperatures in the 50's - 60's early, warming to the high 70's by the end of May. Nighttime temperatures dip to freezing early in the month, 30's - 40's later on. Snow is possible anytime in May, however weather systems move through quickly. June brings warmer weather and some- times brief afternoon thunderstorms. These storms can be quite violent with high winds, lightning and hail, they usually occur between 3 and 7 PM. If you see black clouds forming get off the river and wait it out. We often get strong east winds during the afternoon in June, if this pattern develops try to get your paddling done early in the day before they come up.

Late June marks the beginning of the hot season, daytime temperatures range from the 70's to the high 90's with nights cooling to the 50's. This weather pattern holds through August. September brings shorter days and cooler weather; we may see a frost by the end of the month. Late September until mid October or later is generally warm and in the 70's with cool mornings.

In the early season and again in September be sure to have some fleece and a wind/waterproof shell. In the hot season protect yourself from the sun and heat.

If you would like more information about our services or would like to schedule a trip please call toll free 1-877-538-4890 or email us and we will answer any questions you may have.