The Short Answer is NO there are no rapids on the Upper Missouri River Breaks When one thinks of rapids on a western river, especially one designated as "wild and scenic" like the Upper Missouri, images of foaming whitewater and careening rubber rafts speeding through perilous...

Nestled along the banks of the Missouri River in Montana lies the charming and historic town of Fort Benton. Known for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and outdoor recreational opportunities, Fort Benton is a destination worth exploring. If you're planning a trip to this hidden...

Part I:  The Lower River or the "Breaks": Judith Landing to James Kipp Recreation "In addition to relishing the sought-after solitude amid the picturesque high prairie scenery, many visitors traverse the Missouri Breaks specifically to retrace the footsteps and paddle through the same spots as...

Prior to westward expansion, plains Indians survived and thrived in desert environments like the Montana Great Plains. They had a comprehensive knowledge of all living things around them. Foraging meant survival and to survive they had to learn about the plants and their uses through...

This is a question we get quite often. Just like almost everything in life, it depends on personal preference. While some people like warm days and cool nights, other people do not like temperatures below 60 degrees. Do you like long daylight or do you...

The story of the Corps of Discovery (more popularly known as “the Lewis and Clark Expedition”) continues to captivate Americans. Elements, events, and the personalities, of the famed exploration still resonates across time. And it is quintessentially American that participants came from many diverse backgrounds...

Located in the heart of the Midwest, the Missouri River has captivated onlookers for centuries. As one of North America’s longest rivers, it is often referred to as “The Big Muddy” due to its brownish-gray color and sediment-filled waters. But why is it called "Big...

The Missouri River is home to over 300 species of birds, making it a bird watching paradise. From the serene beauty of Bald Eagles soaring overhead to the vibrant colors of warblers and tanagers, there is something special for everyone who loves birds. But when...

In the United States it is well known that we love our pets. In 2020 statistics show that Americans owned an average of 1.46 dogs per household. That is why we often get asked this question. Boarding dogs can be expensive, and a lot of...

Are you looking for a fun and exciting outdoor adventure? If so, it's important to do your research before choosing a company. There are many different outdoor adventure companies out there, and not all of them are created equal. So, what should you look for...

When one is new to boating, it can be really intimidating learning those unwritten rules and etiquettes. To some this comes naturally because they grew up in the outdoor community. While to others, they must learn from experience. As it goes, experience only comes...

Lets talk Grizzly bear history! It appeared in North America during the last ice age, maybe 30,000 years ago, migrating as early humans did, across Beringia, the land bridge that provided the pathway from northern Asia to North America.  Ursus arctos horribilis.  The Grizzly bear.  Initially...

Where is Connie's Bottom? On most of MRO’s six-day trips, (our Lower River trips), we usually spend a delightful evening camped near a lone, old-growth cottonwood. It’s in a beautiful spot just above the river that guide’s call “Connie’s Bottom.”  Yet nowhere on a BLM, state...

It’s a cliche to say that trips through the canyonlands of the West are “journeys through time,” but it’s true. What’s less obvious is that if you pick the right place, you don’t just confront epochs like the Cretaceous, but also more recent and troubling...

Written by : Kelly EngenKelly has been guiding on the Upper Missouri River for over 7 years and has guided over 50 trips. Being a avid canoer and experiencing the unique challenges of the Missouri River, Kelly shares why boater etiquette is so important and...

Photo Credit- Kelly Engen By Camera and Canoe: Tuning in to the Missouri River Breaks Kelly Engen has spent over 50, 3-7 day trips documenting the stars, people, animals, and sunrises & sunsets of the Missouri River Breaks. He is a river guide for Missouri River...

Missouri River Outfitters (MRO) changed my view of “roughing it.” My memories of instant oatmeal, ramen noodles, and coffee crystals mixed with hot cocoa and mini marshmallows were replaced by a new vision of camp cooking. MRO’s owner Nicolle Fuguere and her team showed how...

Floating down the Upper Missouri River is like entering one of those paintings you often see of the west from the 1800s: dry rugged hillsides, with a lush riparian valley filled with wildlife that drink from and depend upon the life-giving waters of the Missouri River....

This week on the podcast we’re with Nicolle Fugere of Missouri River Outfitters in Fort Benton, Montana (pop. 1,443). Nicolle started as a guide for Missouri River Outfitters when she was 19, has worked for them every summer since, and always dreamed of someday owning...