The Upper Missouri River White cliffs are described in the Lewis and Clark Journals as “scenes of visionary enchantment”. Through the “white cliffs” you will see Teepee rings, Corps of Discovery Campgrounds, petroglyphs, and towering layers of Eagle Sandstone and Shonkinite. This 47-mile section has an abundance of history including; First people, Early explorers, Homesteaders, Fur trappers, Wood hawkers, Steamboat navigation, and local tales. There is a lot of hiking on this section of river and we try to fit in as much as we can in 3 days. Hikes include slot canyons, historic markers, touring white cliffs, old structures, old encampments and much more.
The 3-day white cliff trip is ideal for groups that don’t mind paddling longer distances in a day. If you want to see the Missouri River Breaks but don’t have much time, this is the ideal trip for you. We try to fit as much as we can in 3 days. If you have children or are not comfortable in a canoe for long periods at a time, we do NOT suggest 3 days and suggest 4 days on the water instead.
We have a Meet and Greet at the Grand Union Hotel the night before the trip at 6:15. At that time guests will have the opportunity to meet their guides and fellow river companions. You will be given a detailed itinerary of what to expect on your trip and an opportunity to ask questions. At that time, you will also be given your river bags and gear for the duration of the trip. Please feel free to get refreshments at the bar prior to the Meet and Greet. We do not offer food or beverages at this time, as this meeting is to provide you with the information and tools to facilitate the trip.
Please note that our schedule is subject to change. The river Miles and hikes are a rough schedule. We pick campsites and hikes according to weather, river traffic and group preferences.
Itinerary
Day 1:
River Miles 14.5 – 21.5
We will start our journey at 8:30 in Fort Benton. From there we will shuttle you about an hour to the put-in location (Coal Banks) While boats are getting loaded you will have a brief safety talk and paddling instructions. On your first day take your time learning how to navigate your boat and get to know fellow journeymen and journeywoman. On this day you will see Teepee rings, petroglyphs, historic landmarks, the start of the white cliffs and a Corp of Discovery campsite.
Optional Hikes:
Teepee rings, our favorite swimming hole, Neats Coulee, Petroglyphs/ Corps of Discovery camp May 31st 1805, petrified tree
Day 2:
River Miles 16 – 24
On day two you will spend a lot of time hiking and paddling. Day two is going to be the most scenic and is what the Corp. of Discovery describes as “scenes of visionary enchantment”. On this day you will go through the heart of the White Cliffs. Take it in and always have that camera on hand.
Optional Hikes:
Hole in The Wall
Day 3:
River Miles 7 – 11
This will be your last day on the river. On this day you will enjoy river stories, “flotillas”, and barking squirrels. You will be getting off the river at 12:00 where lunch will be awaiting you. After lunch we will load the vans and start our journey back to Fort Benton (arrival 3:00-4:00)
Optional Hikes:
Corps of Discovery camp May 29th 1805/May 7th 1806 campsite, prairie dog town
2023 Available Dates
Receive 10% off select trips (*)
June 8-10 (*)
June 23-25 (Private trip)
June 29-July 1 (*)
July 20-22
August 11-13 (Private trip)
More Information
Want a Private or Specialty Trip for your group? Please refer to our Private and Specialty Trip page.
We are happy to customize trips to your schedule. For inquiry on certain dates that are not listed, please Contact us!
What is our cancellation policy? Check it out in our Policies and Procedures .
