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 teppee rings, Corps of Discovery campgrounds, petroglyphs, wildlife 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, old forts, Plains Indian history, and local tales. There is a lot of hiking on this section of river. Hikes include slot canyons, historic markers, touring white cliffs, old structures, old encampments and much more.
4-days in the “White Cliffs” is our most popular trip! You will paddle 47 miles of the “White Cliffs” section of the Missouri River Breaks National Monument. This trip is the best way to enjoy the iconic White Cliffs of the Missouri River and gives the group enough time to enjoy all the hikes that this section of river has to offer. This is a perfect trip for those looking to spend less time in the boat and more time hiking or relaxing.
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 Corps of Discovery campsite.
Optional Hikes:
Teepee rings, our favorite swimming hole, Monroe Cabin, Neats Coulee, Eye of the Needle, Petroglyphs/ Corps of Discovery camp May 31st 1805, petrified tree
Day 2:
River Miles 7 – 13
After breakfast Enjoy a long hike among the slot canyons of the Missouri River Breaks. Once back at camp enjoy a leisurely lunch before loading the boats. Once in the boats you have a short paddling distance to your next camp location. Once in camp enjoy swimming, hiking, napping, or reading.
Optional Hikes:
Hole in The Wall, Castle Rock, Seven Sisters
Day 3:
River Miles 10 – 17
Enjoy a cool mornings hike to hole in the wall before loading the boats and heading out from camp. Once in the boats you will float and paddle among the most scenic part of the White Cliffs. This section is what the Corps 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:
Steamboat Rock, Dark Butte, Corps of Discovery camp May 29, 1805/July 7, 1806, Haunted homestead
Day 4:
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:
Arrow Creek, Prairie dog town
2023 Available Dates:
June 1-4
June 15-18
June 15-18 (Specialty Trip w/ Musicians Lucky Valentines)
June 20-23 (Private trip)
June 22-25
June 27-30 (Limited Space)
July 6-9
July 10-13 (Private trip)
July 10-13 (Private Trip)
July 17-20 (Private trip)
July 13-16
July 22-25 (Private Trip)
July 27-30 (Limited Space)
August 10-13
August 16-19 (Limited Space)
August 24-27 (Limited Space)
August 30-September 2
August 31-September 3 (Private trip)
September 7-10
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 .
