We will start our journey at 8:30 in Fort Benton. From there we will shuttle you about an hour and half to the put-in location. 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 Marias River White Cliffs similar to that on the Missouri, hear stories, enjoy off the beaten path hikes and camp at non-designated campsites.
6-7 Day Upper Missouri River White Cliffs and Badlands Guided Canoe Trip
Experience Montana’s legendary river corridor on our 6–7-day Upper Missouri River White Cliffs and Badlands guided canoe trip, where breathtaking scenery, abundant wildlife, and rich history come together. This multi-day White Cliffs and Badlands river expedition offers the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation while paddling through one of the West’s most remarkable landscapes. Join our 6–7-day Upper Missouri River White Cliffs and Badlands guided canoe trip to create unforgettable memories on the water.
Join us for an immersive 6-day adventure that will take you through two remarkable sections of the river: the “white cliffs” stretch covering approximately 47 miles, and the awe-inspiring “Primitive Badlands” spanning roughly 61 miles. Over the course of your incredible 107-mile journey, you’ll witness the river’s dramatic transformation unfolding right before your eyes.
Each day of this expedition is a rich tapestry of activities, ensuring you make the most of your experience. While paddling the pristine waters, you’ll embark on invigorating hikes through the untouched wilderness, engage in captivating storytelling sessions, find moments of relaxation amidst nature’s beauty, and enjoy refreshing swims in the crystal-clear river.
As you make your way through this journey, you’ll be treated to a visual feast as the landscape evolves around you. In the lower section of the river, you’ll have the distinct privilege of scouting for elusive bighorn sheep, set against the backdrop of the rolling badlands. It’s an encounter with nature that will leave an indelible mark on your memory.
As the 6 days unfold, you’ll find that time truly does fly by, and on the last day, a sense of bittersweet departure lingers, not only for our guests but also for our guides. This journey is an unforgettable experience, a testament to the remarkable landscapes and the lasting memories created as you explore the heart of the river.
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: White Cliffs
River Miles 14.5 – 21.5
Optional Hikes:
Teepee rings, our favorite swimming hole, Neats Coulee, Petroglyphs/ Corps of Discovery camp May 31st 1805, petrified tree
Day 2: White Cliffs
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 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:
Hole in The Wall
Day 3: White Cliffs and Badlands
River Miles 21 – 27
On this day you will enjoy homesteads, native American history, river stories, “flotillas”, and barking squirrels. You will be stopping at Judith landing at 12:00 where lunch will be awaiting you while we restock your trip. After lunch you head out into the wide open Badlands.
Optional Hikes:
Corps of Discovery camp May 29th 1805/May 7th 1806 campsite, prairie dog town, Murrey Dugout, Hagedone Homestead
Day 4: Badlands
River Miles 13 – 20
On this day you will spend a lot of your day in the canoe with homestead exploring and storytelling. This will be one of your longest days on the river. This is also the day to get out your binoculars and look for wild life that is all around you. Once at camp there will be different activities to partake in if you would like.
Optional Hikes:
Corps of Discovery camp May 27, 1805, Chimney Bend, Corps of Discovery camp May 26 1805, Middleton Homestead, Ervin Dugout, Gist Homestead
Day 5: Badlands
River Miles 13.5 – 20
Enjoy a morning hike to get you going before heading out on the river. Once in camp take the time to relive the last few days on the river. Its sad to say but this will be your last night to enjoy each other’s company. Take it all in!
Optional Hikes:
Snake Point Hike, Camp IIges Rifle pit, Nee-Mee-Poo Trail, Corps of Discovery camp May 30, 1806, May 25, 1805, Hideaway Coulee
Day 6: Badlands
River Miles 6.5 – 12.5
This will be your last day on the river. On this day you will enjoy, river stories, and “flotillas”. 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 4:00-5:00)
Optional Hikes:
Corps of Discovery camp May 24, 1805
2026 Available Dates
July 29-Aug. 3
Aug. 5-10 (Private Trip)
2027 Available Dates
June 17-22 *Full Moon, Solstice
July 21-26
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 .
No Hidden Booking Fees- In a world where fees seem to get tacked onto everything, we do our best to keep things simple and give you options. All credit card bookings carry a 4% processing fee. If you’d rather avoid that, we’re happy to accept payment by check with no additional fee added to your reservation.
Price:
$1675 Per Person
7 Day All-Encompassing Missouri River Trip – White Cliffs & Badlands ; Aug 1st – Sept 15th
Our 7-day trip is the same as our 6-day trip in length. However, with the slower fall flows it is always good to have an extra day on the water. Seven days gives us the time we need to enjoy all the sites without making it a strenuous endeavor. By allowing for 7 days, we will have more time to hike, relax and “go with the flow”. Perfect for fall colors, stargazing, and a stress free 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: White Cliffs
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 and half to the put-in location. 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 Marias River White Cliffs similar to that on the Missouri, hear stories, enjoy off the beaten path hikes and camp at non-designated campsites.
Optional Hikes:
Teepee rings, our favorite swimming hole, Neats Coulee, Petroglyphs/ Corps of Discovery camp May 31st 1805, petrified tree
Day 2: White Cliffs
River Miles 7 – 13
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 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:
Hole in The Wall, Castle Rock, Seven Sisters
Day 3: White Cliffs
River Miles 10 – 17
On this day you will enjoy, homesteads, native American history, river stories, “flotillas”, and barking squirrels. You will be stopping at Judith landing at 12:00 where lunch will be awaiting you while we re-stock your trip. After lunch you head out into the wide open bad lands.
Optional Hikes:
Steamboat Rock, Dark Butte, Corps of Discovery camp May 29, 1805/July 7, 1806, Haunted homestead
Day 4: White Cliffs and Badlands
River Miles 20 – 23
On this day you will spend a lot of your day in the canoe with homestead exploring and storytelling. This will be one of your longest days on the river. This is also the day to get out your binoculars and look for wild life that is all around you. Once at camp there will be different activities to partake in if you would like.
Optional Hikes:
Arrow Creek, Prairie dog town, Murrey Dugout, Hagedone Homestead
Day 5: Badlands
River Miles 13 – 20
Enjoy a morning hike to get you going before heading out on the river. Once in camp take the time to relive the last few days on the river. Its sad to say but this will be your last night to enjoy each other’s company. Take it all in!
Optional Hikes:
Corps of Discovery camp May 27, 1805, Chimney Bend, Corps of Discovery camp May 26 1805, Middleton Homestead, Ervin Dugout, Gist Homestead
Day 6: Badlands
River Miles 13.5 – 20
This will be your last day on the river. On this day you will enjoy, river stories, and “flotillas”. 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 4:00-5:00)
Optional Hikes:
Snake Point Hike, Camp IIges Rifle pit, Nee-Mee-Poo Trail, Corps of Discovery camp May 30, 1806, May 25, 1805, Hideaway Coulee
Day 6: Badlands
River Miles 6.5 – 12.5
This will be your last day on the river. On this day you will enjoy, river stories, and “flotillas”. 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 4:00-5:00)
Optional Hikes:
Corps of Discovery camp May 24, 1805
2026 Available Dates
- Aug. 3-9 (Private Trip)
- Sept. 8-14
2027 Available Dates
- July 17-23, *Full Moon
-
Aug. 18-24
Sept. 7-13
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 .
Price:
$1890 Per Person
