Paddle the Wild & Scenic Upper Missouri and uncover the layers of history. Most notably, the cross continental journey of Lewis & Clark. Stephen Ambrose’s book, Undaunted Courage, has inspired many to paddle this section of the Missouri River also known as The White Cliffs. You’ll camp where they camped, see what they saw and learn about their trip from our experienced guides. For any river traveler, this trip offers a very accessible route of discovery: geology, wildlife, Native American culture, early explores and the pioneers that followed. The landscape has changed little since Lewis & Clark passed through the Upper Missouri in the spring of 1805. River travelers today can appreciate the words of Meriwether Lewis when he wrote of the endless “seens of visionary inchantment…”
You will enjoy paddling the gentle and meandering current through breath taking White Cliffs of Eagle sandstone and igneous rock formations. Our camps include Eagle Creek and Slaughter River, both Lewis & Clark campsites. Throughout this trip, you will have plenty of opportunities for on-shore exploration. Some highlights include Native American tepee rings, petroglyphs, narrow slot canyons, Hole-in-the-wall rock formation, plant identification, wildlife viewing and USGS markers for L&C campsites.
Level of difficulty
Canoeing the Missouri appeals to beginner and experienced paddlers alike. The gentle meandering current allows you the solitude to paddle your own tandem canoe a long side our guides. Large canoes may be available with advance notice for larger groups.
Meals
We take pride in their camp cuisine. Meals should be something you look forward to and expect more than your average camping fare. We have developed our menus over the last 30 years. Fresh, hearty and creative. You can start your day with a good cup of coffee and a hearty breakfast like pancakes & sausage with fresh fruit & juice, lunch is welcome stop with build your own sandwiches or salads with quality deli meats & cheese, lots of fresh veggies & snacks. Dinner is usually something on the grill, dutch oven roasted potatoes, colorful salad, bread from local bakeries. Beer and wine, in moderation, is provided with appetizers & dinner. Water, sodas and Gaterade is provided. We are happy to accommodate various dietary needs so let us know your requests.
Trip themes and guest speakers
Throughout the season, we offer Missouri River trips with special guests who bring an added element of knowledge to our trips, these trips are always popular, so make sure you reserve early!
Missouri River 3-day Trips
The 3-day itinerary allows you to fully experience White Cliff section of the Missouri and nicely fits into an itinerary for those visiting Montana. If you are looking to continue following the Lewis & Clark Trail, plan a hiking trip on the Lolo Trail, retracing their arduous journey overland across the Bitterroot Mountains. This off the beaten path adventure is for those who seek the remote sections of the trail. Vehicle supported hiking walking or van tours can be catered for all abilities 1-3 days. Lewis & Clark Trail Adventures is the only outfitter licensed and permitted on the Missouri River and Lolo Trail.
Missouri River 3-day Itinerary
Missouri River – 3-Day Trips
Most of our trips feature a guest speaker, but our style is more open discussion vs lectures. They all have a wide breadth of knowledge in natural and human history related to Montana and the Missouri River. Bring your interests and curiousity and we’ll do our best to satisfy!
$865 per person / $765 youth 12 & under
- June 18 – 20 – Founders Trip – Join Wayne & Gia for some L&C history, stories from 30+ years of outfitting and their favorite river cuisine.
- July 1 – 3 – Kevin O’Briant – Archaeologist and expert guide with topics around the Cultural Landscape of the Lewis & Clark Trail. Option to add a Lolo Trail hiking trip July 6-8
- August 12-14 – NEW date – Join the LCTA crew of guides for an nearing-the-end of summer trip.
- Custom dates may be available with a minimum group size – Let us know your preferred dates and we will do our best to accommodate.
- All guest speakers are potentially subject to change given unforeseen circumstances.
Read More about our Guest Speakers
Missouri River 4-day Trips
The 4-day itinerary paddles the same section of river as the 3-day trip. The 4-day itinerary allows extra time for on-shore exploration or discussions depending on the trip theme. We add a nights camp at Hole-in-the-Wall campsite, located on a bend in the river with views of the Hole in the Wall rock formation. We alter the hiking schedule, so that the two major hikes (Neats Coulee at Eagle Creek and Hole-in-the-Wall) are done in the morning vs. in the afternoon or mid-day.
Missouri River 4-day itinerary
Missouri River – 4-Day
$1100 per person / $950 12 years & under
- July 10 – 13 – with Ralph White, a long-time LCTA veteran of many trips, recently retired from a federal career, focuses on the history, planning and goals of the expedition, as guided by President Jefferson’s ambitious letter of instructions to his secretary and aide, Merriwether Lewis.
- Aug 1 – 4 – with Jeff LeRoy – Jeff is a retired Army colonel and a Lewis & Clark Aficionado, on sabbatical sharing his experiences with our guests!
Read More about our Guest Speakers
Missouri River 6-day Trips
For a more extensive trip on the Missouri, extend the journey down the river less traveled, from Judith Landing, where our 3-day trip ends we enter the Badlands of the Upper Missouri. The topography changes from Eagle sandstone and igneous rock formations to the high & grand bluffs of Claggett shale. We continue camping at Lewis & Clark expedition campsites of May 27 & 25, 1805, passing the bluffs near Bullwacker Creek where Lewis first viewed the Rocky Mountains. As we enter the Charles M. Russell Wildlife Refuge, wildlife viewing opportunities abound. In this protected area elk graze, bighorn sheep climb precariously in the bluffs and water fowl thrives in the natural riparian environment.
Missouri River 6-day itinerary
Missouri River – 6-Day
$1675 per person / $1475 12 years & under
- 2024 dates are TBD – we will add dates as they become available.
Missouri River Canoe & Lolo Trail hiking Combo trip – More Details
The Missouri River Canoe Trip and the Lolo Trail Hiking Trip are available as separate activities and therefore must be booked as separately. Please let us know any questions. Hope you can join us!
Join Kevin O’Briant – Archaeologist and expert guide with topics around the Cultural Landscape of the Lewis & Clark Trail. July 4th is a free travel day to allow you time to get from Fort Benton to Lochsa Lodge / Missoula.
- July 1-3
Missouri River 3-day Canoe Trip $865 per person / $765 12 years & under
- July 6-8
Lolo Trail 3-day Hiking Trip $900 per person / $800 12 years & under
Logistics
Pre-trip: Our Missouri trips meet in Fort Benton, MT. Fort Benton is a quaint & quiet river town, but packed with history. We suggest spending an extra day there. We have a pre-trip meeting the day prior to your launch date at 6pm outside the Grand Union (Unless you have alternative or custom arrangements) At the pre-trip meeting, we make introductions, go over last minute questions, logistics and hand out dry bags for you to pack your personal gear. If you cannot make the pre-trip meeting, send an email to make alternative arrangements.
Morning of your launch date: We meet at 8:30am. We provide transportation from Fort Benton and begin paddling from Coal Banks Landing, 45 miles downriver from Fort Benton. Your personal vehicle or rental car can be parked at the public parking lot at the Fort Benton boat ramp across from the Fort Interpretive Center, down the street from the Grand Union or other lodging locations.
Travel planning: The closest airport to fly in/out of would be Great Falls, MT. We are happy to help you plan the best itinerary for you based on what areas of the Lewis & Clark Trail you would like to see.
Trip Resources – activities, discounted lodging, dining, reading and more.
Feel free to email or call us for suggestions or to help plan a custom itinerary.
Standard Trip Provisions
The gear is designed with your comfort in mind. The following items are provided on our standard trips.
- Guided Canoeing, Hiking and Camping with historical Interpretations
- Camping Equipment to include 4-Person dome tents (2 adults), sleeping pad and Camp Chair
- River equipment to include tandem canoes, Crazy Creek canoe seats, paddles & life jackets
- Dry Bags for personal items, clothing and sleeping bag (we recommend you bring own sleeping bag)
- All meals starting from first day’s lunch to last day’s lunch – complete outfitter kitchen provided
- Beverages including drinking water, Gatorade or sparkling water and/or soda. Beer & wine in moderation 2 per person.
- Emergency equipment
- Shuttle Transportation based out of Fort Benton
Safari Style Camping
- Camp set up in advance, larger stand-up tents, cots, sit-down dinner with table service
- Additional rates apply based on exact provisions, itinerary and menu
- Custom dates available – entire trip date must be chartered as upgraded safari style – please inquire
Trip Planning Resources:
Grand Union Hotel – recommended lodging night prior to the Missouri River Canoe Trip
Lochsa Lodge – recommended lodging night prior to the Lolo Trail Hiking Trip
Gear Lists & Recommended Reading
Trip Cancellation Policy & Guest Responsibility
Need trip insurance? For your convenience, we offer travel protection through Travelex Insurance Services. For more information on the available plans or to enroll, go to www.travelexinsurance.com or contact Travelex Insurance Services at 800-228-9792 and reference location number 26-0048.
Travel Insurance is underwritten by, Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company, NAIC #22276. 55Y