Missouri River Specialty Trips

Mark Albers

June 19-21

Paddle with retired BLM land manager of the Missouri Breaks, Mark Albers. In our 30 plus years of outfitting, we recognize dedication to our public lands AND how to maximize fun recreating on Montana’s river, mountains and lakes. Between recreation and professional career have spent my entire life on the Missouri. Raised in Ft Benton, BLM North Central Montana District Manager, Montana Director of American Rivers, Missouri River Coordinator for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Special interests in Cottonwood Regeneration, Floodplain Management, and Natives Fishes. Mark has a wealth of knowledge about history, conservation and public land stewardship. Paddling in the wake of the Lewis & Clark expedition, there will also be information and discussions on those topics, but this a wonderful opportunity for insights into your public land and natural envirnomment.

Jeff Leroy – 4-day Trip

June 26-29

As a retired army colonel, Jeff brings a unique perspective to our tours offering a view of the Corps of Discovery through a military lens. The Lewis & Clark Expedition was, after all, an army operation. Jeff combines his love of history, knowledge of the expedition and military background to provide campfire discussions and share historical stories while maximizing the guest experience for adventure on the river. Jeff spent 30 years in the Army and Army Reserve while also embarking on a corporate career with Procter & Gamble where he has worked in communications, public relations and media procurement. He is both a former radio show host and local elected official who is passionate about selfless service and lifelong learning. Jeff earned a degree in International Relations from West Point and holds a Masters Degree in Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College.

Author Stephenie Ambrose Tubbs

July 15-17

Paddle the Wild & Scenic Upper Missouri with Stephenie Ambrose-Tubbs, celebrated author, outdoor enthusiast and daughter of the late Stephen Ambrose. Uncover the layers of history, most notably, the cross continental journey of Lewis & Clark with fellow guest who share the same quest for knowledge and adventure.

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 through Stephenie’s engaging discussions, breadth of knowledge and inspiring love of the rivers and lands of the Lewis & Clark Trail. Stephenie Ambrose Tubbs is author of The Lewis and Clark Companion; An Encyclopedic Guide to the Voyage of Discovery, and Why Sacagawea Deserves the Day Off; Lessons from the Lewis and Clark Trail.

Lectures nationally about her experiences and observations on the Lewis and Clark Trail which she first followed in 1976 with her father, bestselling author Stephen Ambrose. In addition to working with the Lewis and Clark Trail Adventures for the past decade, Stephenie serves as chair on the Lewis and Clark Trust Inc. a non-profit aimed at preserving the Trail and all of its aspects through conservation and education. She is on the Board of the Montana Preservation Alliance and the advisory council of the American Prairie Reserve. Recently had the pleasure of working with National Georgraphic/Linblad ‘s ship, the Sea Lion, on the Columbia River. Holds two degrees in History from the University of Montana and currently is collaborating on book in commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the Montana Historical Society.

Joel Meier – 3-day Trip

Aug 6 – 8

Join us with guest Joel Meier, Professor Emeritus, Indiana University – Recreation, Park, and Tourism Studies and The University of Montana – Recreation Management, and Associate Dean, College of Forestry and Conservation. Wayne Fairchild, founder of LCTA, graduated from University of MT with a degree in Outdoor Recreation while Joel was head of the department. Joel developed the CORE program, with a strong focus on wilderness and the positive impacts on people and societies who recreate in wilderness. The program and it’s philisophy was an inspiration for Wayne as he developed his small business.

In addition to LCTA guide’s Lewis & Clark historical interpretations, Joel will add topics around “Wilderness, what is it” and “The four phases of a Recreation Experience, and why Outdoor Recreation is the best kind of Recreation”. Joel is a world traveler and life long adventurer who enjoys being a ski, kayak and motorcycle bum around the world!

Ralph White – 4-day Trip

Aug 12-15

Ralph brings a long-standing interest in American History and a love of the landscape of Montana to LCTA.  Growing up in Virginia, and then attending the College of William & Mary, in Williamsburg, fueled a life-long interest in history.  In Washington, Ralph attended Catholic University Law School, worked as a Senate Committee staffer, and recently retired from the Government Accountability Office. Ralph offers a perspective of the Expedition as President Jefferson’s vision of a scientific, diplomatic, and cultural mission, hashed out with Merriwether Lewis in the President’s House, while Lewis worked as the President’s secretary, sole staffer, and housemate.  In addition to the history of the expedition, Ralph  enjoys sharing the same wonder about the Missouri River and Montana landscape that animated the expedition’s journals more than 200 years ago.

Kevin O’Briant – 3-day Missouri River

2025-2026 Date TBD

Founders Trip –  3-day Trip

2026 Date TBD

Join Wayne & Gia for some L&C history, stories from 30+ years of outfitting and thier favorite river cuisine. Future Date TBD

Trip Planning Resources:

• Gear Lists & Recommended Reading
• Frequently Asked Questions
• 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, got 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