Missouri River Specialty Trips

Jeff LeRoy

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.

More info on our Missouri River Canoe Trips

 

 

 

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Author Stephenie Ambrose Tubbs

July 13-15 – 2026 Full

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.

 

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Ralph White – 4-day Trip

Aug 5 – 8

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.

• This trip will cover the Missouri Breaks – Judith Landing to James Kipp – 4-day trip from Judith Landing (our take out for 3 & 4-day white cliff trip) to James Kipp – through the Missouri Breaks with less people, more remote with less human impact. A great option for those who would like to continue where they left off on a white cliff’s trip. Price $1450 per person. 

 

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Mark Albers

Date TBD

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 environment.

 

 

 

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American Prairie Reserve

Join us on a multi-sport hut-to-hut adventure as you slow down to explore the Missouri River Breaks, American Prairie Reserve and the historic PN Ranch. Led by experienced and knowledgeable guides, this spectacular trip offers opportunities to explore, hike, and canoe with other active outdoors people. Gain a deeper understanding of the prairie’s unique flora and fauna by traversing the vast prairie grasslands and wild and scenic rivers. Stop in your tracks to spot bald eagles soaring overhead, decode the secret language of the prairie dog, and if you are lucky, sneak a glimpse of bighorn sheep. Discover the cultural history of the first military post in Montana Territory and trace the steps of Native Americans and Lewis & Clark. As thrilling as the physical adventures can be, this trip is balanced by a high sense of style and comfort. River and trail side meals are healthy, sumptuous, and diverse, and camp accommodations are the definition of outdoor luxury.

Article featured in National Geographic

Video by National Geographic

APR Map

3-6 Day Itineraries Available: Custom dates – please inquire for details and pricing.

 

Provisions

Guided Nature walks, Canoeing, Hiking and Camping with Interpretations

Camping Equipment to include either yurt space or wall tents at the PN Ranch, 4-Person dome tents on the river, sleeping pads and Camp Chair.

River equipment to include tandem canoes, Crazy Creek canoe seats, paddles & life jackets

Dry Bags for all personal items and will go in your canoe with you for easy access.

All meals starting from first day’s lunch to last day’s breakfast – complete outfitter kitchen provided. Most dietary restrictions can be accommodated.

 

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Trip Planning Resources:

• Gear Lists & Recommended Reading
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Trip Cancellation Policy & Guest Responsibility 

 

Travel, Trip and Cancellation Insurance

Why is travel insurance so important?

In today’s changing travel environment, it’s important to protect your travel investment so you can relax and enjoy your trip. Unforeseen events such as flight delays, baggage loss or even a sudden sickness or injury could impact your travel plans. LCTA recommends that you purchase a travel protection plan to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. For your convenience, we offer travel protection through Travelex Insurance Services.

Travelex Insurance Services at 800-228-9792 and reference location number 26-0048.

Travelex Insurance Services, Inc. CA Agency License #0D10209. Insurance coverages underwritten by Zurich American Insurance Company (NAIC #16535, state of domicile: New York), 1299 Zurich Way, Schaumburg, IL 60196. Certain coverages not available in all states.