The White Cliffs of the Upper Missouri River - Sample Itinerary and Video
The Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument encompasses 149 rives miles, yet, arguably the most renown and visited section is the 46 miles stretch referred to as “The White Cliffs.” This magnificent section also corresponds with the most famous and portions of the legendary Lewis and Clark Expedition into the West. From the eloquent and mesmerizing descriptions by Meriwether Lewis in his journal entries to the countless modern texts romanticizing the landscape and formations to the innumerable dramatic photographic opportunities along the river, this river section will always be immortalized as a pivotal piece of history. Moreover, it is unique and inspiring in that you can experience the Upper Missouri River much like the early explorers and homesteaders did—undisturbed and magnificent, and hopefully, through continued efforts towards protection and conservation, this area will remain a Wild and Scenic River.
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The Upper Missouri River Breaks or 'Badlands' - Sample Itinerary and Video
Within Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument, the last section, river miles 88.5 to 149 or Judith Landing to James Kipp Recreation Area, is generally referred to as the “Breaks'“ or “Badlands” of the Upper Missouri River. Although not as famous as the White Cliffs, most guides and folks who have done both sections will report that the Badlands are their favorite. The two sections are wildly different in geology, topography, hikes, sites and wildlife. The Badlands are generally less travelled and have only one developed campsite. There are several in-tact homesteads to explore, bighorn sheep to hopefully spot and vast, towering landscape surrounding you. The ‘Breaks’ refers to how the land appears from above - it appears as though the braided, twisted and numerous drainages leading down to the river have broken the landscape.
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Upper Missouri River from the Sky
In June 2019, we were fortunate enough to be invited by the infamous Glenn Monahan on a flight tracing the Upper Missouri River from Helena to Fred Robinson Bridge. These photos are a journey from the sky of our favorite places on the river. They truly make evident the vast expanse beyond the shores of the river, and, moreover, the deep, twisting, braided gullies, coulees and drainages that form the lower section of the Upper Missouri River Breaks. The images of this landscape evoke power, magnitude and majesty. Who would have thought a river flowing through the prairie would command this presence.
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Hiking in the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument via River
Hiking and off-trail exploration opportunities abound within the 149 mile stretch of the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument. There are certainly areas and trails that are heavily visited - mainly because of their accessibility and because, well, they are amazing. Then, there are areas that are largely unexplored with no established, worn trails but rather vast swaths of open range or steep coulees winding away from the river’s edge and up towards the prairie lands above.
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Upper Missouri River: Weather, Difficulty & Flow Rates
This wilderness adventure is accessible to any age and ability level. Each month offers a different experience as the weather changes throughout the spring, summer and fall seasons in Montana.
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Wildlife
The abundance and diversity of wildlife along the river has been noted since the days of the Lewis and Clark Expedition.
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Geology
The spectacular and varied scenery that floaters see on the Upper Missouri National Wild and Scenic River is directly related to the geology of this part of central Montana.
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