Canoe Montana River Expeditions will guide you on an ultimate outdoor adventure. Our guided canoe trips and kayaking vacations on the Upper Missouri River stretches 149-miles. This part of the river is the only major portion of the mighty Missouri to be preserved in its historic, free-flowing state. It is one of the few wild and scenic rivers left in America and it looks much the same as it has for thousands of years.

Lewis and Clark Trail
Here is the Lewis and Clark trail, the Corps of Discovery, making their way upstream on their journey to the Pacific Ocean. Here the fur traders bargained with whiskey and guile among the Indians. Here was the route of the gold-seekers and the white settlers. And here too was the trail of Chief Joseph and the Nez Perce, in desperate flight from the U.S. Cavalry. This was an expedition into a discovered and lost America.

Montana White Cliffs and Badlands
The Missouri rises in central Montana and flows eastward to Fort Benton, Montana. Flowing from Fort Benton to Fort Peck, the Missouri makes its progress through the long valley of sandstone monuments known as the White Cliffs, and into the haunted terrain of the Mauvaises Terres, the Bad Lands. The river valley is often entirely remote, and easily accessible only by water.

In summer, the sun rises early and sets late, lighting the sandstone cliffs to startling brilliance against tall blue skies. The air is hot and dry, and the water cool as a blessing on the skin. The days of canoe paddling take on a dreamlike quality, and the rock formations along the valley rim begin to resemble ancient ruined cities. The nights are warm, and when the moon is full, the valley becomes a land out of time. The sudden hoot of an owl or the long floating cry of the coyote recall the Indians, the Blackfoot, the Assiniboine, the Cree, the sounds of rattles and chanting.

The Missouri breaks are the unique legacy of the great inland sea which once covered most of the Great Plains. Massive formations of sandstone, horizontal layers of color sculpted by wind and water and the relentless course of the river, suggest a vast wasteland, but the lush river basin abounds with wildlife.

Montana Wildlife Adventure
This is the range of the large animals; elk, deer, antelope, and bighorn sheep. The beaver is here, having come back from near extinction. Bald eagles patrol the river while golden eagles maintain a vigil from the cottonwoods. Stilted wading birds fish the quiet eddies. Still-life herons, and indignant cranes, objecting to intruders, watch from a distance. High overhead, white pelicans trace the valley rim.

Fort Benton, Montana - 200 years of history awaits you
Fort Benton has prevailed in western history for over 200 years. Once the most remote outpost on the western frontier, Fort Benton is the destination for anyone embarking upon the Upper Missouri, pursuing western history or following the Lewis & Clark expedition.

We are proud to provide professionally guided explorations of the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument. All of our family, adventure, vacation canoe and kayak trips begin in Fort Benton, Montana.

Fort Benton lies in the beautiful and quiet Missouri River Valley in North-Central Montana approximately 36 miles northeast of Great Falls and 46 miles south of Havre on U.S. Highway 87.

Suggested Lodging in Fort Benton
Since 1882, the prestigious Grand Union Hotel has been a prominent landmark of Fort Benton. An extensive five-year renovation has transformed this stately hotel into a magnificent destination. The Grand Union Hotel offers 27 exquisite rooms. All rooms have deluxe amenities; private baths and many boast dramatic views of the adjoining Missouri River.

The Grand Union Hotel 1 Grand Union Square P. O. Box 1119 Fort Benton, MT 59442 406-622-1882 · 888-838-1882 www.grandunionhotel.com

Suggested Lodging in Great Falls
The Collins Mansion, which is listed in the National Historic Register, was built in 1891 and remodeled into a bed and breakfast in 1998. There are five rooms available, all with private bath. Here you can always enjoy complimentary beverages and baked goods found on the buffet in the formal dining room. Breakfast may be enjoyed on the veranda in the morning sunshine (weather permitting) and upon request in the privacy of your own room.

The Collins Mansion 1003 2nd Avenue Northwest Great Falls, MT 59404 406-452-6798 877-452-6798 www.collinsmansion.com