Sea Kayak - Missouri River Breaks river, Montana

The setting for all this rich history is the Mighty Mo, contained on both sides here by steep bluffs and rock outcroppings that seem to break away to the river—hence the term, “river breaks.” We will paddle about 149 miles, starting at Fort Benton and taking out at James Kipp Recreation Area. This stretch of the Missouri is part of the Wild and Scenic River system; as a whole the area comprises national monuments, national conservation areas, historic trails, and more. Experiencing it first-hand will have you gazing in awe at the natural beauty and thinking about those who paddled here not so long ago in keel boats and dugout canoes.

Trip rating: III-C - class 1 rapids, strong current, the river will be flowing at 5-6 mph, and winds can be strong sometimes

June should be ideal for this, not to hot; . There are good short hikes along the way we will do and settlements to explore. 

We we will an outfitter to shuttle boats, and drop off water at Judith Landing. Be prepared to carry water for 5 days, and food for 10 days. River water is not safe for drinking or filtering due to ag runoff, but should be ok for washing. We will each carry wag bags for human waste when we are not in a site with outhouse.

Cost will be shared, Shuttle in $400+ tax/fees total and can take 6 boats. There is a pp permit fee of $50. Each boat will need a Montana invasive species check which can be done on the way. The water dropoff is $1 per gallon, and some campsites have fees, generally $15/ site.

The dates of the trip are the "water days (and shuttle back to Fort Benton the last day). Participants are encouraged to carpoool, it is about 10-11 hour drive from Seattle each way, most people will want 2 days travel each way. Optionally, on the way back, some may try to visit Glacier National Park, and do a paddle there; depending on what permit we can get it may be an overnight paddle.

Please read the destination description and reach out with what long trips you have done recently, and if you have experience using a sea kayak in a river.

Arrive June 16, the evening before the trip. We can camp and will launch from the next morning from Chouteau County Fairgrounds & Canoe Launch Campground ($10/site).