Missouri River Breaks river, Montana

The Missouri River Breaks runs from Fort Benton to James Kipp Recreation Area and can be traveled by kayak and canoe. There is a lot of history along this route, following the Lewis and Clark expedition.

There a good short walks along the trip to visit canyons or homestead sites.

There are multiple access point to do a shorter run, Fort Benton to Judith Landing is popular shorter version. 

flow

The river can run up to 5-6 knots, lowering to 3.5 in the mid-summer.

logistics

camping

There is good camping along the river in established camps, and dispersed camping.

Public access camps include the Fort Benton Canoe Launch, Fort Benton Motorboat Launch, Wood Bottom, Decision Point, Coal Banks Landing, Lower Woodhawk, Judith Landing, and the James Kipp Recreation Area. Developed Boat Camps include Little Sandy, Lone Tree Coulee, Eagle Creek, Hole-in-the-Wall, and Slaughter River; containing vault toilets, metal fire rings and, occasionally, open-air shelters.

Primitive Boat Camps include include Evans Bend, Senieurs Reach, Black Bluff Rapids, Pablo Rapids, Dark Butte, The Wall, McGarry Bar, Gist Bottom, Upper Woodhawk and Hideaway and only include a fire ring.

water

Paddlers should carry their own water, there are taps at Coal Banks Landing Access Site (river mile 41.5) and James Kipp Recreation Area (river mile 149). Outfitters can supply water cache at Judith Landing(river mile 88) for kayakers to refill.

Motor boats are allowed in some sections, but a banned June 15-Sept 15 in some sections and only allowed certain days of the week in others.

car shuttles

You can self shuttle, but there outfitters that provide shuttle services to major access points. Permits are required from BLM. BLM required carrying a toilet system or wag bags and packing out all waste if not in a facility.

maps

There are 2 floaters guides available from the BLM site for download, or can order a waterproof color copy.

• Suitable Activities: Sea Kayaking
• Seasons: May, June, July, August, September, October
• Weather: View weather forecast

• Difficulty: Sea Kayak III
• Length: 149.0 mi

• Land Manager: Montana-Dakotas BLM
• Parking Permit Required: America the Beautiful Pass
• Recommended Party Size: 6
• Maximum Party Size: 12
• Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12