White Cliffs 3, 4, or 5 Day Adventures

Trip Snapshot:

Duration: choose from a 3, 4, or 5 day adventure.

Difficulty level: Appropriate for all ages 4+

Departure location: Fort Benton, MT

Retrace the most famous and visited section of the legendary Lewis and Clark Expedition into the West and experience the Upper Missouri River much like they did—undisturbed and magnificent.

Camp in actual Lewis & Clark campsites, visit tepee rings and petroglyphs and hike to spectacular off-river locations, including a slot canyon, the famed Hole in the Wall and learn about the spectacular and unique geology of this uncovered formation. Every night we read from the journals of Lewis and Clark and share stories of early homesteaders and the Native peoples who inhabited the area. Every day we canoe between 8-21 miles. We offer optional (but amazing) hikes every day ranging from a short jaunt up a hill to view tepee rings to a bit longer hike to a viewpoint or through an outstanding slot canyon.

“The hills and river Clifts which we passed today exhibit a most romantic appearance…. The water in the course of time in decending from those hills and plains on either side of the river has trickled down the soft sand clifts and woarn it into a thousand grotesque figures… at a distance are made to represent eligant ranges of lofty freestone buildings…. As we passed on it seemed as if those seens of visionary inchantment would never have and can, end.” - Meriwether Lewis

White Cliffs Undaunted Courage Montana River Trips

The difference between our 3, 4, and 5 day trips:

Many ask what difference a day can make. In very simple terms, the major difference is the pace. We offer the same hiking and explorations opportunities for both trips.

However, with only 3 days, each day is more packed with activities. With an extra day, the overall pace is much more relaxed. On the 4 day trip, the middle day is split into two days with compared to the 3 day trip. If you have limited time, the 3 day trip is perfect - at least you get to see the river! If you have time, we recommend the longer option for more time to relax, unwind and be in nature. We recommend the 4 day trip for families with younger children - the pace is very manageable and they love the hiking and swimming!

The 5 day trip includes the same itinerary as the 4 day trip but with the addition of a layover day. Although not typically on our list of scheduled trips, this option is great for private groups wanting to spend a bit more time on the river together.

Sample Itineraries

White Cliffs 3 Day Adventure

3 days is the minimum amount of time needed to paddle the 46 miles and fit in a few of the most popular hikes. The days are full and eventful: enjoy serene, peaceful paddling, and once out of the canoe, explore the magnificent and varied hiking opportunities and relax riverside. We focus on relaying the fascinating history and creating a cohesive group experience. If you are short on time, this is the perfect trip.

Pricing & Availability

$950 per adult
$855 per child (10 and under)

Available Dates:
June 8-10
June 17-19
June 24-26
June 29-July 1
July 13-15
July 27-29

As always, if you are interested in a private trip, please contact us. We can usually accommodate any launch date request.


White Cliffs 4 Day Adventure - most popular short trip

4 days allows for the perfect balance between serene, peaceful paddling and having ample time out of the canoe to experience the magnificent and varied hiking opportunities, explore, indulge in the history, spend quality time with your fellow travelers, and, of course, relax riverside. If you’ve dreamt of seeing the White Cliffs, retracing Lewis and Clark’s expedition and bringing Undaunted Courage to life - this is the trip for you.

Pricing & Availability

$1150 per adult
$1035 per child (10 and under)

Available Dates:
May 19-23 - Private
June 4-7
June 12-15
June 18-21
July 2-5
July 9-12 - Private
July 10-13
July 16-19
July 23-26
July 30 - August 2
August 6-9
August 13-16
August 20-23
August 29 - September 1
September 3-6
September 5-8 - Private
September 10-13

As always, if you are interested in a private trip, please contact us. We can usually accommodate any launch date request.


White Cliffs 5 Day Adventure

This trip itinerary is almost identical to the 4 day trip above.

The major difference is it includes a layover day - where we stay at the same camp for two nights. The layover day is open for extensive exploring and relaxing. It is such a treat to wake up in the morning and not have to pack up anything. Although we typically don’t have any on our regular summer schedule, this trip is best for private groups who simply wish to spend more time together in this magnificent place. If you are interested in this option for your group, let us know.

Pricing & Availability

$1305 per adult
$1260 per child (10 and under)

Contact us to request a launch date

Reservation Information

Deposit and Cancellation Policy

We require a 25% deposit per person to secure your spot. We require final payment 60 days prior to the trip departure. Reservations made within 60 days of trip departure must be paid in full at the time of booking. We accept check or you can conveniently and seamlessly book online.

Due to the seasonal nature of our business, cancellations can prove very costly to us. However, we understand that things happen outside of our control. Refunds of monies will be given at the following rates:

  • Prior to 60 days before launch date, we will refund 50% of your deposit.

  • 60 days or less before launch date, no refunds will be given.

  • In certain circumstances, you can opt to hold credit with us for monies paid, and postpone your trip for a following summer. A $300 handling fee will be applied. The remaining funds will be applied to a trip in the future. Contact us for details.

Discounts Available

Early booking discount – 5% early off when you send a deposit prior to January 31st

  • Large group – enjoy a 5% discount when you party reaches 10 or more people

  • Returning customer - 5% discount for returning customers 

  • Kids - Children 10 or younger receive 10% off the adult trip price.

  • Veteran (active and retired service members) - 5% in honor of R. Hartung, best friend

  • Journalists - please contact us for details and arrangements

What We Provide

Equipment supplied by Upper Missouri River Canoe Guides

  • Wenonah fiberglass and Kevlar canoes with paddles (12 oz. carbon fiber bent shaft). Read more about our high-end gear and equipment - definitely the best on the river!

  • Canoe backrests

  • Life jackets

  • Waterproof dry bags sufficient to carry all of your gear (multiple sizes, large and small)

  • Tent - varying sizes & capacities (we will coordinate sleeping arrangements)

  • Inflatable extra thick ThermaRest sleeping mattress

  • Complete camp kitchen, including chairs and tables, utensils, etc.

  • Large waterproof tent to cover dining area

  • First aid kit

  • Gear Boat (on most trips)

  • Food: 3 meals per day starting with lunch on the first day to lunch on the last day, including ALL cooking and clean up. Varying snacks throughout the days. Browse our sample menu

  • A cooler of locally-crafted beer

  • Drinking water, juice, iced tea, lemonade, Gatorade, coffee, hot chocolate, tea

  • Drinking ice: multiple coolers of drinking ice for beverages and cocktails. We encourage you to bring any and all beverages you prefer.

  • We bring multiple reference books, including the only comprehensive mile-by-mile history digest authored by us. We also bring games appropriate for adults and kids!

In Addition

  • Advice and logistics assistance throughout the planning process

  • Detailed preparation and packing list

  • Consistent and reliable communication for everyone in your group

  • Pre-trip meeting then night before Launch (not mandatory). We meet at the Grand Union Hotel (or another convenient location depending on where you are staying). During this meeting, we will do introductions, give you dry bags and instruction on packing them efficiently, answer any last minute questions you might have, establish a time to meet at our headquarters the next morning and offer a brief safety talk.

Upper Missouri River Guides Montana River Trips

Logistics and Planning

We recommend you stay in Fort Benton the night before the trip. Great Falls is also an option.

Night before Launch - 5:00pm - (not mandatory) Attend our pre-trip meeting at the Grand Union Hotel. We will do introductions, give you dry bags and instruction on packing them efficiently, answer any last minute questions you might have, establish a time to meet at our headquarters the next morning and offer a brief safety talk.

Launch Day - 7:30-8:00am - We meet at our headquarters at 2210 Main St. You can park your car safely and securely outside our shop and leave any valuables or heat sensitive electronics in our locked shop as well. After we finish packing up, we hit the road. For the White Cliffs, the launch point is Coal Banks Landing (45 minute drive).

Take-out - It never fails to be a reluctant endeavor, but all good things must come to an end. We meet our shuttle vans at the take out around noon and typically arrive back at our headquarters between 3-4 o’clock. Thus, we recommend you stay in Fort Benton or Great Falls this night.
For the White Cliffs, the take out location is Judith Landing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Have additional questions?

Visit our Frequently Asked Questions page, or contact us below.

The Upper Missouri River Guides Difference

Ready to plan your Upper Missouri River adventure?

Use the link below, email us (info@uppermissouri.com), call or text (406-616-2001). We look forward to speaking with you and getting to know you on the river.