Upper Missouri National Wild and Scenic River

About Upper Missouri National Wild and Scenic River

The Upper Missouri National Wild and Scenic River Management Plan highlights; the uniqueness, special values and wild and scenic qualities that were instrumental in the designation on October 12, 1976. Of special note is the fact that the Upper Missouri contains segments of all three river classifications contained in the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968. These classifications are Wild, Scenic and Recreational. To this day the Upper Missouri remains relatively unchanged and its settings vary from riparian vegetation, to the unique and beautiful White Cliffs, to the sharply carved and rugged Badlands, to the rolling, pine and juniper covered slopes of the Breaks. These contrasting habitats provide for a diverse and plentiful wildlife population, numerous recreational opportunities, livestock grazing and other multiple use activities. Though the Upper Missouri lacks the stimulating whitewater runs much sought after by thrill seekers it more than makes up for the river runners fix with its mesmerizing glimpse of the American west as it once was. For the family who plays together, the Upper Missouri caters to boaters of all degrees, from the beginning novice to the expert paddler to the leisurely motor boat aficionado. Visitors embark into a capacious river corridor that seemingly swallows even the largest groups and are treated to a remoteness not often found in the 21st Century. Optimum periods for boating are May through September with fishing and hunting use replacing leisure boating during the shoulder seasons. Compared to other rivers in the Northwest visitation is relatively low with an annual average over the past ten years of about five thousand registered boaters during the boating season. With 149 miles of river and several public launch points to choose from, trip lengths may vary from one day to ten days or more. By far the most popular float, taking in the scenic White Cliffs, expends two nights with the takeout on the third day. In this section, visitor

How to Get There

The main access points for the Upper Missouri are in Fort Benton, Loma, Coal Banks Landing, Judith Landing and James Kipp Recreation Area. In the town of Fort Benton river access points may be found at the Chouteau County Fairgrounds Canoe Launch and Campground (River Mile 0), and Fort Benton Boat Launch (River Mile 1.4). In Loma the Wood Bottom Recreation Area, accessed via Loma Bridge Rd east of US Highway 87 N features a campground, parking area and boat launch (River Mile 20.2). Coal Banks Landing Recreation Area (River Mile 41.5) is best accessed via Gardiner Rd, east of US Highway 87 N at mile marker 66.7. Coal Banks is the main and most popular launch point on the Upper Missouri. Judith Landing Recreation Area (River Mile 88.5) is best accessed via State Highway 236 (Judith Landing Rd), east of US Highway 87 N at Big Sandy, MT. James Kipp Recreation Area is the terminus of the Upper Missouri National Wild and Scenic River and main takeout point for boaters boating the badlands section of the river. Upstream travel restrictions are in effect from June 15 through September 15 annually.

Plan Your Visit to Upper Missouri National Wild and Scenic River

Heading to Upper Missouri National Wild and Scenic River? A few things to know before you go:

• Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
• Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
• Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
• Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
• Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go

References & Official Resources

• Official Recreation.gov page
• View on OpenStreetMap
• Driving directions (Google Maps)