Reviews of Upper Missouri River Canoe Guides (Travel Agency)

Joe Forbes

This is a great trip! So many layers of history, beauty, and solitude, all served up with gourmet meals and and expert knowledge of the Missouri River! Our guides, Norm and Kris became our friends, Norm and Kris. Norm is a walking encylopedia of the Lewis and Clark expedition and the only person I have every met who has soloed the entire L & C trail from St. Louis to the Pacific! Kris was my ray of sunshine every moring, always on point, and always smiling! The food was amazing and plentiful. At dinner the first night after paddling miles in 97 degree heat, we were served vegetables from the owner's garden along with grilled salmon, and for desert, Norm and Kris causally pull out homemade ice cream! The rich history, from Native American artifacts to the failed homesteads of the 1920's, is so rich it's hard to keep up with all of it. The natural beauty in the White Cliffs section and the Badlands is astounding! Do this trip! Your enjoyment of this trip will only increase if you are a somewhat experienced paddler. The boats are Kevlar beauties that swallow gear and run fast. The Carbonfiber paddles were weightless. My wife and I booked the 125mi. / 7 day trip.

David Mussari

Taking this trip down the Upper Missouri River, with this amazing company, was a once in a lifetime experience that everyone should take. They are knowledgeable, friendly, talented, and share this river (and the surrounding terrain) with their guests in a such a way that will touch your soul. The food they prepared was phenomenal, as was every detail of the trip. If you are looking for a hidden gem to explore, this is the trip and Upper Missouri River Guides is the company to take you there. They get my highest recommendation.

Laura Lawrence

If you are looking for a canoe trip on the Missouri River in Montana then this is the company to use. They are professional, informative, considerate, and fun! Right from the get go, Haley (one of the co-owners), answered all of our questions, provided comprehensive lists of what we would need, and mailed to each of us the book by Glenn Monahan, "Montana's Wild and Scenic Upper Missouri River." Our trip consisted of 7 women, five customers and two river guides. Haley and Kaitlin, the river guides, gave us help in learning how to navigate the river as well as cooked spectacular healthy meals every day. that accommodated specific diets. In addition, the equipment provided was top of the line - Kevlar canoes and carbon fiber paddles, that allowed us to canoe 49 miles in three days without any pain even though our ages ranged from 64 - 70 years. Haley and Kaitlin were knowledgeable about the past and current history of the river and we had interesting discussions while paddling and at the campsite. Haley always chose the best campsite for us and even set up a portable toilet when the outhouse at one of the sites was unusable. This was one of the most memorable trips of my life and everyone on the trip expressed similar feelings.

Jeff Brodie

Our group of 5 just completed a 4 day 3 night, Aug 3- 6, trip through the White Cliffs section of the upper Missouri with Upper Missouri River Canoe Guides. We are all in our mid 60’s. 2 of us had previously done the White Cliffs/Badlands 6 day, 5 night trip, but had “missed” the White Cliffs section battling high winds as novice paddlers, and wanted to see it again. We convinced another couple to go and they brought along a friend as well. As an overview, this longer trip (vs 3days/2 nights) through this section was great. Shorter days paddling, more time to hike and relax and enjoy the rugged country, and the company. There was even time for some independent exploration, diaper derby’s (must do!), and bourbon on the river’s edge. If you do this section only, do the longer trip. It was hot during the day and cool at night, as can be expected for this time of year in Montana. I also suppose that more time in the Badlands would reap it’s own rewards. The scenery in this section is stunning. Meriwether Lewis had it right, “scenes of visionary enchantment”. It is a special treat for people who may have an interest in the Lewis and Clark expedition, but no one goes unrewarded. We began our interaction with co-owner, and later one of our guides, Haley in January. She helped us with dates for our group. As time approached, she provided us information about local accommodations for before and after the trip if needed and all the information we needed for the trip, which had been updated and upgraded significantly since we had last traveled. There were several really nice new touches on the trip. One of which was meeting with us the night before departure, introducing herself and the other young guide, Jackson, providing our dry bags and packing guidance, answering any questions, etc. After the shuttle trip to Coal Banks Landing (driving courtesy of Wayne who had done so last trip and is a Fort Benton icon!) and before launch, we got some paddling instruction, and safety guidance before launch, which I was grateful for (You-Tube helps but…). You travel downstream with a pretty good current. Tents have been nicely upgraded, and all equipment is first class. During the trip it was very clear how skillful, experienced, courteous, helpful, and driven they were to ensure our entire trip was the best. Paddling periods were not oppressively long, there were lots of eagles, coyote serenades, pelican fishing, and we were lucky to be the only ones at two of three campsites. It is hard to describe the unbelievable quality of food provided at every stop. Jackson and Haley made a great team “in the kitchen”, using many items from Haley’s home garden, and the efforts produced dishes like breakfast fritatas, dutch oven lasagna, grilled salmon filets (served on a lace table cloth!), pineapple upside down cake, and on and on, seemingly each meal better than the last. On the various hikes the guides made sure everyone was safe, ensuring handholds, chasing snakes off (“Jackson-the-snake- whisperer”, no rattlers), getting good photos and challenging us to try new things. I had been reluctant to try to get up to the hole at Hole-in-the Wall last trip. They told me I would this trip, and not only did I, but so did my wife! At the conclusion of the trip, Wayne was right there to get us loaded as we came off the water, and back to Fort Benton. We even had a lunch and cold beverages waiting in the van. If you are contemplating a river trip of any kind, you should be visiting the Upper Missouri River Canoe Guides site and you should do your trip with these people. I described this trip as “rough and royal”, you are roughing it (sort of..) and treated like royalty. You WILL NOT be disappointed. If you have children, don’t hesitate, screen time will be zero!!

cyndi nieman

The whole trip was wonderful! Our guide was was so informed and skilled at everything! We had high expectations and they were exceeded!! Paddling down the river and seeing the white cliffs, swallows and other natural wonders is something I'll never forget - and hiking in the slot canyons to boot!! highly recommend!

Kevin Durban

Spent 7 days and 6 nights on the Upper Missouri River with Haley, Norm and Kris and it was absolutely fantastic! Sure the scenery is superb, but the guides really made sure it was an amazing trip - real professionals that enhanced our enjoyment of this special and spectacular area. Their friendly demeanor and extensive knowledge of the Missouri Breaks were invaluable, their cooking was great, the hikes were awesome. I'm ready to go again :) Highly recommended!

KATALIN WOLFF

Highly recommended. Friendly, personable staff. Excellent food—lots of fresh fruit and vegetables. Gorgeous scenery.

Janice Peterson

Can we get more stars, please?!!! Returning to New Jersey from my Upper Missouri River canoe trip, I found myself searching for words to describe my experience to family and friends. It is hard! You just had to be there! Our sisterhood of seven women, five participants and two guides, paddled, hiked, climbed, ate, slept and laughed with joy and gratitude. Thank you Haley and Katelyn. You have energized me with your love of the river, your love of the natural world and your female strength and abilities! All you able bodied folks out there! You should go!

Al Smith

It was my idea to have our family take this trip from Coal Banks to James Kip with a stop at Judith Landing to replenish food supplies. We were on the river at the end of July and beginning of August, 2019: seven days and six nights. We spent three days in the Breaks and four in the Badlands. Both segments were wonderful but I am glad I followed Haley's recommendation to spend the four days in the Badlands with one day set aside for a day hike. We saw 50-70 Rocky Mountain Big Horns, dozens of bald and golden eagles, deer, beaver, prairie dogs. We hiked to the Hagendor cabin, to the Hole in the Wall and may other places along the river. We had Brett, Kaitlen and Colter on our trip. Brett ought to be on some outdoor cooking show: Huckleberry pancakes, french toast, chinese chicken salad, pork loin and more. Every meal was fresh and seemed to come out of nowhere. Kaitlen had everyone in an early morning Yoga class. Beautiful setting and helped us stretch out our rowing muscles. We felt completely safe the entire trip. Brett and Kaitlen and Colter watched out for us. there were 11 of us on the trip. Five in my family, six others and three guides. What a great and interesting group of people! So I need to say something critical I guess. But I can't think of anything.

Kristy Rowe

Fantastic experience! We did a 7 day trip with Haley, Kris, and Norm as our guides. They were absolutely wonderful! They maintained cheerful and easy going attitudes along with precision and professionalism in handling the many logistics of getting 18 people and their gear on and off the river. The sites were stunning both while paddling and on foot. We had beautiful starry nights telling stories (including those of Lewis & Clark and early settlers) around the campfire with delicious, nourishing, and surprisingly unique gourmet meals. Our days were packed with history lessons, wildlife, unique geological features, and good company. I'm a novice paddler (haven't been in a canoe in probably 20 years) and not much of a camper, but felt comfortable on this trip and really enjoyed every aspect of the experience! Highly recommend this outfitter and this awesome experience.

sun shineski

Couldn't be better!!! The guides were fantastic (friendly, professional, knowledgeable, helpful, great chefs, etc.), I highly recommend this company and am planning another trip with them next year.

Peggy Townsend

I only wish there were six stars so my husband and I could reflect how wonderful this trip was. The scenery was gorgeous, the wildlife amazing and the meals made us feel like were at some gourmet open-air restaurant. We couldn't have asked for a better guide than Brett who, we swore, had Superman eyes when it came to spotting wildlife and took us on a hike to see dinosaur bones he'd discovered. We loved every minute of this trip and can highly recommend this company.

Jon Tope

Mean people with a bad outlook on life

Jessica Swenson

We had an incredible trip with Haley from Upper Missouri River Canoe Guides. All the details-- daily itinerary, delicious food, and wonderful conversations-- were our favorite highlights. It was such a treat to be able to experience the river in this way AND have quality family time without hassle. Would definitely recommend as an epic adventure for families!!

Annette Parsons

Outstanding outfitters! Although my husband and I were sorry to have to leave our group trip early due to pain issues with the oddball cold and wet weather that plagued us, we were extremely impressed with Haley and Katelin and their professional and competent oversight and help! The gear was top notch, the food was AMAZING and fresh and varied, and the scenery was remarkable. And the hikes....WOW! Haley and Katelin were also delightful and personable and extremely helpful in every aspect. THANK YOU! We hope to return to complete the rest of the river that we missed!