Lewis & Clark at The Upper Missouri Breaks
Where:
West of the section of the Missouri that is now Fort Peck Lake lies the Upper Missouri Breaks, a 149-mile stretch of river surrounded by white cliffs, grassy hills, and ruin-like rock formations.
What Lewis & Clark Experienced:
After passing the Milk River on May 8, 1805, the explorers expected that they would soon encounter the "great falls" they had been warned about. Instead, Lewis, Clark, and the Corps of Discovery were astonished to find themselves among white cliffs of amazing beauty.
Lewis noted in his journal that the landscape was now drier and more desert-like. Within the Breaks they passed and named the Judith River, after Clark's sweetheart.
Since Lewis & Clark:
This picturesque length of Missouri River now carries the designation Upper Missouri Wild and Scenic River, while the surrounding badlands are preserved as the Upper Missouri Breaks National Monument. This remote region made a good outlaw hideout during the frontier era and later during Prohibition.
What You Can See & Do:
Missouri Breaks National Back Country Byway
This 80-mile loop drive begins in the tiny town of Winifred, home of the world's largest collections of Tonka toys (which you can check out at the Winifred Museum). The route is made up of gravel and unimproved roads, so a high-clearance or 4-wheel-drive vehicle is highly recommended. Branches off of the main loop will bring you to several scenic overlooks into the Missouri River canyon.
Paddle the Upper Missouri Wild and Scenic River
A leisurely canoe trip, stopping to hike and camp at designated sites along the river, is by far the best way to experience this amazing stretch of river.
You can take this trip on your own, or with one of the many guides and outfitters. Paddling down the river, you'll be able to savor the beauty of the white cliffs, blue sky, and green hills. As the wilderness scenery unfolds, little changed since 1805, you'll get a true glimpse of what it was like to be a member of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. If a multi-day float trip isn't feasible, a limited number of one-day boat trips are available.
West of the section of the Missouri that is now Fort Peck Lake lies the Upper Missouri Breaks, a 149-mile stretch of river surrounded by white cliffs, grassy hills, and ruin-like rock formations.
What Lewis & Clark Experienced:
After passing the Milk River on May 8, 1805, the explorers expected that they would soon encounter the "great falls" they had been warned about. Instead, Lewis, Clark, and the Corps of Discovery were astonished to find themselves among white cliffs of amazing beauty.
Lewis noted in his journal that the landscape was now drier and more desert-like. Within the Breaks they passed and named the Judith River, after Clark's sweetheart.
Since Lewis & Clark:
This picturesque length of Missouri River now carries the designation Upper Missouri Wild and Scenic River, while the surrounding badlands are preserved as the Upper Missouri Breaks National Monument. This remote region made a good outlaw hideout during the frontier era and later during Prohibition.
What You Can See & Do:
Missouri Breaks National Back Country Byway
This 80-mile loop drive begins in the tiny town of Winifred, home of the world's largest collections of Tonka toys (which you can check out at the Winifred Museum). The route is made up of gravel and unimproved roads, so a high-clearance or 4-wheel-drive vehicle is highly recommended. Branches off of the main loop will bring you to several scenic overlooks into the Missouri River canyon.
Paddle the Upper Missouri Wild and Scenic River
A leisurely canoe trip, stopping to hike and camp at designated sites along the river, is by far the best way to experience this amazing stretch of river.
You can take this trip on your own, or with one of the many guides and outfitters. Paddling down the river, you'll be able to savor the beauty of the white cliffs, blue sky, and green hills. As the wilderness scenery unfolds, little changed since 1805, you'll get a true glimpse of what it was like to be a member of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. If a multi-day float trip isn't feasible, a limited number of one-day boat trips are available.
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