Canoe Paddling through Montana's Upper Missouri National Wild & Scenic River

Enjoy a scenic tour of the Missouri River by canoe through the Upper Missouri Breaks National Monument and the Upper Missouri National Wild and Scenic River from Carter Ferry to James Kipp Recreation Area. #missouririver #montana #canoe

[@John-bk1ek]

Always enjoying the country I see in these videos

[@thomasjelpel]

Thanks John! Be sure to check out this one too, if you haven't already seen it: th-cam.com/video/N-JgWTDUta0/w-d-xo.html

[@vannemocilac274]

Awesome to see and to hear your descriptions and sentimental memories!

[@thomasjelpel]

Thanks Vanne! I'm glad you enjoyed the video! Here's a look at another canoe trip, our Marias River Adventure: th-cam.com/video/N-JgWTDUta0/w-d-xo.html

[@Sailor376also]

We are two spirits of a similar mold. I was first introduced the the 'Breaks' in 1968. I paddled a group of scouts down from Fort Benton to the Fred Robson Bridge in 2008, Returned and soloed the Marias from the dam to the Missouri, then on down to the bridge again. The Breaks are precious. My long trip was 2016 I did a full 'Powell' plus a bit. Launched in Green River, WY and hauled out Lake Havasu City, AZ, 3 months. I have been on the Green 7 separate times,, the Colorado 6 times, many other rivers as well.
I LIKED the beginning, pre dawn launch. That IS the way to do western rivers. Always still in the morning, always an upstream wind in the afternoon. One tidbit I can offer you,, The deer and elk alongside the river are a huge problem, they and the beavers eat all the new poplar shoots. Along western rivers,, there are nearly only old poplars. The invasive species of Russian olive and tamarisk have taken over,, because... there are no wolves to chase and dine on the deer , and the beavers eating the new growth of poplar. The reintroduction of wolves in Yellowstone has shown this. The high erosion dirt banks along the Missouri? Are a direct result of the lack of wolves.

[@thomasjelpel]

Thanks for reminiscing. The lower Green River was my very first river trip. Here's a look at the Tongue River you might enjoy: th-cam.com/video/oMm0sgRCNwo/w-d-xo.html

[@thebigskyguy]

Looks like sn awesome trip. Thank you

[@thomasjelpel]

Thanks for watching! Here is another Montana river we paddled: th-cam.com/video/oMm0sgRCNwo/w-d-xo.html

[@markusschmied2237]

Hey Thomas, thanks for this awesome footage! What I love about your video is that it doesn't only feature scenery and music. I deeply appreciate your narration, as it gives insight into multiple aspects of the trip - background info, landmarks, aspects pertinent to planning and actually carrying out such an expedition.
Two questions: 1) How deep is the MIssouri River in these parts? 2) Did you find that buffalo skull by chance or has it become some kind of waypoint on the journey? If the Buffalo Commons is to be realized and the American Prairie Preserve continues to flourish, chances are you may truly see a few bison along the river next time you head out! :)

[@thomasjelpel]

Mark, I'm glad you enjoyed the video! Most of the river is only a couple feet deep in mid summer, but of course that can vary tremendously around every bend. I found the skull by chance. I've probably found half a dozen of them along Montana Rivers over the years. I am excited about the prospect of bringing bison back. We also found bison skulls nearby on the Marias River: th-cam.com/video/N-JgWTDUta0/w-d-xo.html

[@duckworks]

Awesome! Thanks so much for the travelogue. We are planning to do this trip later this year.

[@thomasjelpel]

Have a wonderful time on the river Chuck! And be sure to check out my book Five Months on the Missouri River: www.hopspress.com/Books/Missouri_River.htm

[@lizard2425]

Hi Tom, Enjoyed this video and your book on edible plants! Can you tell me what time of year this was? (Sorry if I missed it.) Thanks!

[@thomasjelpel]

We paddled the Upper Missouri the first half of August. It was hot, but beautiful!

[@feliciawibowo6283]

How do you carry your water? How much water do you carry in your canoe? The recommended water is 1 gal/day. For the 2 of you, 17 days on the water means 34 gallons of water.

[@thomasjelpel]

I see three 6-gallon water jugs in the canoe, so that was 18 gallons. Plus we bought water from an outfitter at Judith Landing, and actually, there were other people leaving who also gifted their extra water to us, so that allowed us to completely refill for the second half of the journey. We also had water filters if needed. There used to be a water pump at Judith Landing, which greatly simplified logistics! Here is another canoe journey you might enjoy: th-cam.com/video/N-JgWTDUta0/w-d-xo.html

[@davefletch3063]

When is the earliest time to paddle river? Does it get wild early in spring or is it reasonable paddle most of the time?

[@thomasjelpel]

Dave - See #4: mroutfitters.com/how-to-plan-a-trip-on-the-upper-missouri-river/