The Friends of the Missouri Monument team works in tandem with local schools to produce practical educational programs covering topics such as watershed health, local agriculture, and the history of the monument. Accessibility Information -The interior exhibit area and the Interpretive Center grounds and walking trail are all wheelchair accessible. The breaks later served as a central hub for steamboats carrying fortune seekers and gold hunters, all eager to try their luck whathad come to be known as the worlds innermost port. The Nez Perce also passed through this area in 1877 while fleeing from the U.S. Calvary to avoid being forced onto a reservation. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. The BLM Missouri Breaks Interpretive Centercan provide a current list of Authorized Outfitting and Vending Services, which includes shuttle services. The Byway also follows the Nez Perce National Historic Trail, and much of it is remote and pretty much inaccessible except by river or something like a 4-wheel drive. The refuge also preserves cultural, archeological, and paleontological resources and provides wildlands recreation opportunities. Judith Landing - James Kipp Recreation Area, River Mile 88.5 - 149.5. Occasionally floaters may see these lunkers roll on the surface. The Breaks Story Map Friends of the Missouri Breaks Monument It is part of the nations system of National Conservation Lands administered by the BLM. Steamboats arrived on the scene in 1859, and Fort Benton was established as the head of navigation in 1860. Missouri Breaks National Back Country Byway Story Map, Boaters' Guide Fort Benton to Judith Landing, Boaters' Guide Judith Landing to Kipp Rec Area, Programs: National Conservation Lands: Montana: Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument, Search for NEPA #DOI-BLM-MT-L070-2001-0001-RMP-EIS. Missouri Breaks Interpretive Center | Bureau of Land Management Remember, you must have permission from the landowner before entering onto private property. Experience the Monument, enrich your heart and soul. The area is rich in historical significance, including Kid Curry's outlaw hideaway. Then, there are areas that are largely unexplored with no established, worn trails but rather vast swaths of open range or steep coulees winding away from the rivers edge and up towards the prairie lands above. After the war had broken out again between the government and the Nez Perce, the tribe headed to safety by crossing the Missouri River near Cow Island, continuing up Cow Creek until they were close to the border with Canada where they stopped to rest after a 1,000-mile journey. Stafford WSA The Upper Missouri begins at historic Fort Benton, Montana on U.S. Highway 87 and ends 149 miles later where the Fred Robinson Bridge on U.S. Highway 191 crosses the Missouri River. In 1846, Fort Lewis was abandoned and they moved a few miles down river and established Fort Clay. The most recent aspect of the educational programs in the Interpretive Center is focused on events for adults, providing hands-on educational opportunities to all age groups. External Map: http://www.mt.blm.gov/ldo/monumentmap.htm Upper Missouri River Breaks National An official website of the United States government. Riparian habitat, like that along the Upper Missouri, makes up less than 1% of the vegetative mosaic of the west, yet a greater variety of wildlife species depend upon it than any other vegetative type in the West. Erosion then added to the variety seen along the river today, a landform known as the Breaks. The monument includes six wilderness study areas, the Cow Creek Area of Critical Environmental Concern, segments of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail and the Nez Perce National Historic Trail, the Fort Benton National Historic Landmark, a watchable wildlife area and the Missouri Breaks Back Country Byway. You can register at the Missouri Breaks Interpretive Center in Fort Benton, Fort Benton Canoe Launch, Fort Benton Motorboat Launch, Wood Bottom, Coal Banks Landing and Judith Landing. Common to Ervin Ridge, Dog Creek, Bullwhacker Coulee and significant other habitat on the monument, biologists consistently observe 900 sheep during annual aerial population surveys. Among the more common species are white-tailed deer and pheasant. The Byway features some amazing scenery overlooking the Upper Missouri National Wild & Scenic River, which qualifies as some of the main stretches of the Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail. One of the areas outstanding features is the four-mile-long sandstone wall. Private landowners along the river and within the uplands are able to enter the river and private parcelsfrom their own land, but visitors must use the developed public access sites. On January 17, 2001, the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument was officially added to the Department of the Interior's National Landscape Monument System. WebThe Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument comprises 375,000 acres of public land in central Montana. Remnants of this rich history are scattered throughout the monument, and the River corridor retains many of the same qualities and much of the same appearance today as it did then. The Monument has outstanding mule deer habitat with a high hunter success rating, but the shining star of big game clearly is the burgeoning Bighorn sheep herd. When Meriwether Lewis and William Clark passed through the areain 1805, they marveled at the natural beauty they saw. Download the official NPS app before your next visit. Learn more here, and start planning your next trip to The Breaks. Elk and bighorn sheep use a variety of these habitat types. Vast portions of the monument are serviced only by graveled and unimproved roads. You are ONLY allowed (by state steam-access law) to access this private land UP TO the high water mark. Covering an area of land between Fort Benton and the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge, the monument stretches almost 150 miles along the region of the Upper Missouri River which includes national monuments, conservation and wilderness study areas, wild and scenic rivers, and national scenic and historic trails. In 1844, McKenzie was abandoned and operations were moved down river to the mouth of the Judith River, and Fort Chardon was established. These lands hold a spectacular array of plant life, wildlife, unique geological features, endless recreational opportunities, and significant historical and cultural values. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument - Wikiwand . To only way to get to Hole in the Wall is by river, which means there are very few people. The BLM encourages you to register your party prior to your trip for two reasons. Before commercial steamboat traffic disappeared from the scene in 1891, supplies unloaded in Fort Benton were being freighted as far west as Fort Walla Walla in Washington and north to the Great Slave Lake in the Northwest Territories. The size of the area, opportunities for solitude and primitive recreation, and the attractiveness of the setting combine to provide excellent wilderness quality. Today, visitors can experience aspects of this history by visiting theinterpretive centersreplica freight wagonandpilot house, and learn aboutotherimportant moments in local regional history, including the mining economy, the westward American migration, and the effectsthatwestward expansion had onindeginouspopulations. Take Front Street to 7th and turn left. A note about private and public property: The monument is managed by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management - a federal agency. To check current river conditions, click here to access USGS streamflow data. If you cannot float the Upper Missouri or visit the backcountry, you'll still be able to experience the cultural and natural history. Fort Benton - Judith Landing, River Mile 0 - 88.5. Take Front Street to 7th and turn left. None of the WSA was recommended as suitable for wilderness designation due to a combination of the unit's small size, the cherry-stemmed road running through the WSA, and several resource conflicts. The Missouri is the longest river in the United States, flowing more than 2,500 miles from its source on the eastern slope of the Rockies near Three Forks, Montana, to its confluence with the Mississippi River at St. Louis, Missouri. The Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument is one of the united states best multi-day rivers for beginners. Long before the time of Lewis and Clark, the area was inhabited by numerous native tribes, including the Blackfeet, Assiniboine, Gros Ventre (Atsina), Crow, Plains Cree, and Plains Ojibwa. Today's river traveler sees many widely contrasting scenes. The land was also a source of hope and inspiration for several generations of homesteaders. These lands hold a spectacular array of plant life, wildlife, unique geological features, endless recreational opportunities and significant historical and cultural values. Recreation.gov is your gateway to explore America's outdoor ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. Abundant plant life along the River and across the Breaks country supports this wildlife. Collaborative Action and Dispute Resolution, Canyons of the Ancients Visitor Center & Museum, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Headwaters Forest Reserve Education Center, National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center, National Historic Trails Interpretive Center, Pompeys Pillar National Monument Interpretive Center, Open Monday - Friday 8a.m.4:30p.m. (including federal holidays). The Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument contains a spectacular array of biological, geological, and historical objects of interest. Most people do the classic Missouri float trip a four-day, three-night float through the White Cliffs section of the river. The WSA contains few opportunities for outstanding solitude and primitive recreation. Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument | Outdoorsy If you ever feel the need to visit Montana in search of virtually unlimited recreational opportunities on the primitive side, then head out to the inspiring region of preservation and history in Montana at the River Breaks National Monument. It has a high potential for natural gas reserves. We recommend you always hike with water, sunscreen, maps/guidebook and a small first aid kit. They are waterproof and a vital resource for navigating the river. This WSA covers 34,050 acres on the north side of the Missouri River. There is also picturesque scenery and the opportunity for a spot of quiet, albeit primitive recreation. The River also supports the blue sucker, shovel nose sturgeon, sicklefin, sturgeon chub, and the endangered pallid sturgeon. A five-day battle and siege ensued, and the Nez Perce famously ceased fighting in 1877 when Chief Joseph gave the command. And as in most of our countrys national monuments, camping is allowed in places where there are no organized campgrounds. Sign up for our FREE weekly email.Delivered to your inbox every Friday. Explore here and turn around whenever you feel the need. OR, take a left, cross Eagle Creek either via dead tree or road and follow trail to the Lewis and Clark campsite marker. Our drivers are experienced drivers in the area and have been driving the Missouri Rivers unique and challenging conditions for a long time. Created by proclamation in 2001 by President Bill Clinton on January 17, it encompasses 377,000 acres (589sqmi; 1,526km2),[1] of public lands, most of which were already managed by the federal government. It is part of the nations system of National Conservation Lands administered by the BLM. A vital resource for a The rugged landscape has retained much of its unspoiled character over the centuries and, as a result, offers outstanding opportunities for solitude and dispersed recreation. Collaborative Action and Dispute Resolution. Lewis and Clark spent three weeks in 1805 exploring the area now known as the Upper Missouri National Wild & Scenic River, in a section known today as the main stretch of the Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail. A lock ( This stretch of the Wild and Scenic Missouri River has changed little since Lewis & Clark first explored it in 1805. It also contains several prehistoric occupation sites. Additional launch opportunities at Virgelle Ferry (mile 39.1) and McClelland (or Stafford) Ferry (mile 101.8) make possible trips of various lengths. You can also wander back behind and above the camp following cow and game trails to get incredible views and explore for dinosaur bones and fossils. Other unusual species in the river are the endangered pallid sturgeon and shovel nose sturgeon. Upper Missouri National Wild and Scenic River page. Under the proposed management plan from the Department of the Interior, although the resources of the monument will be given better protection, "currently permitted livestock grazing, hunting, fishing, and similar activities will generally not be affected, nor will private property (approximately 81,911 acres (128sqmi; 331km2)) and state land (approximately 38,722 acres (61sqmi; 157km2)) within the boundary of the proposed monument, as well as other valid existing rights. This generally happens in schools and communities in the vicinity of the monument, and children learn valuable information relating to the importance of complete watershed health. Missouri Breaks National Monument Dog Creek WSA is an 8,100-acre region on the south side of the Missouri River, and none of this region qualified for wilderness designation due to its small size, the usual conflicts over resources common with these areas, and the fact that there is a road running through it. WebWater Sports Directions Driving Directions The "Breaks" begins at historic Fort Benton on U.S. Highway 87 and ends 149 miles later where the Robinson Bridge on U.S. Highway 191 The land was originally laid down in horizontal layers, the sediments and shorelines of a great inland sea that once covered most of the Great Plains. Lewis and Clark spent three weeks, from May 24 through June 13, 1805, exploring the segment that is now the Upper Missouri National Wild & Scenic River. The riparian zone immediately adjacent to the river bank is the most important vegetative type in the river valley. They are lesser known than Americas National Parks, but equally as beautiful and valuable. Hagadone Homestead (RM 97.0) - River sandals - a sign and well worn trail leads you up and to the homestead. Mark has authored e-books, articles, and blogs across a wide range of topics for commercial, educational, factual, lifestyle and leisure-based purposes. The National Conservation Lands include approximately 27 million acres of National Monuments, National Conservation Areas, Wilderness Areas, Wilderness Study Areas, Wild and Scenic Rivers and National Scenic and Historic Trails. One word of advice: the more days you spend in the monument, the more time you have to explore, immerse yourself and fully absorb the immeasurable healing effects of the life away from life. Enjoy the primitive area and keep an eye out for wildlife. Due to the remoteness of this river corridor, there is no cell phone reception unless you are on the top of the terrain surrounding the corridor. From local events, jobs, where to stay and the best things to see and do. On top, you will see a large ring. Congress further stated that the river, with its immediate environments, possesses outstanding scenic, recreational, geological, fish and wildlife, historic, cultural, and other similar values. Ervin Ridge WSA The elk harvest on the Monument almost matches its famous neighbor the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge in regards to hunter success. By then the buffalo had disappeared from the plains to be replaced by livestock. The steamboats arrived just in time to supply the gold camps in southwest Montana and northern Idaho. Wind your way up the hills until you gain the ridgeline. Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument, Montana The Missouri River was an oft-employed tool of western expansion. Keelboats, mackinaws, bullboats and canoes plied the upper river bringing trade items and returning with a wealth of furs. Among them are the sparrow hawk, prairie falcon, and golden eagle. Please respect the important contributions these landowners have made to this area and respect landowner rights. Stafford WSA covers 10,200 acres on the rivers northern side, and again this area was not recommended for wilderness designation due to various conflicts over resources and management. The waterproof guides provide up to date maps of river miles, land ownership, topography developed campsite locations, hiking opportunities, homestead locations and descriptive information of the river. The monument is covered with sedimentary rocks deposited in shallow seas that covered central and eastern Montana during the Cretaceous period. Some of the roads are not suitable for low-clearance vehicles, and many roads cross soils that become absolutely impassable when wet. Homesteaders began arriving in large numbers around 1910. BLM was directed to preserve the Upper Missouri River in a free-flowing condition and protect it for the benefit of present and future generations. The Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument is an area in Montana covering 375,000 acres of public land featuring a combination of biological, geological, and historical aspects. Thus, we have labeled each hike based on the following scale: River sandals - just a short jaunt to stretch the legs and check out a relic of significance, Moderate - light hiking shoes or tennis shoes recommended (in the very least to get your feet out of your wet river shoes for a bit), Slightly technical - you might encounter a mini-rock scramble or steep terrain, Advanced - reasonable fitness level recommended. Woodhawk WSA covers almost 5,000 acres on the rivers northern side, in a rugged section of the Missouri Breaks. WebLocated in the Upper Missouri Breaks National Monument. This resource will focus primarily on the second and third main sections of the monument, the White Cliffs, river mile 42-88 and the Badlands, river mile 88-149. Mixed among these features you can find incredible displays of our geologic past; see where American Indians carved a living; enjoy the Upper Missouri River that tested Lewis and Clark and their crew; find evidence of the earliest hopes and dreams of homesteaders, businessmen and women; and pass by central Montana ranches of the 21st century. Woodhawk WSA Follow the rock trail towards the river, back, up and over. As you paddle down this majestic river, you will want to get out, hike, explore and stretch your legs. Friends of the Missouri Breaks Monument The river served as the pathway for Lewis and Clark, then as a waterway for steamboats and a drawing card for fur trappers and traders. The black color of these volcanic features contrasts sharply with the lighter colored shales and sandstones. Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument | Natural Atlas The Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument is part of the National Conservation Lands, a 31-million-acre group of National Monuments, National Conservation Areas, Wilderness Study Areas and more. This national monument includes an ecosystem that parallels the Upper Missouri National Wild and Scenic River through north-central Montana. Shes been guiding in the area for over a decade, and shes a supporter of the river and the monument. The entire region was the homeland and lifeblood of American Indians. The land and the rugged, surrounding uplands (commonly call the Missouri Breaks) are defined in part by their history. The land was also a source of hope and inspiration for several generations of homesteaders. In some areas, these BLM acres are intermingled with State of Montana lands and private property. LockA locked padlock Much of the monument is not accessible by any road, inviting visitors to explore on foot. Once on top, follow the road for just a minute or two. paddlefish) reside in the river. This stretch of river has changed very little since Lewis and Clark came upriver in 1805. Today this portion is considered to be the premier component of the Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail. An official website of the United States government. The 149-mile Upper Missouri National Wild and Scenic River flows through the monument. BLM photo. Within a very short distance you will end up on a small rock ledge overlooking the astounding horseshoe bend in the river. It is packed with beautiful scenery in every direction you look, including a roaring You'll experience the same beauty and tranquility. WebThe Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument encompasses 149 rives miles, yet, arguably the most renown and visited section is the 46 miles stretch referred to as The The wide, fertile valley below Fort Benton differs considerably from the scenic white cliffs down river from Coal Banks Landing. Given that, our first stop was to connect with Nicolle Fugere, owner of Adventure Bound Canoe. The monument boasts the most viable elk herd in Montana and one of the premier big horn sheep herds in the continental United States. This entire region of natural Montana beauty has remained relatively unchanged for hundreds of years, and today provides access to endless recreation options like fishing, river floating, hiking, hunting, and scenic driving. "Upper Missouri Wild and Scenic River" by mypubliclands is licensed under CC BY 2.0, Accessible Rooms, Accessible Sites, Benches/Seating, Captioned Media, Entrance Passes For Sale, Gifts/Souvenirs/Books, Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Information, Information - Maps Available, Information - Ranger/Staff Member Present, Information Kiosk/Bulletin Board, Parking - Auto, Permits Issued, Restroom, Restroom - Accessible, Tactile Exhibit, Theater/Auditorium, Ticket Sales, Toilet - Flush, Trailhead, Trash/Litter Receptacles, Wheelchair Accessible, Visitor Centers and Museums along the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail. Hiking and off-trail exploration opportunities abound within the 149 mile stretch of the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument. It is part of the nations system of National Conservation Lands However, if you feel more comfortable and stable is sturdier hiking boots, by all means, take them along. Upper Missouri River flows in Montana are much lower than normal for this time of year, resulting in exposed or underwater hazards, like rocks, gravel bars, logs and other obstacles, that could damage boats or knock vessel occupants into the water. Horseshoe Bend/Lower Woodhawk Bottom (RM 131.2) - behind Lower Wookhawk Developed Public Access Site - Moderate - 2 miles, 600 feet elevation gain - follow the road past the vault toilet and up. At places, large intrusive plugs capture the traveler's attention. During the years following the expeditions passage though, the Blackfeet Indians did their utmost to prevent any further encroachment on what they considered their territory by trappers and others of European descent coming into the region. Click here for more information and purchase options. Of the White Cliffs, Captain Lewis wrote, "The hills and river clifts, which we passed today exhibit a most romantic appearance . This 8,100 acre WSA is on the south side of the Missouri River. Follow it up the hill to the top. Multiple Day: Per person, per day, no additional boat fee. Their stewardship of these lands has contributed greatly to maintaining the area's unique qualities and values. WebOur center is located in Fort Benton, Montana, and interprets the grandeur and wonder of Upper Missouri National Wild and Scenic River and the Upper Missouri River Breaks The public lands of the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument, both under federal and state management, make a significant contribution to the local lifestyle and the regional economy. However, the area is very scenic and rugged, combining steep slopes with narrow ridges. Neat Coulee (RM 56) behind Eagle Creek Developed Boat Camp - Moderate to Slightly Technical | about 3 miles, 1.5 hours, relatively zero elevation gain but a few rock scrambles - Follow the well worn trail behind the vault toilets heading down river. Arrow Creek, originally called Slaughter River by Lewis and Clark, contains the largest concentration of antelope and mule deer in the monument as well as important spawning habitat for the endangered pallid sturgeon. August 24 September 3, 2020. 12 Best National & State Parks in Montana All visitors are encouraged to carry a map and have basic land navigation skills before exploring the remote areas of the monument. Cow Creek WSA This section of the Upper Missouri River is far less traveled and far more vast. Anyone planning on boating in the area should consult the available guide information related to the area and its put-in points like the one between Fort Benton and Judith Landing, and another between Judith Landing and James Kipp Recreation Area. The Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument is a national monument in the western United States, protecting the Missouri Breaks of north central Montana. The US military gained on them and closed in on the region now known as the Bear Paw Battlefield, just north of the Monument. That is because there are no rapids, some This WSA covers 4,800 acres on the north side of the Missouri River. They collect the advertised fee from those who would like to participate. Cow Creek WSA covers 34,050 acres on the rivers north side, and 21,590 acres of this is a designated wilderness area. The lower reach of the Judith River, just above its confluence with the Missouri, contains one of the few remaining fully functioning cottonwood gallery forest ecosystems on the Northern Plains. There is no recreation to speak of in this area, but it does contain a few prehistoric occupation archaeology sites. Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument. Our center is located in Fort Benton, Montana, and interprets the grandeur and wonder of Upper Missouri National Wild and Scenic River and the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument. None of this WSA was recommended for wilderness designation due to a variety of resource conflicts and manageability concerns including a high potential for natural gas development. WebThe "Breaks" begins at historic Fort Benton on U.S. Highway 87 and ends 149 miles later where the Robinson Bridge on U.S. Highway 191 crosses the Missouri River. It is also the location of an impressive array of plant life and wildlife, as well as a fair few unique geological features. Turn right (north) on Highway 80 and travel 57 miles to Fort Benton. All public and private ownership is labeled and designated on the river maps published by the BLM. However, there are certainly areas to visit that require very little venturing off the river bank, and can be done in your river shoes or sandals. If you cannot float the Upper Missouri or visit the backcountry, you'll still be able to experience the cultural and natural history. Pioneers and the Army followed Lewis and Clark in the 1830s establishing Fort Piegan, Fort McKenzie, and Fort Benton. The entire region was the homeland and lifeblood of American Indians. Official websites use .gov

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