Canoeing the Little Missouri River

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A float trip down the Little Missouri River is an ideal way to experience the beauty and solitude of the North Dakota badlands. It takes about three or four days to canoe the 110 miles between Medora near the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park and Long X Bridge on U.S. Highway 85 near the park's North Unit. Two days are needed to continue from Long X Bridge to Lost Bridge on State Highway 22 (Little Missouri Bay on Lake Sakakawea).

The river ice generally breaks up and is flushed downstream around the middle April. Thereafter, moderating temperatures and spring rains may combine to produce satisfactory conditions for canoe trips. In the past, May and June have been the best months, though travel has occasionally been possible at other times. Because the amount of rainfall dictates river levels, one should contact the Ranger District Office in Dickinson or Watford City for up-to-date information on local water and weather conditions. Each year is different and difficult to predict.

For much of the year, low water levels and restrictive channels require frequent portages. Instead of carrying a portage, it is usually sufficient to step out of the canoe and drag it through the stretch of shallow water. Bring shoes adequate for wading and exercise caution to avoid drop-offs and soft bottoms. In years with little rainfall, the river may not be floatable at all. Sections of the river may dry up all together.

Summer thunderstorms may cause the water level to suddenly increase with little or no warning. The quiet river can change into a rampaging torrent in minutes, carrying large logs and other debris. Stay alert for changes in the weather and rising water.

Because the river winds through truly remote terrain, it is important that complete advance preparations be made for your trip. Temperatures and the amount of precipitation may vary widely in late spring, so clothing should be adequate for a broad range of climatic conditions. A change of wool clothes is suggested because they retain warmth when wet. Hats and lotion for sun protection are a must.

With the exception of Medora and park campgrounds, there are no reliable sources of drinking water along the route. Infrequent ranches along the river are usually obscured by the high banks which flank the channel. Maps showing unsurfaced roads to these ranches may be misleading. A short rain may quickly make a clay road impassable.

Local conditions should be checked before depending on access, and changes should be anticipated. Plan to carry an adequate supply of water and food with you, and don't forget a first aid kit, spare paddles, and approved life preservers. Two other items that may help are a supply of large plastic bags for keeping your supplies waterproof (and for litter) and a bucket or big sponge to bail out water and mud.

There are many inviting campsites in the cottonwood groves along the river, but the supply of available firewood is severely limited. For this reason, and because much of the land bordering the water is in private ownership , it is recommended that all cooking be done on liquid or gas-fueled camp stoves. Most of the land that borders the river outside the National Park is private. Contact landowner in advance for permission to camp.

As a courtesy, please pick up all litter and carry your non-combustible trash with you until you can properly dispose of it in a suitable waste receptacle. If you plan to camp in the National Park at locations other than the designated campgrounds, you must obtain a free backcountry use permit at one of the park visitor centers.

Campsite selection is sometimes difficult. In years when the river rises high enough to occupy the flood plain, a thick deposit of mud limits campsites to higher terraces adjacent to the banks. Also, after the channel is ice free early in the season, it is common to have large heaps of mud-covered ice slabs lining the shores.

The use of outboard motors is permitted but not recommended because the channel is frequently too shallow for their use, and the river's heavy silt load may destroy the engine's water pumps after a very brief running time.

Fishing for channel catfish, goldeyes and sauger is permitted, but the quantity and quality of these fishes is unpredictable. North Dakota state laws and license requirements apply. Binoculars, cameras, and appropriate field guides will add to your enjoyment, as wildlife and flowers are common along the river.

If you have additional questions or if you need current information on water levels, call Theodore Roosevelt National Park headquarters in Medora at (701) 623-4466, Medora Ranger District at (701) 225-5151, or the McKenzie Ranger District at (701) 842-2393. Limited daily water level Information is also available at:

     

       Canoeing North Dakota's Rivers

and additional water flow readings are available at:

• Current Hydrograph and Station Description for Marmath

• Current Hydrograph and Station Description for Watford City

• USGS - North Dakota District Realtime Data - River Flow

Remember! Water levels vary daily. High water and easy canoeing one day can be a float trip with several portages the next.
WARNING:  A wildlife barrier has been installed across the Little Missouri River where it exits the National Park. A short portage around this floating fence that blocks the river exit is required.

Little Missouri River Mileage South to North
Marmarth to Billings County Line	79.0 miles
Billings County Line to Medora	41.5 miles
Medora to Elkhorn	39.5 miles
Elkhorn to McKenzie County Line	9.5 miles
McKenzie County Line to US 85	58.5 miles
US 85 to ND 22, Lost Bridge	40.5 miles
Total	268.5 miles