Supporting the Big Muddy National
Fish and Wildlife Refuge

A Friends of Big Muddy canoe trip between
Bonnet’s Mill and Chamois.

Canoe trips on the Missouri River?

Whenever we talk about taking a canoe trip on the Missouri River, the response is usually the same.  “The Missouri River?  Isn’t that dangerous?”  Well, like everything else, you need to practice a few safety tips, but the river is no more dangerous then a trip on the Current River in the Ozarks—and has a lot less people and lots more space.

Friends of Big Muddy has tried to hold an annual canoe trip on the Missouri River since we started.  We’ve missed some years as available weekends have filled up with other activities, but we’ve had a few nice floats.  We have yet to try an overnight, but might this August stopping on an open sand bar.

Maps of the Missouri River, available from
the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

A few safety trips for any canoe trip, but especially on the Missouri River:

• Be aware of the weather forecast and be prepared for the weather to change.

• ALWAYS wear a life jacket when on the river.

• Bring plenty of suntan lotion, water, and snacks.  You don’t want to get too much sun or get dehydrated.

• Don’t plan a trip for too long!  You want to end before you get too tired.  Allow plenty of time to stop and explore the public lands along the way.

• Make sure you have a map of the river so you can follow where you are.  The Army Corps of Engineers sells charts of the river, and someone in your group should have one (follow link and select Recreation, then Order Maps).

• Make sure someone knows where you are and when you will get back, and be sure they will follow up if you don’t arrive back when expected. 

• Watch out for other boats.  Face into waves to prevent the boat from swamping.  If you see a barge (which is very unusual and you have lots and lots of warning of one coming), just pull off the river and explore a bit until they have gone by.  You don’t want to get caught in a barge’s wake.

• Stay away from the wing dikes.  They can extend far out into the river, and have swirls and eddies that can swamp a boat.

These are just common sense ideas, but following them will make for a much safer trip—and one that is more fun as well.

Canoeing the Missouri River can be intimidating at first, so please join us for your first time if you like.  Or if you are ready to take the plunge yourself, pick an access and head out!

A stop for snacks on a sand bar.

A green heron seen along the bank of the river.

Contact us for more information.

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