Trip Preparation
Prairie Mountain River Adventures trips are an experience you will not forget, but there are things you can do to ensure your journey is most enjoyable. Montana's weather can change in minutes with hurricane force winds, oppressive heat, lightning storms, hail and even snow in the summer. It's important to be prepared for any condition.
Life Jackets
Montana law requires all children ages 11 and under to wear a life jacket at all times during our float trips. Guests 12 and up are strongly encouraged to wear life jackets, especially during early season when the water is bitterly cold, currents are swift and powerful, and if the guests are not strong swimmers. Regardless, all passengers MUST have a properly fitted lifejacket with them at all times, even if not being worn. During late summer, when the water warms, many guests enjoy “body floating” on the rivers near the raft. In this case, lifejacket wear is mandatory. For guests taking part in kayak trips, life jacket wear is mandatory at all times. Life jackets will be provided to all guests as part of their trip.
Will I Get Waterlogged?
Most trips float rivers with little to no whitewater sections, so you should be able to remain dry as long as you choose. Most floaters experience wet feet from stepping in the water, and a small amount of water can collect in the inner raft floor areas.
Montana Conservation License
Starting in 2024, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks will require river recreationists to purchase a Montana Conservation License. These will also be required for our guests ages 12 and up. Licenses must be purchased directly by guests, are $8 for MT residents and $10 for non-residents and can be purchased on-line prior to your float at: https://fwp.mt.gov/buyandapply/conservation-license
Montana Summer Weather
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Montana summer weather can be very unpredictable and destructive. Early summer presents risks of freak snowstorms and is also the hail season. In late summer, violent thunderstorms, with 60 mile per hour winds, lightning, and heavy rain is often seen. Montana weather can also change extremely quickly. It isn’t uncommon to begin a river trip with sunny skies, calm winds, and hot weather, only to have a violent storm appear within an hour. Trips will progress in nearly all weather situations, with conditions. Rain will be dealt with by providing guests with rain gear, which also helps protect guests from hail. Lightning is extremely dangerous, and will cause trip delays, or if already begun, will force the trip to shore to ride out the storm. Blizzards and any other weather that present a risk of hypothermia will cancel trips. Guest safety is our #1 priority and guides, who have extensive experience in such conditions, will always act in the interest of guest safety and comfort. Fortunately, nearly all Montana summer storms disappear as quickly as they appear, so generally 15-30 minutes is all that is needed to ride out a strong storm.
"Musquetoes Very Troublesome"
Duds and Gear
We provide life jackets and basic rain protection. We encourage you to bring extra clothing and perhaps a towel in case you get cold and wet. Footwear should be sturdy, but also waterproof. Leather footwear is not recommended. Dry bags will be provided to keep your personal belongings dry at all times. During hot weather, many guests choose to float short distances in the river to cool off and relax, or take a swimming hole break along the river, so it might be advisable to wear a bathing suit or similar clothing. Montana law requires children under 12 to wear a life jacket at all times while on the river.
Grub and Grog
Gettin' there and back
All trips will begin at a designated location where you'll meet your guide and follow him to the start point. All trips include one free vehicle shuttle, which means your vehicle will be relocated by a professional, specialized contractor to the destination point while you are floating.
Big Sky Protection
River adventures can result in nasty sunburns with intense sunlight being reflected off the water. Pack along a hat as well as a water resistant, high-quality sunscreen, and don't forget those sunglasses!
We'll provide ample drinking water and assortment of non-alcoholic beverages. We also offer a delicious riverside meal option on every trip. You may bring along your own food and beverages if preferred. Alcoholic drinks may be brought on board, if consumed in moderation and by those of legal age.
The Call of Nature
Montana is a wild place, and as such, you won’t find many bathroom facilities on our trips, even in the well-developed Wolf Creek Canyon section of the Missouri River. Most trip launch locations and final destinations have at least a primitive vault toilet. However, if you feel nature calling during your trip, do not be embarrassed to inform your guide. The ideal location for relief is actually in the river, however, in early summer with bitterly cold water, this isn’t always possible. If river relief isn’t possible (or desired), your guide will find a suitable location on the riverbank as private as possible. Guides always carry toilet paper, hand sanitizer, and trash bags for just such an occasion. These situations are quite common during river trips for both guests and guides!
Lewis & Clark's most frequent journal entry, Montana bugs can wreak havoc on river travelers. Trips in the Wolf Creek Canyon of the Missouri River rarely encounter mosquitoes unless the float is in the early evening. But for any of our trips out on the prairie, and especially on the Marias River, you may encounter mosquitoes and gnats. Repellant and bug-proof clothing is recommended for these trips.