What’s an average day on the river like?

That depends on the river, of course. On the Missouri, which is surrounded by lots of public land, there are many opportunities for day hikes, which we take advantage of on a nearly daily basis. Other rivers we paddle are more restrictive on where we travel while on land, but in all cases an average day will look similar to this:

Rise at a reasonable hour (but not excessively early), eat a hearty breakfast, break camp and pack up the canoes. Paddle for a few hours, stop and have a nice lunch, swim or hike if applicable, get back in the canoes, paddle for 3-4 hours, arrive at camp. Guests unpack and set up their tents while the guides fix a great dinner. Leisure, reading or hiking time available at this time.  

What will the weather be like?

This is Montana which means any season is possible at any time and weather conditions which can change rapidly, may include rain, intense heat and even snow flurries. Therefore, it is important to read the client gear list carefully and to pack every mandatory item on it. Fleece in July may sound like overkill, and you might not need it, but it is a welcome friend when the mercury suddenly plummets. That said, May and June are usually considerably cooler than July, August and even the first half of September. Daytime temperatures in summer can reach 100 degrees, plus on the Missouri, especially in July and August. Nights can be cool (50s), even cold (30s), even in summer. Temperatures are somewhat cooler on all the other rivers we paddle, but 90s are not uncommon in July and August.

What kind of paddling skills do I need?

That depends on the river. The Missouri is suitable for any skill level—beginner through advanced -  and is a kid-friendly river. The entire route is Class I with no rapids or major obstacles. The Yellowstone is Class I and II, but considerably more challenging than the Missouri as the river moves more quickly and sports lots of curves, plus numerous obstacles like downed trees that absolutely must be avoided!  The Clark Fork (custom tours only) has two Class III rapids which require skill and courage to maneuver. Although there are always two well-trained guides per trip, that means guides paddle with a maximum of two clients. Other clients will be paired according to ability and when possible, with the partners they request. We are happy to provide paddling instruction and answer any questions about paddling partners, river conditions or hazards. Ultimately, you, along with your boating partner, are responsible for your own safety and for commandeering your boat.

Will there be bugs?

That depends on three things: the river, the weather and the camp. It can be very buggy (mosquitoes mostly) on both the Missouri and the Yellowstone, especially earlier in the season. Even then, the bugs vary tremendously from camp to camp. Late in the season look for yellow jackets and grasshoppers. If we have a wet spring and a late run-off, the bugs will be worse. It we are in dry or drought conditions, bugs will be minimal. Ask before you book and we’ll give our best guesstimate. Always pack your favorite bug goop and a hat with a brim and ???. We find a lightweight long sleeve shirt and pants to be an effective bug repellant in most instances. We provide head nets on every trip, but rarely wear them ourselves.

How is the birding?

Early in the season, May and June, the birding is great. Migratory birds from all over the country pass through the Missouri and Yellowstone valleys bringing all kinds of surprise visitors. On the Missouri we see huge flocks of white pelicans. An occasional golden eagle is a treat. On the Yellowstone, we often sight hundreds of bald eagles and dozens of great blue herons. The later in the season, the fewer birds, especially the migrators which tend to leave on the early side. Bring your bird book and binoculars!

Can I fish?

Not as an official activity of Wild Rockies Tours. We are not licensed fishing outfitters and therefore cannot offer fishing as an official activity. However, once in camp, your Montana fishing license firmly in hand, you can feel free to walk down the bank and throw your line in. The Missouri sports only warm water fish like sturgeon and catfish and paddle fish. On all the other rivers, there are a variety of trout including Rainbow, Brown, and Cutthroat.

What’s for Dinner?

Lots of great menus. We are enthusiastic and hearty cooks who tend to select as many local, fresh, and when possible, organic ingredients as possible. Stir frys, Italian and Mexican cuisine, fresh fish from the region, and lots of fresh vegetables are standard fare. Special diet considerations? Vegetarian? Low sodium? Low Carb? Lactose intolerant? Let us know. We aim to please when it comes to our cooking and we can accommodate a wide range of dietary needs and desires.

Do we have to help cook or clean up after meals?

Nope. We do it all so you can relax and enjoy your meal and your trip. (Except on women-only trips).

What sort of foot gear do I need?

For day hikes on the Missouri, a good pair of well fitted and broken in hiking boots is recommended, though not mandatory. Stout tennis shoes, with grippy soles will also work. For paddling we recommend a combination of footwear: water shoes or water sandals, and 'mud boots'. Paddlers shoes or sandals are made to get wet, and in warm weather, these are what we wear when we are getting in and out of boats during the day. Mud boots are knee high rubber boots which are infinitely useful when paddling the Missouri River in particular (see below). They are also great around camp and wonderful to have when paddling in cooler weather. Teamed with a pair of wool socks, they provide good insulation for your feet. In order to facilitate a comfortable trip, we recommend three pair of footwear: water shoes or sandals, tennis shoes or hiking boots, and rubber boots.

Do I really need rubber boots on the Missouri?

Yes, you really do! The Missouri River attracts an impressive array of major weather systems and a big thunderstorm can happen at any time. When the rain comes it can turn the entire landscape into famed Missouri River Gumbo, a mud so thick and tenacious that it will suck the shoes right off your feet. Tevas and tennis shoes are hopeless against such a foe. Rubber boots are the answer! And they are inexpensive. Available for sale in Great Falls and Fort Benton for about $15 to $20.

What are the sleeping arrangements?

We provide easy-to-assemble sturdy 3- or 4-man tents and self-inflating sleeping pads. We most often sleep two people to a tent.  Many of our clients say they sleep better outside on these comfortable pads then they do at home in their own beds! An inflatable sleeping pad also helps keep you warm and dry.

Bathing

We always pack a portable 'solar' shower, which works great if we have warm, sunny temperatures. We’ll place the solar shower well away from the river, so you are welcome to use soap/shampoo there. If not, a dip in the river water works in a pinch. No soap of any kind, even biodegradable, is allowed in the river. Your tent mate will appreciate it if you bathe regularly and so will we!

What qualifications do the guides have?

Guides are certified by the American Canoe Association (ACA) in moving water. In addition, at least one guide per trip is certified as a Wilderness First Responder. This type of training requires regular re-certification which involves many hours involving actual wilderness scenarios where the guides work through simulated emergencies and the best way to deal with them. Rest assured that your guides are professional, well trained, focused on 'safety first', and passionate about sharing their love of the wilderness with you in a safe and enjoyable manner!

Women in the Woods

Urinating: The drip-dry method is the most environmentally friendly, however toilet paper is fine too: just pack it in, pack it out. Another option is the time-tested “pee-rag” method, and some women swear it's changed their camping experience. It helps to carry along a spare bandana and wipe with this whenever you're finished peeing. Wash it daily in the river, hang it on the side of a mesh pocket or belt loop and you’re ready to go. Using a pee rag can greatly reduce urinary tract infections, as well as yeast infections.

Menstruating: Obviously pack it in pack it out. If you’re not on birth control which entails hormone supplements (the pill, depo provera, norplant, etc.), being in the woods can really throw your cycle out of whack. Even if you're not expecting your period, bring all the supplies you will need, just in case. Likewise, leaving the woods can also throw your cycle out of whack. Non-applicator tampons are preferable because there's less trash to carry around when you're in the backcountry. A great system for dealing with your period in the woods is a simple three ziplock system: one bag for used tampons/pads and wipes or toilet paper; one for unused tampons/pads; and a larger one to hold it all together. Some women use a coffee bag (used) for disposing of used tampons because the coffee absorbs the odor. As far as feeling clean, vaginal wipes work really well. Tucts medicated pads are great for this; they're small and they come in a handy pack. Other wipes, like baby wipes, can sometimes make you dry and itchy.