Missouri River in North Dakota

Trip Overview

The Little Missouri is one of the most remote, wild and scenic rivers in the western US. Flat, muddy water, breathtakingly sublime scenery. There are few access points, flow is 3-4 MPH, and winds are typical. Consequently, most trips are multi day.

The North Unit of the Teddy Roosevelt National Park, 14 miles south of Watford City, ND, has a five or six mile meandering float from the campground/picnic area downriver to the highway bridge between Watford City and Grassy Butte.

Lots of waterfowl, subtle changing views of badlands, cottonwood riparian areas, and diverse wildlife make this day trip a delight. The area has nearly a million acres of National Grasslands nearby, incredible mountain biking, birding possibilities, and the world-class Mah-Dah-hey mountain bike trail, as well as several nominally developed 'links' style prairie-based golf courses that will confound and delight.

It also is in the heart of the Williston Basin/Bakken and Three Forks oil and gas development, so one can muse and ponder what our convenient lives in the US mean in terms of stunning impacts to the area.

Accommodations:

Local hotels are typically fully booked with oil filed service workers. Camping at the national park, or on federal land, is probably the best bet

Fees:

National Park pass, or gate fee. No boat or bike permit required

Directions:

14 miles south of Watford City, ND