Enjoy a popular float into the Monument
Glenn Braun of Big Sandy tells us about his favorite section of the River. We start our trip at Coal Banks Landing. Our take-out point will be Judith Landing, a total of 44 miles. To float this stretch and enjoy the scenic areas you should plan for three nights out.
We start at mile 41.5 where you register at the visitor center. With loaded canoes you will enjoy a nice 4 to 5 mph current.
You will pass by several small and large islands, some with nice gravel bars.
A great lunch spot at 46.5 miles is called Little Sandy with a nice vault toilet. After lunch you may want to hike up Little Sandy Creek. Views of the river and Little Sandy Creek are worth the hike. Teepee rings can be viewed on the little rise.
Next stop is Pilot Rock at mile 51. You can read the information signs about Undaunted Stewardship and observe Pilot Rock.
At mile 52 you start into the White Cliffs area. On the left the first white cliff is known locally as Pigeon Rock. At mile 53 is the White Rocks picnic area which is on private land. This is a popular RV and tenting area. At river mile 53.7 is Monroe Island, a popular camp spot. On the west side of the river is Horse Thief Cabin, with walls of white sandstone, the first of many old cabin sites on the float.
Mile 56 finds us at Eagle Creek campsite with two vault toilets. Two nights are recommended here to see all the sights. After you set up camp there will be time for a hike. Lewis and Clark camped to the north of the campsite on May 31, 1805. Eagle Creek runs through the white sandstone cliffs with a volcanic dike visible. This was named Stonewall Creek by Lewis and Clark.
Day Two
The next morning, while it’s still cool out, follow a well-traveled trail from the camp to the southeast. You will find Neat Coulee. You will be able to 
spend the biggest part of the day exploring the two forks of it. A nice evening hike is to put your canoe in and paddle over to La Barge Rock. With some minor rock scrambling you are able to get on top and look over the remains of Eye of the Needle, a beautiful vantage point across
and down the river.
Day Three
On the river again, at mile 56 you reach the Grand Natural Wall. The views here are enhanced by the dark volcanic dikes cutting across the white sandstone.
At mile 62 on the right side towers Citadel Rock, left over from the volcanic plug.
At mile 63 you arrive at Hole in the Wall camp site which has log shelters. You can stay here and climb up to the hole in the wall or float further down to Dark Butte Camp or 14 miles to a developed camp at Slaughter River ( mile 76.8). At Slaughter River you will find lots of shade, a fire ring, a shelter and vault toilets. There are also hiking opportunities. Your options are open. If you go to Slaughter River you will have a short float the next day. After Hole in the Wall the country opens up. From mile 65 to 71 is some of the most beautiful scenery on the river. There are views of Steamboat Rock, Dark Butte and Seven Sisters.
Day Four
If you stay at Slaughter River campsite, it is a short 12 miles to the take out, so you can take your time and enjoy yourself. Arrow Creek comes in on the right. Lewis and Clark had named it Slaughter River. At mile 81.3 you view the Wall area on the left. You can also see Eight Mile Bench, with wheat fields on 
top. It’s 8 miles long and 5 miles wide and largely farmed.
Judith River comes in at mile 87.5 and Judith Landing is at mile 88.3. You float under and past the bridge to the landing on the left. There is an established campground here.
This is my favorite way to schedule the float. There are many options as to where to camp and how long to float each day depending on your ability and time you have available.To see it all plan on another trip or two because you can’t see it all on one float.
See you in the Monument on the River in 2012. Let's have some fun!
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The Proclamation designating this Monument explicitly states the reasons for designation. It speaks to the "spectacular array of biological, geological and historical objects of interest." The Friends of the Missouri Breaks Monument, citizens from all walks of life, advocate "Keep it pristine, undeveloped, natural," as close to the primitive, native landscape as possible. This will assure that we honor the vision of those who want to keep the area the way it has been through generations of peoples. Our organization seeks to work with the BLM, and other organizations, in activities and projects to assure future generations this opportunity.