About
Roosevelt's Elkhorn Ranch, 1884. Through Theodore Roosevelt National Park's South and North Units, the Little Missouri carves 560 miles of classic Badlands canyon through Billings and McKenzie counties. The river runs Class I-II at 420 CFS average, with an optimal range from 200 to 3,000 CFS that accommodates both low-water technical runs and spring flood floats. Thirty miles through the South Unit showcase the signature canyon scenery, while the remote 60-mile stretch from Elkhorn Ranch to the North Unit offers wilderness paddling rarely found on the northern plains. The final 15 miles through the North Unit drop through deep canyon walls where bison herds water along the banks. Designated a North Dakota Scenic River, the Little Missouri maintains its wild character despite flowing through one of the most developed oil regions in the country. Little Missouri River Outfitters provides shuttle services for sections that would otherwise require complex logistics. USGS gauge 06337000 tracks flows that can swing dramatically with prairie thunderstorms.
River conditions are community-verified. CFS ranges, difficulty ratings, and access points may not reflect every flow level or seasonal change. Always check current conditions, scout unfamiliar rapids, and paddle within your skill level.