So lately, this oilfield work has been consuming my life. I have not had much time at home in the last year and a half, and did not have time to pay a visit to my sanctuary in the BWCA (or anywhere else, for that matter). So, I resigned.

I took a much more reasonable job in Montana, and I will be moving to Red Lodge at the end of the month. I've already got big plans for the motorcycles, but the canoe is coming too. Anyone on here familiar with the area? Maybe know of a few good places to wet a paddle?

I'm already looking forward to breaking out the fly rod and hiking up to some of those   (You need to Login or Register But I don't want to portage my canoe 15 miles up a mountain to find quiet water. I'm sure I'll find some good places in time, but I'd sure appreciate a head start if anyone has any tips.

On a related note, anyone want to buy a Wenonah Sandpiper? I can only take one canoe with me, so that one has to go. Located in Rosemount, MN.

Welcome back!

I can't help you much, but if Montana is anything like Alberta, most of the western part of the state will be technical paddling (lots of Class IV etc). You will want solid local experience and good reach reports for that stuff. Maybe Billings has a canoe club whose members could help you?

I understand you can go a long way on the Missouri starting at Great Falls ...

Missouri and Smith Rivers; Yellowstone isn't all that far for you.

Look over on Paddling.net in Places to Paddle

In the know about the beartoothes and curious about the sandpiper pm me with the particulars.