Where Is The Widest Point Of The Missouri River?

What is the widest point of the Missouri River? The Missouri River reaches its maximum width at approximately 13 miles. This measurement, however, is an approximation due to the challenges of precisely determining the river’s width at its broadest expanse. As of September 26, 2022, this remains the most widely accepted estimate.

The Missouri River varies in width along its course. Near Fort Benton, the river’s high-water width ranges from 500 to 1,000 feet. As it flows downstream, the width expands, reaching 1,500 feet at the mouth of the Milk River and up to 2,000 feet near the mouth of the Yellowstone. Beyond the Yellowstone’s confluence, the width continues to gradually increase, stretching from 2,000 to 3,000 feet. This width range remains fairly consistent further downstream.

The Missouri River is notably wide in its west-east segments due to a fascinating geological history. These wide stretches of the river valley can be attributed to their alignment with much older valleys, some of which had already formed long before the last glacial period. In general, older or mature river valleys tend to exhibit a broader and more gently sloping profile. This is in contrast to younger, less developed valleys, which typically have narrower channels and steeper sides. The Missouri River’s width, in these segments, is a testament to the ancient geological processes that shaped the landscape, contributing to the river’s characteristic breadth.