New Business In Cascade

A new business has opened in Cascade to showcase the beauty of Montana’s rivers to tourists as well as locals. Prairie Mountain River Adventures opened on June 1st, and is based in Cascade. The owner and local resident, Ken Speidel, was previously employed by Montana River Outfitters as a scenic guide for many years. After nearly 50 years in business, the owner of Montana River Outfitters decided to retire, and with the closure of the business, options in the region for scenic guided raft trips suddenly no longer existed.

“I felt the scenic trips were very important to the community and our tourism industry”, said Speidel. “While it was still possible to obtain fishing trips, merchandise sales and equipment rental, guided scenic raft trips were no longer available, and I couldn’t imagine this scenario. I absolutely love to guide scenic float trips for people. I love watching people relax and enjoy the beauty of our landscape and our abundant wildlife. Every time I guide, I am reminded how blessed I am to be living in this beautiful location. I also get the chance to meet wonderful people not only from around the country, but also from the entire world.” Speidel is also a frequent volunteer at the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, and also admits to being a Lewis and Clark nerd. He loves sharing the history of the expedition and highlighting historical locations to his guests during floats.

Speidel has had a lifelong love of rivers, and has accumulated nearly 2,500 miles of guided river experience. “I took a trip down the Dearborn River many, many years ago, and I became instantly hooked”, he said. After a long career in the military, he began guiding part-time, primarily as a volunteer guide. Soon, he got his lucky break: “I was blessed to be taken on by Montana River Outfitters, which really expanded my river knowledge, and instilled upon me the importance of the overall guest experience and service when floating rivers.”

Prairie Mountain River Adventures specializes in guided scenic raft and kayaking trips, primarily along the local section of the Missouri River. They also provide trips along the Dearborn, Sun, Marias, Blackfoot, and just about any other river a customer would want. The trips encompass such locations as the beautiful Wolf Creek Canyon section of the Missouri, as well as more isolated river segments rarely traveled by recreationists, such as the Missouri River east of Great Falls, and the Marias River. His trips are ideal for tourists, locals, families, office retreats, Lewis and Clark fans, reunions and so much more. Speidel has even been contracted by Netflix this summer, which is filming a new reality series with an episode featuring a Missouri River float.

Speidel’s company also prides itself on offering first-class service to guests, offering gourmet riverside picnic lunches, with food catered by Cascade’s own Mo River Eats, and supplies purchased from 468 Market. As part of their adventure, guests also have their vehicles shuttled by Trout Montana, also in Cascade. Guests finish each journey with their vehicles waiting for them at their destination. “We are very proud to have all aspects of our operations stay within our community.” said Speidel.

Speidel says business has been very good in their first season, and hopes the business continues to be an asset for Cascade and the surrounding area.

Prairie Mountain River Adventures operates generally from May to late September, and can be reached at 334-300-6168, email at prairiemtriver@gmail.com, and has a website: http://www.prairiemtriver.com.