Presents

The Columbia River Canoe Project

A 1,300 Mile Expedition Documenting the Watershed's Past, Present & Future
Title Sponsor:

Columbia River Canoe Project Theater Tickets!

Billings, Montana November 16th -

West Seattle, Washington November 22nd & 23rd -

Edmonds, Washington November 24th -

Bainbridge Island, Washington November 24th -

Documentary Synopsis

The Columbia River Canoe Project follows cousins Robert Lester and Braxton Mitchell as they attempt a 1,300-mile canoe expedition from the Continental Divide near Butte, Montana, all the way to the Pacific Ocean. Braxton, only 18, has never been in a canoe before volunteering for this adventure of a lifetime. Though just a few years older, Robert leads the expedition, trying to overcome the unforeseen challenges of such an ambitious journey. As the pair navigate the river, enduring the hardships of battling dams, rapids, and wind, Braxton grows up, learning about life and discovering his true capabilities.
While following their downstream journey, the film highlights the ecological issues facing the Columbia River Watershed and promotes the importance of environmental stewardship. The Columbia River Canoe Project takes viewers on an adventure filled with breathtaking landscapes, unpredictable challenges, and a wealth of inspiration.

Awards & Recognitions

Upcoming Showings:

11/16/24 - Billings, Montana: 3Pm & 6Pm Showings

11/20/24 - University Of Utah 6:30 Pm Showing

Free Community Event At University Of Utah’s Union Theater

11/22/24 - 11/24/24 - West Seattle, Washington: 5Pm Shows

11/24/24 - Edmonds, Washington: 1Pm Showing

11/24/24 - Bainbridge Island, Washington: 4:30Pm Show

12/4 - 6/24 - San Francisco, California: TWIFF

Tickets: Home - FIILM

1/16/25 - Kaysville, Utah: 6:00 Pm Show

Tickets: Coming Soon 

1/30/25 - Missoula, Montana: 6:00 Pm Show

Tickets: Coming Soon 

Here's the journey by the numbers:

  • May 12, 2023 launched

  • July 2, 2023 completed

  • 52 day expedition

  • 4 US states (and Canada) traversed

  • 1,276 miles as the river flows

  • 175+ miles portaged

  • 24 miles – longest portage in one day

  • Over 19 hydro-electric dams portaged

  • 17' Ruby Red Oberholtzer Navarro canoe

Project Goals

Film, produce and distribute a documentary that inspires stakeholders near and far to empower measurable improvements for the Columbia River's ecosystem and its future.

Driving Influences:

  1. Indigenous Peoples' practices, voices and outlook.

  2. The balance between natural resource extraction and ecology.

  3. Pros & Cons of damming on the Columbia River 

Expedition Route

The 1300 mile canoe journey began in Butte, Montana in what is known as Silver Bow Creek on May 12th . This tributary of the upper Clark Fork (of the Columbia) Watershed was followed to the main body. The Clark Fork then carried the team on to Lake Pend Oreille and the river that bears the same name. After a short section in Canada the Pend Oreille River flowed into the main body of the Columbia River. The journey then followed the Columbia through Washington, to the border with Oregon and past Portland. On July 2nd, after 52 days the team completed their journey by reaching the Pacific Ocean

Meet the Team

  • Neil Larson

    Director Of Photography / Co-Editor

    Neil is based out of Salt Lake City Utah and excels at every type of videography, from documentaries to commercials to adventure filming and even music videos. The quality of Neil’s work is second to none. He just finished up a financed documentary on homelessness, telling an important story in places few are willing to go. Neil’s contributions to this team are invaluable.

  • Orion Herman

    Lead Aerial DP / Co Editor

    Orion is a skilled and creative videographer and editor, but what makes him really stand out is his knowledge and skills with drones. Building and flying his own drones the shots he can get are truly magical. I've worked with him on adventure shoots and let me tell you, Orion's drone, creative personality, and technical approach make him a real asset to this project.

  • Ben Kaden

    Cinematographer

    Ben specializes in outdoor action and adventure photography and videography. He has worked on everything from ski videos to tourism shoots for the state of Montana. Ben's expertise on action and adventure shots will give the film a great perspective. I've partnered with Ben on many adventures, and I know his ability to work as a team and his infectious positive attitude will be a resource we will draw from throughout the project.

  • Jonathan Stone

    Lead Photographer

    Jonathan is a skilled and recently award decorated photographer. While he primarily focuses on photography, he is no slouch in the video department. Working for both Big Sky and the Yellowstone Club Jon's ski photography, landscapes, and wildlife photography is second to none. Jonathan will add some great variety to the videography while capturing the project with his one of a kind perspective.

  • Braxton Mitchell

    Expedition Member

    Braxton is cutting his teeth on an expedition, facing the challenges of the great outdoors head-on. He is known for his quiet and humble demeanor, which shows his true capabilities. What sets Braxton apart from others is his unwavering determination and excitement for what lies ahead. Braxton's no-quit attitude will help him overcome any obstacle on this journey.

  • Robert Lester

    Expedition Leader

    The Columbia River Canoe Project is my brainchild. Born out of my love of exploration, and desire to make an impact, along with the support of many people close to me the project has come to life. While I usually am known for adventuring in the mountains, I am excited to test my abilities on one of the greatest river systems in North America. The goals are set, the planning is done, now all that’s left is to enjoy the journey.

Sponsors

Without these sponsors there would be no expedition, no documentary and no project.

By supporting the Columbia River Canoe Project these companies have had an invaluable positive impact the entire Columbia River Basin Watershed from the Continental Divide to the Pacific Coast. We thank them immensely. We ask that you thank them by considering these sponsors for your next purchase. These are all high-quality companies that care about the future of our waterways.

You can visit their websites by simply clicking on the company’s logo. Thank you!