Missoula Raft Trips on the Clark Fork River

Missoula rafting is hard to beat. Few towns in the world offer better whitewater and scenic raft trip opportunities than Missoula. The Clark Fork River runs right through the middle of town and offers a variety of river experiences, depending on whether you want to go wild or mild. Montana River Guides offers daily kayaking and scenic raft trips near Missoula through the Hellgate Canyon, the Tarkio Gorge as well as beautiful sections just downstream of town. As an alternative to Missoula rafting Tubers prefer the section just upstream of town and float the lazy section from east Missoula to the University of Montana or Brennan’s wave.. Birdwatchers might enjoy the scenic and less crowded Kelly Island section at the west end of town, though you’ll need to go with someone familiar with the river because of the logjams, strainers and hazards on that braided part of the river.

Missoula Montana Whitewater Rafting

Rafting the Blackfoot River near Missoula

Just upstream of Missoula the legendary Blackfoot River flows into the Clark Fork River. The Blackfoot River offers a variety of the best options for a Montana raft trip. The section closest to Missoula parallels Highway 200 and is a good scenic float with some Class II riffles. The float between Russell Gates and Johnsrud Fishing Accesses is an awesome whitewater trip at high-water, with big rolling Class III rapids connected by fast current and smaller rapids. We teach many of our swift water rescue classes on the Blackfoot and offer custom raft trips for groups throughout the rafting season.

Raft camp for Kids over the summer at Montana River Guides

The Bitterroot River, scenic rafting south of Missoula

The Bitterroot flows from the south through the Bitterroot Valley and flows into the Clark Fork River just downstream of Missoula. We lived on the Bitterroot in the town of Lolo for 14 years. We love this stream for it’s wildlife viewing and birding combined with incredible Montana scenery.

Missoula Montana: Three Beautiful Rivers

The Clark Fork, the Blackfoot and the Bitterroot Rivers combine to offer a diversity of rafting and river recreation better than just about anywhere in the world. Of course the flyfishing on these rivers is world class as well. To join us on one of our Missoula raft trips, contact Bernice at 406-722-7238 or [email protected].