Mike Johnston - Montana River Guides

Mike Johnston

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A former backcountry ranger in Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks, Mike is a longtime guide who created Montana River Guides in 1994. An EMT and river rescue instructor, Mike has served on the local search and rescue team, the local whitewater association board, local bike path and historic park steering committees, the convention and visitors bureau, and chaired the local school board. For many years Mike was the only swiftwater rescue instructor in Montana. In 2008, Mike co-founded the Whitewater Rescue Institute  and has provided rescue training for thousands of boaters, guides, and professional rescuers. WRI has been a leader in Inland Oil Spill Response, both responding to river accidents and providing training nationwide on how to respond to and clean up industrial spills in moving water.  Mike also introduced the sport of riverboarding to Montana over two decades ago and became the only outfitter in the United States guiding whitewater rafting and river boarding trips. One of these days it’s going to catch on with the masses–one of these days.

My family and I had a once in a lifetime experience River Boarding with Mike. He was an amazing guide and made even the less adventurous among us comfortable in the water. River Boarding, which is essentially boogie boarding in the river wearing wet suits, helmet, and life preserver, is something that Montana River Guides developed and is an incredible way to be intimate with the River. We thoroughly enjoyed our 7 mile journey through swiftly moving currents and a some rapids. Along the way we were able to observe the River and scenery and even saw bald eagles up close.
Super fun for the whole family!
About the Author
138 Big Bend Ln, Alberton
5
5
We have taken many rafting trips over the years and hands down this was one of the best ones yet!!! We took a private full day rafting tour with river side picnic and couldn’t have had a better time!! Our guide set up the best lunch spread at the waterside including fresh fruit and veggie trays, salad, sandwiches, chips/salsa, and the best homemade cookies!!! We had many stops, chances to swim, small cliff jumping, and the most beautiful scenery!!! Shout out to Amy as being the most fun guide to our crazy “Billy Goat Cyrus” group from Texas!!! Request her and you won’t be disappointed!!!
5
Our Montana River Guide trip down the Clark Fork was the highlight to our Montana vacation. Our guide let us paddle some while we were going thru the rapids which was an awesome experience. Weather and sun on the morning trip made for some great pictures.
5
We did a scenic float with our young kids. This was the absolute best thing we did our whole trip! So beautiful, so much fun. Amy was our guide and she was incredibly fun, knowledgable and kind. Cannot wait to float with them again!
5
There were three of us over 60 year old gals on our trip. Our guide, Jack, was outstanding. We felt safe and secure under his care the whole time while having the time of our lives. The beautiful scenery and wildlife were a bonus to the incredible river with its rapids along with calm areas to relax & enjoy the ride. Top on my list of the other incredible things we did this summer.
5
One of the best experience in the US was spending our Sunday with Montana River Guides! The crew was able to accommodate to over 60 of us on the YSEALI alumni tour and all of us thoroughly enjoyed our time on the river - Whitewater Rafting or Scenic Tour. Guides are 100% professionals who have fun with safety in mind. Highly recommend and must visit when you're in Montana. Thanks for the memories!