Missoula seems to attract rivers like a fish to a fly, but we aren't complaining. If you're visiting Missoula during the warmer months, recreate like a local and head to the river.
The Clark Fork River runs about 310 miles long and is the largest river by volume in Montana. The Clark Fork River cuts straight through the heart of Missoula.
Western Montana's Blackfoot River has become one of the state's most popular and important recreational streams. Its natural setting and features and the fame gained from the movie A River Runs Through It have all contributed to its popularity.
Western Montana's Bitterroot river runs 75 miles, south-to-north through Missoula and the Bitterroot Valley.
It’s up to us to keep Missoula’s rivers clean, healthy and accessible for all. You can do your part by staying safe and leaving no trace whenever you recreate on our rivers. That means coming prepared with supplies like life vests and sunscreen, and knowing which sections of the river are appropriate to float, paddle, swim and raft on. When it comes to keeping our rivers clean, make sure you never bring glass of any kind, pick up after yourself (and others if you spot trash floating by!) and report large amounts of trash to the TrashLine Team.
If you have questions while on the river, look for a river ambassador! These friendly folks hang around the Clark Fork, Bitterroot, and Blackfoot Rivers in the Missoula area between late June and early September, moving between access points, parking and shuttle areas, and sometimes on the river on SUP boards and kayaks. You can come to them with questions about appropriate put-ins and take-outs, river safety, route suggestions and more.
Find the perfect river spot with our Downtown River Map.
10,000 Waves-Raft & Kayak Adventures
Alberton Gorge
Bearpaw River Expeditions
Lewis & Clark Trail Adventures
Lewis & Clark Trail Adventures
Montana Flyfishing Connection, LLC
Montana River Guides
The moments we live for in Montana. #VisitMissoula #Missoula #TheresThisPlace 📷 https://t.co/dtwnhsT9Y1 https://t.co/dtwnhsT9Y1
Follow UsSign up for our enewsletter
Start planning your vacation. Get our newsletter for must-see adventures, exclusive deals, upcoming events and much more.
