Alberton Gorge of the Clark Fork River

Class III Whitewater - Best summer whitewater in Western Montana!

Tumbleweed Rapid

Located just minutes from Missoula, Montana, is the Alberton Gorge of the Clark Fork River. A canyon section of the Clark Fork River that makes a perfect trip on a hot summer day. Friendly Class II-III whitewater, appropriate for beginner paddlers and at summer water levels kids 6 years and older. Best time to run this river is late June / early July & August. Treat yourself and visiting family & friends or co-workers to a fun-filled day on the river. Plan a Triple High-Water Adventure and start with a Lochsa River trip then to the Albertong Gorge and ending on the Main Salmon River on June 23-27.

Types of trips we offer on the Alberton Gorge - Cyr Bridge put-in to Tarkio take-out (times & rates below) Full-day trip which includes a lunch stop at the confluence of Fish Creek and the Clark Fork a great place for the kids to swim and just relax in the shade of a giant ponderosa. Half-day trips are more of a budget trip covering the same section of river as the full day but with no lunch stop. Gourmet dinner floats are the perfect way to spend a summer evening in Missoula. The trip covers the same section of river as the full day, with a later departure time and a BBQ dinner at Fish Creek. The dinner floats have a decidedly relaxed pace with appetizers, dinner, desert and a lazy float to the take out. We have a trip that works for many different types of groups, out of town visitors, wedding parties, family reunions, gathering of friends, office outtings and much more. We can customize a trip for your group with private transportation, call us for details & rates.

How the Alberton Gorge was formed? The Alberton Gorge of the Clark Fork River was formed during the most recent ice-age. 15,000 years ago up to 30 miles of ice impounded Glacial Lake Missoula. When the water breached the ice dam catastrophic floods followed, more than a dozen separate times, forming the spectacular rock formations seen in the Alberton Gorge and many more interesting geological features seen from the Missoula Valley to the Columbia Gorge. To learn more about this topic read David Alt's book Glacial Lake Missoula.

Lewis and Clark History of the Clark Fork
The "Clark's Fork of the Columbia" named after William Clark, is a major tributary of the mighty Columbia River. One of the most commonly asked questions regarding the Clark Fork River is "Why didn't Lewis & Clark take the Clark Fork River instead of their arduous journey over the Lolo Trail?" Read the exerpt from the journals on Sept. 9, to the right to find the answer. Imagine their amazement to find out from Great Falls on July 4th they could have followed a route similar to Hwy 200 over Rogers Pass and been to Traveler's Rest in a matter of days. But by following the Missouri to it's headwaters at Lemhi Pass it took them 2 months! While you're in Missoula be sure to visit the Travelers Rest State Park in Lolo (7 miles from Missoula) a archeologically proven Lewis & Clark campsite.

Trip Details:

Meeting place for all trips is 912 E. Broadway

*Return times are estimations and various factors can incur delays, be sure to have a time buffer when making adjacent plans or flight arrangements. Return times are based on average water levels. Early season or high water trips may return earlier.

*Please let us know of any dietary or medical needs before trip departures.

*Upon reservation you will receive a confirmation.

*We recommend participants be at least 6 years of age.

Travel Info
Our Alberton Gorge Trips meet at our downtown Missoula location at 912 E. Broadway, conveniently located at the Van Buren Street Exit of I-90 and within walking distance to overnight lodging, Goldsmith's B&B, Holiday Inn Express, Double Tree, Campus Inn, Ponderosa, Thunderbird, Downtown Motel and the Bel Air.

What we provide
Guided whitewater rafting , our guides are skilled whitewater professionals who put safety first and also have fun!

All necessary river equipment-Coast Guard approved life jackets, helmets for kayakers, paddles, first-aid kit and your guide will have a Dry bag for small personal items.

Transportation To and From Missoula, MT

Lunch on the full day trip, Dinner on the Dinner float, No lunch provided on the Half Day floats.

We recommend for Warm Weather trips

1. Hat, sunscreen and waterproof camera.
2. Swimwear, short & t-shirts

Weather can range from 65-95 degrees, rain or sunshine, be prepared for Both!
Visit your local outdoor shop, for these items Trailhead or Army/Navy

We recommend for Cool Weather (below 70 degrees) trips NO COTTON!!

1. Synthetic fiber layers, like capilene or poly pro top & bottom
2. Second Top Layer of fleece or wool shirt or jacket
3. Fleece or Wool socks, gloves and hat
4. Dry set of clothes for after the trip

Wetsuits, Splash Tops, Neoprene Booties are available for rent