Join us for some whitewater rafting through this amazing canyon section of the Clark Fork River called the Alberton Gorge. This 12 mile, class III whitewater run makes a perfect trip on a hot summer day. The Alberton Gorge near Missoula is the best summer whitewater in western Montana and makes a great addition to any Montana vacation.
See your trip photos from Montana River Photography – Mike Malament does an amazing job!
Bring the family!
This river is appropriate for beginner paddlers and during the summer for kids six years and older. We offer a variety of trips: Our Half day trips are most popular, paddling the same section of river but with no lunch stop. The Full day trip is a more relaxed pace with a river side lunch stop, plenty of time to swim or relax in the sun and take in the scenery. The Alberton Gorge is the perfect adventure option for your visit to Missoula. For a special event, plan an afternoon trip with charcuterie spread at the confluence of Fish Creek and the Clark Fork River.
Relating to Lewis & Clark
The “Clark’s Fork of the Columbia,” named after William Clark, is a major tributary of the mighty Columbia River. Why didn’t Lewis and Clark take the Clark Fork River instead of their arduous journey over the Lolo Trail? After deciding the Salmon River was too rough and banks to steep they traveled down the Bitterroot River and came to the Missoula valley. Lewis & Clark debated the best route to the Pacific. With the advice of their native American guides, they knew they needed to reach rivers and waters with salmon. This would ensure they were on the drainages that eventually flowed to the Pacific. Even though the Clark’s Fork does flow to the Pacific, there were no salmon due to obstructions/falls downstream.
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Alberton Gorge Canyon[/caption]
Interesting Geological history
The Alberton Gorge of the Clark Fork River was formed during the most recent ice-age, approximately 15,000 year ago when up to 30 miles of ice impounded Glacial Lake Missoula. Water breached the ice dam, and catastrophic floods followed, more than a dozen times, violently creating the spectacular rock formations and the river run at Alberton Gorge. Luckily, this Class II-III whitewater is located just minutes from Missoula.
Alberton Gorge Rates & Dates
Runs May-September – Optimum booking time is middle June – August
Our New Meeting Location next to the Cyr Bridge put-in!
234 Old Highway 10 West Alberton, MT 59820
We do our best to accommodate your preferred trip time. However, due to logistical, staffing and cost limitations we may request that you join a different trip time. Thank you in advance for understanding!
Group discounts available, contact us for a quote. Let us know your estimated group size. We specialize in custom group adventures!
Half Day Morning – No Lunch
$70 person / $55 12 years & under discount
Check-in time: 9:00 am / returns approx 2:00 pm
NOTE: Return time can earlier during higher flows (May & June) and LATER during lower flows (Aug-Sept)
Half Day Afternoon – No Lunch
$75 per person – $60 12 years & under discount
Check-in time: 12:30 pm (except 11:30 am in August) – return approx 5:30 pm
NOTE: Return time can earlier during higher flows (May & June) and LATER during lower flows (Aug-Sept)
Full Day with Lunch
$100 per person /$80 12 years & under discount
Trip check-in time: 9:30 am and returns approx 4:00 pm, includes fresh deli lunch on the river with a more relaxed pace. This trip covers the same stretch of river as the half-day.
All of the the above full & half day trips are subject to minimum group size, especially booking early season (May-early June) and late season (end August-Sept)
Afternoon with Charcuterie Spread
$160 per person – $130 12 years & under discount
Check-in time: 12:30 and returns approx 7:30 pm, custom group meeting times can be arranged.
Includes a variety of antipasto style meat, cheese & veggies w/ beverages served at Fish Creek or other riverside beach location. Hearty enough portions for a complete meal.
*Minimum group size of 12 preferred.
Alberton Gorge river trip with BBQ Dinner – NEW!
Enjoy a half day of rafting and return to our location at Cyr for a BBQ Dinner – great for work events, family or friend gatherings. Custom meeting times & locations. Custom menu & beverage options. Base price for the rafting 1/2-day rafting trip plus catering.
Relaxed pace, custom group meeting times can be arranged. Custom BBQ menu available.
*Minimum group size required, based on availability, contact us for custom quotes.
Trip Details
- We have trips departing nearly everyday, but not always every trip we offer everyday, so call ahead to confirm which trips are departing any given day.
- Alberton Gorge Trips depart from our our new location at the Cyr Bridge Put-in 234 Old Highway 10 W or custom pick up location can be arranged for large groups. Return times are estimations and depend on water level, allow for delays.
- Minimum age limit varies according to water level. Summer levels 6 yrs old.
–We provide a professional whitewater guide, transportation to and from our office, paddle, Coast Guard approved PFD and beverages for the return drive. - Trip Planning Resources:
- Gear Lists & Recommended Reading
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Trip Cancellation Policy & Guest Responsibility
Travel, Trip and Cancellation Insurance
Why is travel insurance so important?
In today’s changing travel environment, it’s important to protect your travel investment so you can relax and enjoy your trip. Unforeseen events such as flight delays, baggage loss or even a sudden sickness or injury could impact your travel plans. LCTA recommends that you purchase a travel protection plan to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. For your convenience, we offer travel protection through Travelex Insurance Services.
Travelex Insurance Services at 800-228-9792 and reference location number 26-0048.
Travelex Insurance Services, Inc. CA Agency License #0D10209. Insurance coverages underwritten by Zurich American Insurance Company (NAIC #16535, state of domicile: New York), 1299 Zurich Way, Schaumburg, IL 60196. Certain coverages not available in all states.
