Flowing through the heart of Missoula, MT, the Clark Fork River offers a unique river experience right in town. We offer two different “Town floats” – the classic Milltown to Downtown is a scenic 7 mile float starting in East Missoula, passing through Hellgate Canyon, a small drop near Jacob’s Island (University of Montana) and then the popular surf wave downtown at Caras Park named Brennan’s Wave.
Heading down river west of town we also offer the Kelly Island to Kona Bridge trip – this section of river meanders through Cottonwood groves offering amazing birding & wildlife opportunities for such close proximity to town. We also pass the confluence of the Bitterroot & Clark Fork River. Just downstream of the confluence is where Lewis crossed the Clark Fork on the return journey in 1806 via the Blackfoot river and Rogers Pass continental divide crossing.
Bring the family
Both of the above are appropriate for families with young kids looking for an introduction to rafting before paddling whitewater and/or birding opportunities. This section of the Clark Fork can be run anytime, but for warmer weather and water temperature, we recommend end of June (sometimes later) to September. For more whitewater the Clark Fork’s Alberton Gorge is a great Class III whitewater run. For bigger more extreme whitewater, the best choice would be the Lochsa 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 guidance of their native American guides new they needed to reach rivers and waters with salmon. This would ensure they were on the drainages that eventually flowed to the Pacific. The Clark Fork did not have salmon. Even though the Clark’s Fork does flow to the Pacific.
Clark Fork River Town floats Rates & Dates
Sha-Ron to Silver Park (Downtown Missoula and Brennan’s Wave)
Lower Blackfoot to Clark Fork (east of Missoula)
Runs May-September
Full Day
$65 adult – $45 youth under 14
Includes fresh deli lunch on the river
Half Day – No Lunch
$45 adult – $35 youth under 14
Afternoon with Appetizers
$85 adult – $65 youth under 14
Includes variety of antipasto style meat, cheese & veggies w/ beverages
Gourmet Dinner
$125 adult – $85 youth under 14
Included full BBQ dinner. Call us for a custom sample gourmet menu.
Kelly Island to Kona Bridge
Runs May-September
Full Day
$75 adult – $55 youth under 14
Trip meets at 8:45am and returns approx 4:00pm, includes fresh deli lunch on the river
Half Day – No Lunch
$55 adult – $45 youth under 14
Morning trips meet at 8:45am and returns approx 2:00pm
Afternoon trips meet at 12:30pm in July, 11:30 in August – return approx 5:30pm
Afternoon with Appetizers
$95 adult – $75 youth under 14
Departs 12:30 and returns approx 7pm, includes variety of antipasto style meat, cheese & veggies w/ beverages
Gourmet Dinner
$135 adult – $95 youth under 14
Departs 12:30pm and returns approx 8:00pm, relaxed pace. Call us for a custom sample gourmet menu.
Trip Details
- Custom trips available for variety of trip length & group size, inquire for pricing.
- Minimum group size required for a trip to launch, please call ahead to reserve and ensure trip departures.
- Clark Fork Town trips usually depart from our office at 912 E. Broadway, Missoula MT, we can also meet you at the one of the river put-ins or take-outs 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 usually 6 years old, but since this trip has very little whitewater, we can consider a younger age, inquire for details.
- We provide a professional whitewater guide, transportation to and from our office, paddle, Coast Guard approved PFD and beverages for the return drive.
- Trip Resources: Gear Lists & Recommended Reading