Float through town under a shaded canopy raft, a new way to experience the river through downtown Missoula! Comfortable seating, with a table top, cub holders and solar chargers. Relax under the canopy while your guide does the rowing. Charter this raft for any private event: gathering of friends, family or co-workers. If you are looking for a private event, away from the distractions of traffic noice and screens, this is a great option. We floats through the scenic Hellgate Canyon and and end in Downtown Missoula. Have your event catered by one of the many Missoula’s restaurants or guest chef, the possibilities are endless.
Want a new venue for your next business lunch? Have lunch catered, enjoy the scenery of Hellgate Canyon and privacy of our canopy raft.
Prefer the quiet morning light and bird watching? We can collaborate with any of Missoula’s coffee or your favorite bakery to offer morning trips with their delicious brew and unique sandwiches and pastries.
May – September (limited during high water)
- Float through town with table-top seating.
- All trips are private chartered groups with custom meeting times, depending on your group or event. The trip duration is approximately 3-4 hours.
- Trips meet at Silver Park (the take-out) and we provide shuttle transportation from there to the put-in. If you prefer a custom pick up & drop off location, we can do that. Extra fees apply depending on the location.
- We provide simple meat & cheese trays, but if you are looking for something more substantional, custom catering available for additional charge. Happy to discuss options!
- We provide water and sodas / bubble water. Ask about the adult beverage options.
Canopy Raft Charter is available for $600
Price is based on 10 guests and includes guides and shuttle transportation. Private charter only. The boat can hold up to 2 more people, depending on the seating arrangment. Additional people beyond 10 will be charged $25 per person.
Town floats with paddle rafts
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 float starting in East Missoula at Sha-Ron river access or at Weigh Station on the Blackfoot River where you can paddle into the confluence of the Blackfoot & the Clark Fork River, passing through Hellgate Canyon, a small drop near Jacob’s Island (University of Montana) and hit Brennan’s wave downtown at Caras Park, take out at Silver Park near the Osprey Baseball Stadium.
This stretch of river is very popular and accessible for self guided floaters, tubers, SUPs, etc…
We reccommend the following companies:
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 Paddle raft trips
Sha-Ron or Lower Blackfoot to Silver Park (Downtown Missoula)
Exact stretch of river depends on water level and group needs. We use our regular paddle boats with guide in the stern.
Availability can be very limited for these trip as our Alberton Gorge trips are more popular.
Runs May-September
Full Day
$100 per person / $80 12 years & under discount
Includes fresh deli lunch on the river
Half Day – No Lunch
$75 per person / $60 12 years & under discount
Afternoon with Appetizers
Includes variety of antipasto style meat, cheese & veggies
Dinner BBQ at Silver Park
Included full BBQ dinner with appetizers and desert
Appetizer or Dinner trips are custom pricing depending on group size and provisions. Contact us for more information.
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 Planning Resources:
- Gear Lists & Recommended Reading
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Trip Cancellation Policy & Guest Responsibility
Please note: Many of our trips take place on state lands that require all users have a Montana Conservation License. Participants are responsible for getting their own licenses; this cost is not included in your registration fee. These licenses help pay for maintenance and conservation work on Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks lands, and a portion of the proceeds also are put into a trust for Montana K-12 schools and other public institutions, helping fund education in Montana.
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.