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Kayaking in Western Montana + Glacier National Park

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Kayaking Paddling Montana’s Rivers

Paddling Montana’s Rivers

Note: As of July 1, 2023, Conservation Licenses are required for everyone age 12 and older to access most state lands, including wildlife management areas, fishing access sites and wildlife habitat protection areas. This requirement does not include state parks. Please recreate responsibly. Learn more here.

Whether you're looking to park and surf, float, or run the river, Western Montana is a prime kayaking destination. And with rivers like the Clark Fork, Blackfoot, Kootenai and Middle Fork of the Flathead, our region provides plenty of paddling options. You can also kayak many of our lakes.

Spring Seven: Western Montana’s Must-Do List

Dive into the season with our exclusive "Spring Seven" list—a treasure trove of must-do experiences that prove spring in Montana is the perfect time to visit.

Paddling Destinations

Brennan's Wave

Missoula
Located in downtown Missoula on the Clark Fork River, Brennan's Wave is a popular play place. At most water levels, you can surf, spin or cartwheel.

Alberton Gorge

Alberton
Located 30 minutes west of Missoula on I-90, the Alberton Gorge is a popular destination for both whitewater rafting and kayaking. The gorge provides class II, III and IV rapids (depending on the season). Guide companies offer rafting and kayaking trips as well.

Blackfoot River

Missoula
Located 20 miles east of Missoula on Highway 200, Johnsrud State Park offers an ideal location for beginning kayakers, complete with beautiful scenery.

Middle Fork of the Flathead River

West Glacier
With its glacial blue waters, the Middle Fork provides a picturesque setting for hitting the waters in your kayak. And if you don't want to hit the water solo, guided rafting and kayaking trips are available from several area companies.

Kootenai River

Libby
Located in the northwest corner of Montana, the Kootenai River offers miles of self-guided paddling. While some sections of the river require excellent paddling skills and are best served by a guide, many sections of the river provide calm and uncrowded paddling.

Recreate Responsibly Plan Ahead, Play it Safe, and Leave No Trace.

Featured Listings

Glacier Park Rafting in Western Montana.

Glacier Park Rafting

12127 U.S. Highway 2 E., Suite A
West Glacier, MT 59936

Glacier Raft Company in Western Montana.

Glacier Raft Company

106 Going-to-the-Sun Road
West Glacier, MT 59936

Paddle Ridge  in Western Montana.

Paddle Ridge

12400 U.S. Highway 2 E.
West Glacier, MT 59936

Other Listings

Abayance Bay Marina

  • 290 Abayance Bay Drive Rexford, MT 59930
  • 406.297.0566
  • Visit Website

Action Rentals

  • 1027 Martin Creek Road Olney, MT 59927
  • 406.881.3510
  • Visit Website

Big Arm Boat Rentals and Rides

Bitterroot Valley Shuttle

  • Missoula Airport 5225 W. Broadway St. Missoula, MT 59808
  • 406.550.0001
  • Visit Website

Camp Kapapa

  • 27885 Old U.S. Highway 93 Elmo, MT 59915
  • 406.214.0302
  • Visit Website

Crazy Moose Kayak & Paddleboard Rentals

  • 511 W. Main St. Thompson Falls, MT 59873
  • 406.827.3030
  • Visit Website

FLUX Adventure Designs

Lake Five Resort

  • 540 Belton Stage Road West Glacier, MT 59936
  • 406.387.5601
  • Visit Website

Mountainside Lodging and Retreats

  • 3965 Star Meadow Road Whitefish, MT 59937
  • 406.530.8516
  • Visit Website

Paddlefish Sports, LLC

  • 70 Lakeside Blvd., City Beach Whitefish, MT 59937
  • 406.260.7733
  • Visit Website

Polebridge Mercantile, Bakery and Cabins

  • 265 Polebridge Loop Polebridge, Montana 59928
  • 406.888.5105
  • Visit Website

Polebridge Outfitters

  • 265 Polebridge Loop Polebridge, MT 59928
  • 406.888.5105
  • Visit Website

RiverView Ranch Retreat & Western Adventures

  • 28800 Southside Road Alberton, MT 59820
  • 406.382.9020
  • Visit Website

Slow Drift Shuttles

St. Mary/East Glacier KOA Holiday

  • 106 West Shore Road St. Mary, MT 59417
  • 406.732.4122
  • Visit Website

Tamaracks Resort

  • 3481 State Highway 83 N., Mile Marker 17 Seeley Lake, MT 59868
  • 406.677.2433
  • Visit Website

The Raven Bar & Grill

  • 15321 State Highway 35 Bigfork, MT 59911
  • 406.837.2836
  • Visit Website

Travel Montana

Zoo Town Surfers

  • 1001 S. Fourth St. W., Suite 5 Missoula, MT 59801
  • 406.546.0370
  • Visit Website
News from Glacier National Park Currently, 12 miles of the Going-to-the-Sun Road are open for travel.

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