• Boating
• Canoeing
• Kayaking
• Rafting

From Montana's snowy peaks and the Yellowstone plateau, pristine waters converge and flow through spectacular canyons and valleys. Experience the thrill of whitewater on a raft trip down the Middle Fork of the Flathead, near Glacier Park or run the Alberton Gorge, outside of Missoula. Looking for solitude? Paddle the tranquil beauty of the scenic Upper Missouri, near Fort Benton. You can explore Montana's rivers in many ways, guides offer a variety of trips on driftboats, rafts, kayaks and canoes.

Have A Safe Trip

Floating in Montana can be dangerous. Not only are many streams powerful and fast, but they are also quite cold, even in summer. Hypothermia can be as serious a danger as drowning. With proper caution and good clothing, however, these problems can be overcome. Several persons die in Montana each year due to floating-related accidents. Statistics show that the overwhelming number of floating deaths occur in May and June when rivers are running at three to four times their normal flow. Beginners should be extremely wary about taking trips during the high-water period or in cold weather. Know your limitations and respect the rivers.

Leave No Trace

If floaters are careful, rivers can be floated again and again without showing signs of use. Your attentiveness to caring for the river could preclude the need for permit systems that limit use. Floaters on overnight trips should be especially mindful of their activities.

Floating and the Law

Landmark changes have taken place regarding Montana's stream access laws. These changes were initiated by lawsuits involving access disputes on the Beaverhead and Dearborn rivers. In 1984 the Montana Supreme Court ruled the public has a right to recreational use of the state's waters up to the high-water mark. Then in 1985, the Montana Legislature passed a stream access law that even more narrowly defines the rules. The law provides that rivers and streams capable of recreational use may be so used by the public regardless of streambed ownership. The law does require, however, that certain activities require landowner permission. The law defines "recreational use" as floating, fishing, hunting, swimming, and other water-related pleasure activities. It defines the ordinary high-water mark as the line the water impresses on land by covering it for a sufficient time to cause different characteristics below the line, such as deprivation of the soil of substantially all its terrestrial vegetation and destruction of its value for agricultural vegetation.

Recreationists should also be aware of trespass legislation passed by the Montana Legislature in 1985. This law states that lands can be closed to the public either by verbal communication or by actual posting. Do not trespass on posted land. When in doubt, ask permission. A special brochure is available from Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks that provides some of the finer points on stream access. One aspect of stream access remains controversial. Some private landowners on the Blackfoot and Ruby rivers have challenged whether rights-of-way associated with county bridges constitute legal access to streams and rivers. The State of Montana has argued that they do, and floaters typically use county bridges without seeking permission. Paddlers will want to keep abreast of future developments.

Featured Listings

Region 1

Flathead Raft Company

Flathead Raft Company provides rafting on the lower Flathead River outside Polson, Montana, and is one of the most exciting and breathtakingly beautiful trips you will ever experience. We have the clearest and warmest river water in Montana. You won't need wet suits to raft with us. We are the... more...

City: Polson
Phone: 800-654-4359
Email: frc@flatheadraftco.com
http://www.flatheadraftco.com

Glacier Guides, Inc./Montana Raft Company

Whitewater rafting, hiking, chalet treks, backpacking, scenic floats, family camping safaris, fly fishing and customized trips with personalized service. Chosen by the National Park Service as the exclusive hiking guide service since 1983. Explore Glacier with experienced guides who focus on... more...

City: West Glacier
Phone: 1-800-457-5335
Email: info@glacierguides.com
http://glacierguides.com

Glacier Raft & Outdoor Center

Beautiful fully furnished log cabins overlooking Glacier National Park. Fireplaces, complete kitchens, stunning views of Glacier, 5 minutes from the west entrance. Rafting, fishing, skiing, snowmobiling nearby. Full service outdoor store, & expansive fly shop. Cross Country Ski & Snowshow... more...

City: West Glacier
Phone: 800-235-6781
Email: grc@glacierraftco.com
http://www.glacierraftco.com

Northern Rockies Outfitters, Ltd.

Fly fishing float trips on the scenic Flathead River. Specializing in instructional fly fishing. Offering hikes to the high country to access remote mountain streams where fishing pressure is low. Call Rich Birdsell for all your Glacier Country fishing information. Trips also available on Clark... more...

City: Kalispell
Phone: 406-756-2544
Email: rick@nothernrockiesoutfit.com
http://www.northernrockiesoutfit.com

Swan Mountain Outfitters

Full service outfitter providing year round recreation. We are the largest trail ride operator in northwest Montana with operations in Glacier and the Swan Valley. We also provide pack trips into the Bob. Guided fishing and hunting and guest ranch lodging with skiing. Swan Mountain Outfitters... more...

City: Swan Lake
Phone: 406-886-3900
Email: info@swanmountainoutfitters.com
http://www.swanmountainoutfitters.com

Thunder Bow Outfitters, Inc.

Family owned and operated in Swan Valley and the Bitterroot Montana. Guided hunts available for Elk, Deer, Moose, Big Horn Sheep, Mountain Goat, Bear and Mountain Lion. Special summer vacations custom to your own likings. We offer fishing trips, horseback riding, photo safaris, hiking and camping... more...

City: Swan Lake
Phone: 406-754-2701
Email: info@thunderbow.com
http://thunderbow.com

Wild River Adventures

We provide 1/2 day to 6 day adventures at Glacier National Park. Whitewater rafting, horseback rides, trout fishing, and mountain biking. For nearly a quarter century, we have been Glacier Park's adventure headquarters. more...

City: Bigfork
Phone: 406-387-9453
Email: wildriver@riverwild.com
http://www.riverwild.com

Wilderness River Outfitters

Whitewater Rafting Adventures on the stunning Middle Fork and South Fork of the Flathead rivers. Middle Fork Flathead. 5 amazing days deep in Montana\'s famed Bob Marshal Wilderness complex. Class III-IV whitewater, great hiking, waterfalls, rock climbing, big-game wildlife, wildflowers, and... more...

City: Kalispell
Phone: 1-800-252-6581
Email: wro@wildernessriver.com
http://www.wildernessriver.com

Region 2

10,000 Waves Raft & Kayak Adventures

10,000 Waves Raft & Kayak Adventures has provided thousands of satisfied customers with fun, interpretive, exciting and unforgettable river experiences since 1990. We take great pride in the fact that over 75% of our customers have been with us before, or were referred to us by someone who was... more...

City: Missoula
Phone: 406-549-6670
Email: waves@10000-waves.com
http://www.10000-waves.com

Other Listings

Region 1

Region 2

Region 3