Montana Rivers:
Water Fun

With calm paths, deep runs, gentle riffles and a healthy dose of raging rapids, Glacier Country has the full spectrum of river conditions. And while Montana's rivers are vastly different, they each share a few fine features: cool and clear water, pretty views and easy access. For a complete list of waters and access sites, visit Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks.

Northern Tier

Flathead River

The Flathead River is a unique glacial river consisting of three different branches: the North Fork, South Fork and Middle Fork. Originating from glacial and snow run-off, these rivers run extremely cold.

Middle Fork of the Flathead River

The Middle Fork originates in the Bob Marshall Wilderness and is known as perhaps the best whitewater river in Montana. Designated as a wild and scenic river, its upper 46 miles are designated as wild, while the lower 49 are designated as recreational, with rapids whose names include Jaws and Bone-crusher. The waters of the Middle Fork are fed by groundwater and glacier fed streams and eventually create the southern boundary of Glacier National Park. The Middle Fork is popular for rafting, kayaking and fishing. When rafting its waters, it's best to go with a guide.

More information:

• Flathead National Forest

North Fork of the Flathead River

Originating in British Columbia, Canada, the North Fork flows into Montana with a special kind of beauty and serves as the western border of Glacier National Park. Designated as a wild and scenic river, its upper 41 miles are designated as wild, while the lower 17 are designated as recreational.

More information:

• Flathead National Forest

South Fork of the Flathead River

The South Fork begins in the Bob Marshall Wilderness and flows north for 57 miles into Hungry Horse Reservoir. Its upper 50 mile—from the headwater to the Spotted Bear River—is classified as a wild river. Primary access to the river is by backpacking in or on horseback.

More information:

• Flathead National Forest

Swan River

Originating in the Mission Mountains, the Swan River travels 92 miles through Swan Lake before emptying into Flathead Lake. It's home to westslope cutthroat trout, lake whitefish, largemouth pass, northern pike, brook trout and more.

More information:

• Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks

Kootenai River

Originating in Kootenay National Park in British Columbia, the Kootenai River flows 485 miles into the northwest corner of Montana and through the communities of Libby and Troy, before flowing into northern Idaho, back into Canada and finally joining the Columbia River. Libby Dam holds back the Kootenai River, creating Lake Koocanusa—a 90-mile long reservoir that provides excellent trout fishing and recreational opportunities.

More information:

• Kootenai National Forest

Southern Tier

Bitterroot River

Traveling 84 miles through the Bitterroot Valley from its source south of Hamilton, the Bitterroot River joins the Clark Fork River near Missoula. The river is very accessible for floaters, rafters and anglers and follows Highway 93 through much of the valley. The river has many fishing access sites.

More information:

• Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks

Blackfoot River

Made famous by A River Runs Through It and a renowned blue ribbon trout stream, the Blackfoot River flows 132 miles from near Lincoln to Bonner where it connects with the Clark Fork River. The Blackoot meanders through high alpine meadows and steep, forested slopes and is popular for floating, fishing and rafting, with many access sites.

More information:

• Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks

Clark Fork River

Originating near Anaconda, the Clark Fork River travels north and west for 350 miles before emptying into Lake Pend Oreille in northern Idaho. The river has gained a reputation for stellar rafting and kayaking through the Alberton Gorge, west of Missoula. It also flows through the heart of downtown Missoula and is a popular fly-fishing destination.

More information:

• Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks

Clearwater River

Traveling 46 miles from the Seeley-Swan Valley and emptying into the Blackfoot River near Clearwater Junction, the Clearwater River is home to numerous species of fish, including largemouth bass, bull trout, brown trout and rainbow trout. For a leisurely paddle, visitors are advised to take a canoe or kayak on the Clearwater Canoe Trail—an isolated portion of the Clearwater River—before it flows into Seeley Lake.

More information:

• Lolo National Forest

Rock Creek

Located in the Lolo National Forest near Clinton, Rock Creek flows through a narrow canyon and is a popular destination for fly-fishing. Many access points are available along the dirt road that skirts along parts of the creek. A popular destination for novices and experts, Rock Creek is home to rainbow trout, bull trout and brown trout.

More information:

• Lolo National Forest

Thompson River

Beginning in Upper Thompson Lake, the Thompson River flows south through Middle Thompson Lake and Lower Thompson Lake before joining the Clark Fork River near the community of Thompson Falls. A gentle river, it is known for its clarity and is a popular Montana fishing destination.

More information:

• Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks