Scenic River Rafting Tours in MT

Overview

The Blackfoot River, like the Bitterroot and Clark Fork Rivers, is one of the local Missoula Montana favorites. The Blackfoot, made famous by Norman Maclean’s “A River Runs Through It”, has a lot to offer with its scenic rocky canyons, abundant wildlife, playful but gentle rapids, and long historic past. This river has been a “trail to the buffalo” for many Native American tribes and was a favorite spot to several of the members of the Lewis and Clark Expedition.

In early spring, the Big Blackfoot River is a fun Class II-III river, with splashy whitewater. Mid to late summer, the Blackfoot River is ideal for clients who are leaning more towards a scenic float trip, with a few small rapids in between the calm sections.

The Blackfoot Valley provides critical habitat for a wide variety of plants and animals including grizzly bears, bighorn sheep, moose, elk, osprey, bald eagles, and pileated woodpeckers. The Blackfoot River is also a blue ribbon trout stream providing habitat for fish species such as bull and cutthroat trout, as well as rainbow and brown trout.

The Big Blackfoot River area was on the route between the Great Plains and the Continental Divide. The Nez Perce name for the Blackfoot is Cokahalishkit, which means ‘river of the road to the buffalo’. Capt. Meriweather Lewis and nine soldiers followed this trail on their return trip of discovery in 1806 after learning of the route from the Nez Perce of Idaho.

The Blackfoot River has much to offer with it’s scenic rocky canyons, abundant wildlife, playful but gentle rapids, and long historic past. About 20-30 minutes east of Missoula, this is a great rafting trip for the family or someone wanting an incredibly scenic, relaxing wilderness float. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the Blackfoot River!

The Tarkio Gorge is a beautiful 4 mile float just below the Alberton Gorge. We do offer a combo of the two with our Alberton Gorge float, but the Tarkio Gorge is a fantastic scenic trip in its own right, especially if a shorter trip is desired.

We specialize in rafting trips — leisurely float trips — which allow us to work with our guests or group to create the river experience you are looking for—suited to your pace, sense of adventure, interests, or group. Our prices vary according to the trip desired – call us to discuss details!

Quick Facts

• Once the water level drops after spring run-off (usually after June), all Missoula town floats are great for kids under 5!
• Our town float sections are 4 miles long, at most, meaning just 1.5 or 2 hours on the water.
• Your feet will get wet, but other than that you’ll stay high and dry in the raft!
• On our Hellgate Canyon float, you have the option to splash through Brennan’s Wave in the heart of downtown Missoula!
• Paddling is not required, making our town floats a super relaxing trip option.
• All ages and ability levels will enjoy our Missoula town floats.
• We’ll outfit your float with cold beverages and delicious snacks – just ask! (Additional fees apply for catering on town floats.)
• We are happy to honor a 10% discount for groups of 12 or more.
• If you are a Veteran or Active-Duty Service Member, as a thank you for your dedication and service, we also offer a 10% discount.
• The Blackfoot offers boaters numerous options for floating varied sections of the river…over 50 miles of floatable water!
• We offer a variety of riverside lunch options, catered by local restaurants that will satisfy any appetite.