The Ultimate Missoula Rafting Blog
River inspiration, reviews, stories, advice, camping tips, and about anything else we can think of from the Zoo Town Surfers’ staff. The Missoula Rafting Blog shares everything you need to know, and want to know, about rafting near Missoula, MT. Check out our blogs and let us know what else you’d like to read about.
Your Guide to Floating the Blackfoot River with Kids
Floating the Blackfoot River with kids is an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re a seasoned rafter or planning your first family float, this guide will help you explore both the scenic upper stretches and the more accessible lower section near Missoula. We’ve...
2019 Rafting Season Highlights
Recap of the 2019 Rafting Season The season is almost over for us river guides here in Western Montana. With winter coming, many of us have already shifted into off-season mode. It was a fantastic summer, and I’m so grateful to work with amazing people while calling...
Discover the Best Things to Do in Missoula: A Local’s Insider Guide
If you’re looking for a definitive list of things to do in Missoula, you’ve come to the right place. At Zoo Town Surfers, we update our favorite activities throughout the year as we continue to explore and embrace the best our city has to offer. While the Internet...
What’s in a River Guide’s Bag? Essential Gear
When planning a day on the river, every river guide’s bag tells a unique story of adventure, preparedness, and personal style. As a seasoned guide, I’ve refined my personal bag over time. Whether it’s changing seasons or varying river conditions, my river guide’s bag...
Spring Paddling Gear: 17 Essential Pieces for Your Trip
Get ready to hit the water this season with our comprehensive guide to spring paddling gear. Whether you’re guiding a trip or enjoying a leisurely paddle, these 17 must-have items ensure you stay safe, comfortable, and ready for any adventure. Essential Paddling Gear...
Guide School Tips to Master Your First Year on the River
By keeping these guide school tips in mind, you can launch your river guiding career with the right training. During guide school, you’ll learn essential skills that lay the foundation for a lifelong passion for river guiding. From mastering boat control to...
Essential Camp Cooking Tips for Your River Trip
At the end of a long day on the river you're gonna need to put some food in your belly. Camp cooking can seem like a chore at times but the payoff is well worth it. You can choose cheap and easy or full gourmet. Sometimes the simplest meals can be the best. Meal...
Digital Detox on the River: Reconnect with Nature
In today’s hyper-connected world, constant notifications can pull us away from real-life moments. A digital detox on the river offers the perfect escape—from both the digital noise and the everyday hustle—to truly reconnect with nature and loved ones. The Need for a...
Meet the Lochsa River Guiding Duo: Mat & Ian
Celebrating 10 years of life-changing adventures, the Lochsa river guiding duo has been captivating rafters on Idaho’s Wild and Scenic Lochsa River. Over the past decade, Mat McGrath and Ian Haddad have guided Zoo Town Surfers trips, marking a milestone that coincides...
Lochsa River Adventures: Wild, Scenic, and Home
From the moment I moved to Missoula for graduate school, I was captivated by the spirit of Lochsa River Adventures. It wasn’t just the thrill of the rapids—it was a deep connection to a wild, free-flowing waterway that many locals, including myself, consider home....
Love on the River: Navigating Romance and Rapids
Experience the thrill of love on the river—a journey where every rapid and quiet moment reveals the beauty and challenges of human relationships on the water. Whether it's a celebration of shared victories or the tough lessons learned from miscommunications in...
A Woman’s Guide to River Life
Welcome to this comprehensive woman's guide to river life! Whether you’re a seasoned river explorer or a first-timer looking for adventure, this article is tailored just for you. We understand that river escapades require a bit more planning and a unique perspective,...