Missoula is a paradise for the river-sports enthusiast. With three rivers running through the area there is ample opportunity to get out and play! Whether it is rafting, fishing, canoeing or kayaking, Missoula is the place to be! Before heading out for the day it is always advised to call a local shop for great advice, current river conditions and the best insider information from people who are on the river all day, every day.
10,000 Waves Raft & Kayak Adventures
8080 W. Riverside Drive, Missoula, MT 59802
800.537.8315
We offer kayak lessons for beginners through experienced kayakers who want to learn play boating skills. Clinics have a low student to instructor ratio of 1 to 4, insuring personalized attention.
Trail Head
221 E Front St Missoula, MT 59802
406.543.6966
Located in downtown Missoula, The Trailhead has been in business for over 25 years. Stop in and check out all the latest gear, from paddles to coolers to doggy life jackets. The friendly staff is eager to share thier knowledge and expertise of local conditions and favorite places.
Zoo Town Surfers
5077 Old US Hwy. 10 W. Alberton, MT 59820
406.546.0370
Zoo Town Surfers is a river company of expert guides and kayak instructors living in the Missoula Valley where the Clark Fork, Bitterroot, and Blackfoot Rivers meet. Claiming “Zoo Town” as their home, these whitewater professionals believe that a day on the river is more than a good day—it’s a lifestyle.
Strongwater
612 S. Higgins Ave. Missoula, MT 59801
.406.721.2437
Strongwater is a core whitewater kayak and river surfing retailer, rooted in the river city of Missoula, Montana. Point blank: Strongwater is a whitewater kayak/surf shop owned by whitewater kayak/surfers. Strongwater is a new business model for whitewater kayak retail in towns and cities with man-made play waves. Therefore, Strongwater is a one of a kind surf shop for the mountains. Lessons - Sales - Demos
From Frenchtown Pond to the Alberton Gorge, there is water to test every skill level within a thirty minute drive of Missoula.
Popular quick trips and favorite places
Frenchtown Pond (State Park)
15 miles west of Missoula, I-90 exit 89 - A small, spring-fed lake with a maximum depth of just 10 feet this is an
ideal practice spot for beginning canoers and kayakers. No dogs allowed, day-use only with fee. This site has
toilets, fire rings, shelters, drinking water, garbage cans and RV dump stations making it easy to spend a whole
day enjoying yourself on the water.
Brennan's Wave
Located in the heart of downtown Missoula- park at Caras Park under the Higgin's Street Bridge and walk to the
river banks! A man-made whitewater play pool in the Clark Fork River named after a world-class kayaker from Missoula
who died while paddling in Chile in 2001, Brennan's Wave brings great surfing into the city limits.
Alberton Gorge
Just 35 miles west of Missoula on I-90, this 12 mile stretch of steep-walled canyon is an ideal family float and provides
tons of opportunities for play for paddlers. Keep your eyes open for wildlife; eagles, osprey, moose, deer, bear and
mountain lions are commonly spotted along the river banks. The main put-in is at Cyr Bridge, at the Cyr exit, but most
kayakers continue past Cyr to Triple Bridges and take-out at either the Tarkio access or Ralph's, about five miles
beyond Triple Bridges. Filled with rapids named the likes of Boat Eater, Fang and Tumbleweed this is one adventure you don't
want to miss!
Blackfoot River - Whitaker Bridge to Johnsrud Park
11 miles east of Bonner on Hwy 200, turn north onto Johnsrud Park Road and continue up the dirt road for six miles to
parking and the boat ramp located on the opposite side of the river over a one-lane bridge. Just about one mile into the
float you will hit Thibodeau Falls, the Blackfoots best known rapids. Continue on through a few more splashy rapids and
take out at the Johnsrud Fishing Access.
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