Discover the 11 Best Rivers for Whitewater Rafting in Montana

Most of the northwestern states of America could be expected to have some amazing rafting opportunities. The Treasure State is no exception. In fact, whitewater rivers in Montana are abundant, thrilling, and highly sought-after adventures for paddlers of all skill levels. If you’re ready to get out paddling, check out these top 11 rivers for whitewater rafting in Montana then book a trip.

Gallatin River — Gallatin Gateway, Big Sky

Running for 100 miles from Bozeman to Yellowstone through southern Montana, the Gallatin River is one of the best whitewater rivers in Montana. Many of the best put-in points rest in Gallatin Gateway in Big Sky. The river originates within Yellowstone National Park and makes its way towards Bozeman, with terminus at the Missouri River in Three Forks.

The gorgeous river routes parallel Highway 191 for much of the way, offering fairly easy access to folks familiar and less-so with the region. Most non-local paddlers begin their whitewater rafting journeys in Big Sky, where numerous commercial outfitters have set up shop.

Along the way, depending on where you put in, you may experience anything from Class II to Class IV rapids. The most challenging part of the river churns in the lower section, near House Rock Rapid. This Class III to IV rapid frequently challenges folks of many skill levels, though only advised for experienced paddlers.

The upper section of the Gallatin River has some waves and rapids, but it much more suited to beginners to the rafting sport. The rapids here hang closer to Class II with some Class III thrown in for extra excitement. Many folks enjoy a full day trip along the waters, but many pull out points allow you to make it a half day trip if needed.

The best time to experience the excitement of the Gallatin River falls between May and early June.

Yellowstone River — Bozeman

One of the longest flowing rivers in the lower 48, the Yellowstone River runs along 670 miles through Yellowstone National Park all the way to the Missouri River in North Dakota. Many folks consider the river one of the best fly fishing locales in the country, while others home in on the whitewater rapids, perfect for paddlers of varying skill levels.

The scenic river offers gorgeous epitomic Montana landscape, often bordered by wildlife noshing in the grasses. Most folks begin their rafting journeys just outside the national park near Gardiner, Montana where they may enjoy this easy access and stunning views unhindered. The river flows through Paradise Valley in the Absaroka Mountains region before running through the Yankee Jim Canyon.

Rapids along the river reach Class III in the canyon, but much of the way consists of Class II and Class III rapids, meaning even beginners can enjoy these wild rapids. Some courses along the river do peak at Class IV, as well, but these areas should only be attempted by experienced paddlers.

Flathead River — West Glacier

Folks familiar with Montana will certainly know the Flathead River and Flathead Lake for all sorts of watersports and fishing. The river runs through the Rocky Mountains of northwest Montana and Canada and forms three waterways including the Middle Fork and North Fork, where whitewater rafting are popular in Montana.

Rafting is not permitted within Glacier National Park, but paddlers join the Middle Fork and North Fork around the boundaries of the park to enjoy the gorgeous views and thrilling rapids. A few outfitters operate in the area during the summer, with more focus on the Middle Fork than the North Fork.

From Moccasin Creek to West Glacier, a 7-mile stretch known as the John Stevens Canyon contains a challenging, and therefore popular, section of the river. These rapids rush through at Class II and Class III rates, drawing in folks of varying experience levels. Here, you may pass through the infamous Bone Crusher Rapid.

The North Fork tends to be calmer, but it only passes through one community, Polebridge, with Class I and Class II rapids for easier paddling. The scenery is equally stunning with potentially more wildlife viewing opportunities along the way.

Madison River — Norris, Near West Yellowstone

Flowing through the West Yellowstone area of Montana, the Madison River has earned its reputation as a flyfishing hotspot. The river dashes along through Yellowstone National Park, where it originates, out to the rest of the terrain where paddlers get their whitewater on for exciting adventures.

The river meets up with the Missouri River in Three Forks eventually, but before doing so, it runs through the remote, scenic Bear Trap Canyon. Here, Madison River rushes through with Class III and IV rapids. Only a few outfitters work in the area, so be sure to plan ahead!

Generally, paddlers put in at the Madison Dam and head out to the 10-mile course through Class II and III rapids. Eventually, though, the Class IV Kitchen Sink Rapid hits. There’s also the earthquake created section of whitewater known as Quake Lakes, with steep whitewater best taken on by experienced paddlers only. The year-round accessible rapid runs between Class III and IV, depending on the season, with the S-Turn Rapid, a Class V rapid. Most folks portage away before this rapid, so they can continue on safely.

Clark Fork River — Missoula

With put-in points near Missoula as the best stretch for most inexperienced paddlers, the Clark Fork River is a top choice. Stretching for some 280-plus miles, the crystal clear waters invite paddlers, fishers, swimmers, and others to enjoy the rushing whitewater. But, only a small portion of this river has true whitewater.

The river offers Class III rapids in Alberton Gorge, making the stretch thirty-five miles south of Missoula the best course on the river. The scenic views all around, and on the way to this stretch, entice amateur photographers and birders, wildlife viewing enthusiasts, and casual paddlers to come in.

The area does have enough white water rafting for professional outfitters to offer both half- and full-day trips. Launches for these or your own adventures may be found in Alberton, but most folks head out of Cry Bridge.

Stillwater River — Red Lodge

While the name might imply calm, glassy waters, the Swillwater River is actually one of the top whitewater rivers in Montana for paddlers. Heading 33 miles north of Red Lodge, you’ll find Absarokee, a small town where folks put in for some of the best rafting in the state.

Famous rapids along this river include Beartooth Drop, Nemesis, Swinging Bridge, and Mad Max, some of the most exciting whitewater around. The river begins in high elevations in the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, then drops down to meet the Yellowstone River near Columbus.

Both the Upper and Lower Stillwater sections are considered the most popular sections of river to paddle. Reaching up to Class III rapids, the river offers plenty of excitement for beginners and long-time enthusiasts alike. But the river does hit some Class V rapids, as well, rushing through boulders in the Aqua Velvet above the Upper Stillwater section.

Blackfoot River — Continental Divide to Missoula

While many folks might know the Blackfoot River for its fly fishing, this beautiful river also happens to be one of the best whitewater rivers in Montana. The stunning mountains surrounding the river here draw onlookers. The beauty also earned the 1976 novel placement for A River Runs Through It by Norman Maclean. Running for 100 miles, starting at the Continental Divide, the Blackfoot reaches the Clark Fork River near Missoula.

Most commonly, the Blackfoot River Recreation Corridor is the place where folks put in for their whitewater adventures. The corridor runs for about 30 miles, with rapids at Class II and Class III adding excitement along the way. By mid-to-late summer, the water levels drop, bumping up the excitement and rush along the roaring river.

You’ll find several outfitters run trips out of Missoula for both half and full days. This course is great for beginners most of the season.

Dearborn River — Lewis and Clark County

From Falls Creek to Highway 200 Bridge, whitewater kayaking, rafting, and paddling make a huge splash on the Dearborn River. The rapids run between Class II and Class III in this section of the river flowing through Lewis and Clark County. The incredible beauty of the area draws folks in for a combination of stunning scenery and exciting rapids fit for eager beginners and seasoned paddlers alike.

This 16-mile stretch is just one of many along the Dearborn River where folks put in for some whitewater thrills. Lots of folks do overnight casual paddling trips, hiking to various sections along the river for an old-style paddling trip. Others join outfitters for half and full-day trips along the river.

Boulder River — Bozeman

Tucked into Sweet Grass and Park County, Boulder River offers some of the most amazing whitewater in Montana. The river primarily affords folks with experience the excitement of rushing water, though, as much of the course contains Class III and Class IV rapids.

A reasonable drive from Bozeman, the put-in for Boulder River most commonly used lands in the Absaroka Range. Several other put-in points exist along the river elsewhere, as well, but those seeking that higher range thrill will focus on the four-mile section near Bozeman.

The incredible scenery anywhere along the river offers plenty of other thrills for folks not ready to hit the big rapids, though. This is particularly true in the Natural Bridge State Park area, where you can also take a break at the Custer National Forest for other outdoors activities.

Missouri River — near Great Falls

One of the most scenic and historically significant rivers in America, the Missouri River flows through Montana. One of the most exciting whitewater rivers in the state, the headwaters rush in Three Forks. Stunning prairie and canyon views follow along the river’s trek toward gorgeous lakes and mountains.

The Great Falls section of the Montana River offers natural beauty along the waterways, with rapids between Class II and V. So, be careful which section you put in at, to avoid anything beyond your scope.

Smith River — Camp Baker and Eden Bridge

Offering great flyfishing, kayaking, and all the gorgeous scenery you could ask for, the Smith River provides some 60 miles through central Montana. This whitewater river in Montana mostly flows through chill, low-key courses. This means that the Smith River is ideal for families with kids who want to try their hand at paddling.

Many companies offer several day floats down the Smith River, many geared toward beginners. You do need a permit to float here, though, so either book in with a company or arrange for yourself. The most popular put-in point for Smith River lands within Smith River State Park near White Sulphur Springs, Montana. There is no takeout point for 60 miles, though, so be wary of booking in here if you’re short on time or energy. Most folks make a four-day journey of the Smith River, between mid-April and early July.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/Matt Anderson