About
Clark Fork River, Montana Idaho — 1809 David Thompson, 2008 Milltown Dam Removal, Superfund Largest, 1880s Mining. From Missoula's urban corridor through the Alberton Gorge to the lower Blue-Ribbon reaches, the Clark Fork cuts 310 miles across western Montana with flows averaging 5,400 CFS. The river transforms dramatically across its length — Class I water through Missoula features Brennan's Wave, a standing surf break that draws kayakers year-round, while the 14-mile Alberton Gorge drops through Class II-III whitewater in a true canyon setting. Below Superior, the Clark Fork mellows to Class I-II water that earned Blue-Ribbon designation for its trout fishery. Optimal flows run 2,000-10,000 CFS, monitored at USGS gauge 12340500. Montana River Expeditions guides commercial trips through the Gorge, which operates as a designated Recreation Corridor. The river's recent history includes major environmental recovery — the 2024 milestone "Superfund to Surfing" marked decades of cleanup work transforming contaminated headwaters into fishable, swimmable water that now supports both recreation and wild trout populations.
River conditions are community-verified. CFS ranges, difficulty ratings, and access points may not reflect every flow level or seasonal change. Always check current conditions, scout unfamiliar rapids, and paddle within your skill level.