Clark Fork
🎣 Blue-Ribbon Trout
Missoula / Mineral Co. · 310 mi · Class I–III
5,830CFS/ 5.01 ft
Optimal→Stable
Water temp: 47°F — Hypothermia risk, wear a drysuit
Optimal: 2000–10000 CFS · USGS #12340500
Length
Difficulty
Optimal
Avg Flow
Hist. Median
USGS Gauge
Montana Blue-Ribbon Trout Stream (lower reach) · Alberton Gorge Recreation Corridor
Montana"s largest river by volume — the Clark Fork flows 310 miles from Butte through Missoula to Lake Pend Oreille in Idaho. The Alberton Gorge west of Missoula delivers 14 miles of Class II–III whitewater through a dramatic railroad canyon. Missoula"s urban stretch offers one of the best city float experiences in the West.
Trip sections
Missoula urban float — Class I, Brennan"s Wave surfing
Alberton Gorge — 14 mi, Class II–III, whitewater canyon
Superior to St. Regis — Class I–II, lower river
Outfitters
Montana River Expeditions
Alberton Gorge and Clark Fork guided trips
72-Hour Flow Forecast
NOAA NWPSLoading forecast...
10-Year Flow Patterns
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Your Optimal Range
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Data Quality
River conditions are community-verified. CFS ranges, difficulty ratings, and trip sections may not reflect every flow level or seasonal change. Always check current conditions, scout unfamiliar rapids, and paddle within your skill level. If you spot an error, use the Improve This River button at the top of the page — your local knowledge is what makes this atlas accurate.