Clark Fork River and Alberton Gorge

Local Missoula recommends the Alberton Gorge for intermediate and skilled floaters looking for a splash of adventure located 35 miles west of Missoula, the Gorge is a canyon section of the Clark Fork River with Class II and Class III whitewater.  The gorge even boasts a few Class IV rapids, such as the Tumbleweed, Boateated and Fang.  This close to home world class whitewater is the perfect Saturday getaway for the whole family. This popular stretch of river, contains five major rapids as well as several smaller ones that offer challenges to even the most experienced river rafters and kayakers.  Many commercial outfitters offer trips or you may take your own raft or kayak. Unlike may of the Western Rivers, the Gorge offer both exciting early and late season floats.  The best time to take the family is in July and August, after the high water recedes. At high water during late May and June the Gorge can flow at twice the volume of Colorado’s Grand Canyon with huge waves and big powerful rapids. At lower flows, as more rocks emerge and the rapids become more defined in mid and late summer, the Gorge becomes a whitewater playground for rafting, river boarding, kayaking and canoeing. The Cyr Bridge offers a popular put-in and Tarkio is a common Take-out.  The scenery is amazing and includes ancient cliffs carved out by the legendary ice age floods of Glacial Lake Missoula. Between rapids paddlers have a chance to swim, relax, and soak up the sun, and watch for eagles, osprey, kingfishers, as well as the occasional moose, deer, bear or mountain lion. For more information call (406) 542-5500.

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