Blackfoot River
The river of A River Runs Through It, flowing west from the Continental Divide near Lincoln to its confluence with the Clark Fork at Bonner. Mostly Class I-II float water with a few Class III rapids that firm up during spring runoff, then a relaxed float and tubing river as flows drop through summer. The lower ~27 miles, Russell Gates to Johnsrud, run through the cooperative Blackfoot River Recreation Corridor managed by FWP, BLM, and private landowners.
Where the runs sit
↘- Too low
- Low
- Prime
- High
- Too high
The sections, top to bottom
↘Scotty Brown Bridge to Johnsrud Park
PRIMEThe full American Whitewater reach — a long ribbon of Class I-II canyon water with a handful of real rapids, friendly at moderate spring flows and mellow by late summer. Most paddlers run it in segments; the corridor's float-in campsites make it an easy overnight.
3,210 cfs todayprime 1,500–6,000Russell Gates to Roundup
PRIMEThe upper-canyon whitewater leg of the Recreation Corridor. Continuous Class II water with rock gardens that sharpen toward Class III at spring flows, finishing at Roundup Rapid — the biggest rapid on the river — right at the take-out bridge.
3,210 cfs todayprime 1,500–6,000Roundup to Johnsrud Park
PRIMEThe classic Blackfoot whitewater day run — the section most Missoula outfitters use for commercial trips. Mostly Class I-II water between distinct rapids, with Roundup Rapid at the top and Thibodeau in the lower half; big friendly wave trains at spring flows.
3,210 cfs todayprime 1,500–6,000Whitaker Bridge to Johnsrud Park
PRIMEThe half-day whitewater sampler — American Whitewater calls Whitaker Bridge the put-in for 'the most bang for your buck.' Thibodeau Rapid and The Ledge inside six miles, on the busiest stretch of the river.
3,210 cfs todayprime 1,500–6,000Johnsrud Park to Weigh Station
PRIMEMissoula's summer float — the mellow lower canyon from the Johnsrud beach scene down to Bonner. Easy Class I-II water that becomes the region's tubing mecca as flows drop.
3,210 cfs todayprime 500–5,000
Gauges & outside resources
↘Gauges & flow
- USGS 12340000 · Blackfoot River near Bonner, MT