Paddling Montana

Montana's rivers hold a wealth of riches - something for everyone. The history buff can follow the routes of Lewis and Clark along the Missouri, the Jefferson, the Beaverhead, the Bitterroot rivers and experience others that the explorers named - the Marias, the Judith, the Gallatin, the Madison, the Dearborn, the Smith. The paddler looking for awesome whitewater finds it on the Gallatin, in the Madison's Beartrap Canyon, and the Clark Fork's Alberton Gorge.

The Red Rock, the Swan, and other streams provide opportunities for birders, photographers, and wildlife watchers. Anglers can cast from a boat into the pools and riffles of Rock Creek, the Big Hole River, and many more.

In this updated guide to Montana's rivers, Hank and Carol Fischer provide details on where to go; optimal flows, access points, and the river miles between them; which maps to bring along, and who to call for up-to-the-minute information on floating conditions. Paddling Montana makes the information easily accessible and can help you plan your next Montana river trip.