Recreation
The Blackfoot River, sometimes referred to as the Big Blackfoot River, is a snow-fed and spring-fed river that begins near the town of Lincoln, Montana and flows nearly 130 miles to where it flows into the Clark Fork River just outside of Missoula. The Blackfoot River is one of Montana's most popular rivers.
The Blackfoot River offers a diversity of recreational experiences, including whitewater rafting, kayaking, tubing, fishing, canoeing, and camping. The Blackfoot River flows through a variety of landscapes including open farmlands, tall cliffs, and thick forested slopes. Wildlife is plentiful on the Blackfoot River, where it is not uncommon to see elk, grizzly bears, river otters, bald eagles, and other wildlife. The popularity of the Blackfoot River has led to the development of the special recreation area known as the Blackfoot River Recreation Corridor, with its own unique access opportunities and regulations.
Camping at a designated float-in campsite requires a reservation and permit to be made year round. Camping is not permitted outside of designated float-in campsites within the Blackfoot River Recreation Corridor (Russell Gates to Johnsrud).
The Blackfoot River offers a diversity of recreational experiences, including whitewater rafting, kayaking, tubing, fishing, canoeing, and camping. The Blackfoot River flows through a variety of landscapes including open farmlands, tall cliffs, and thick forested slopes. Wildlife is plentiful on the Blackfoot River, where it is not uncommon to see elk, grizzly bears, river otters, bald eagles, and other wildlife. The popularity of the Blackfoot River has led to the development of the special recreation area known as the Blackfoot River Recreation Corridor, with its own unique access opportunities and regulations.
Camping at a designated float-in campsite requires a reservation and permit to be made year round. Camping is not permitted outside of designated float-in campsites within the Blackfoot River Recreation Corridor (Russell Gates to Johnsrud).
Facilities
There are 8 Float-In overnight sites located along the river that require floating a watercraft into. Each site is completely dispersed camping with no facilities and a maximum group size of 10 people. Fire pans and portable toilet systems are required to be carried and used at these sites:
River Junction
Bear Creek Flats
Clearwater
Ninemile Prairie
Corrick’s River Bend
Ponderosa Flats
Goose Rock
Clark’s Cliff
River Junction
Bear Creek Flats
Clearwater
Ninemile Prairie
Corrick’s River Bend
Ponderosa Flats
Goose Rock
Clark’s Cliff
Launch Locations:
Cedar Meadow FAS
River Junction FAS
Harry Morgan FAS
Scotty Brown Bridge FAS
Russell Gates Memorial FAS
Six Stall FAS
Three Stall FAS
Roundup FAS
Corrick's River Bend FAS
Cedar Meadow FAS
River Junction FAS
Harry Morgan FAS
Scotty Brown Bridge FAS
Russell Gates Memorial FAS
Six Stall FAS
Three Stall FAS
Roundup FAS
Corrick's River Bend FAS
Mailing Address
Blackfoot River Corridor
3201 Spurgin Road
Missoula MT 59801
Public Phone
Information : 855-922-6768
The Blackfoot River has a handful of class II-III rapids where at lower flows (below 1,000cfs on the Bonner stream gauge) may be characterized as boulder fields with more technical rowing through exposed rock. Some camps may be difficult to get to at low flows. Please refer to the maps starting on page 12 of the Blackfoot River floaters guide for general location of rapids. High flows are typically mid-May with lower flows beginning towards the end of July. It is your responsibility to check river flows and know your level of skill navigating class II and III whitewater. Fire pans and portable toilet systems are required.
Reservations are non-transferable and cannot be sold, bartered, or traded. The primary occupant and/or their party are the only persons authorized to camp in the site during the duration of their reservation.
Reservations are non-transferable and cannot be sold, bartered, or traded. The primary occupant and/or their party are the only persons authorized to camp in the site during the duration of their reservation.