Basics
- River:
- Clark Fork River
- Class:
- Class III - IV
- River Length
- 17 miles
- Time:
- 1 day
- Season:
- May to Septempber
Description
The Clark Fork River, named by explorer William Clark of Lewis and Clark fame, courses through over a hundred miles of quiet water before meeting with the Blackfoot and Bitterroot Rivers. Upon this confluence the Clark Fork descends into Alberton Gorge, one of the most exciting and certainly one of the most popular whitewater runs in the Missoula area.
Alberton Gorge is a steep river canyon, packed with intermediate level whitewater rapids that quickly become immense in higher flows. A big volume waterway, the rapids of the Clark Fork surge with large hydraulics, big holes and massive waves, sure to delight visitors all summer long.
The land of the Alberton Gorge has recently been acquired by the government to quell any future development along the corridor. Currently dam fed, which may change as the Millstream Dam is deconstructed, the Clark Fork through Alberton Gorge has boatable flows all spring, summer and fall long. Commercial half and full day trips are offered daily along the Gorge.
