Best paddling near Big Sky
26 paddle runs · 26 ranked · updated 2026-09-12 · off-season
Explore the best paddling near Big Sky, Montana — every spot ranked by our conditions-aware Snoflo score: live conditions first, then visitor reviews and logged trips. Click a pin on the map for the score and what's driving it.
Showing the top 15 of 26 paddle runs · best 15 shown on the map
M⛰
#1
Madison River
Fair
8.1 mi away
· High wind warning — dangerous on open water· 926 cfs · in range (700-2,700)· Cold day · 39°F
The Madison River, located in Montana, is a popular whitewater river run that stretches for over 50 miles. The ideal streamflow range for the Madison River is between 1000-3000…
Why 74: live conditions (fair)
74Top-rated
M⛰
#2
Madison River
Fair
8.1 mi away
· High wind warning — dangerous on open water· 926 cfs · in range (700-2,700)· Cold day · 39°F
The Madison River is a popular whitewater river run in Montana, with an ideal streamflow range of 2,000-4,000 cubic feet per second (cfs). The river has a class rating of II-IV…
Why 74: live conditions (fair)
74Top-rated
M⛰
#3
Madison River
Fair
9.3 mi away
· High wind warning — dangerous on open water· 926 cfs · in range (700-2,700)· Cold day · 39°F
The Madison River in Montana is a popular whitewater river run that is known for its challenging rapids and scenic views. The ideal streamflow range for rafting is between 2,000…
Why 74: live conditions (fair)
74Top-rated
M⛰
#4
Madison River
Fair
10.4 mi away
· High wind warning — dangerous on open water· 926 cfs · in range (700-2,700)· Cold day · 39°F
The Madison River is a popular whitewater destination in Montana, known for its challenging rapids and stunning scenery. The ideal streamflow for the river is between 1,500 and…
Why 74: live conditions (fair)
74Top-rated
M⛰
#5
Madison River
Fair
11.1 mi away
· High wind warning — dangerous on open water· 926 cfs · in range (600-4,000)· Cold day · 39°F
The Madison River in Montana is a popular whitewater river run among kayakers and rafters. The ideal streamflow range for the Madison River is between 1,000 to 2,000 cubic feet…
Why 74: live conditions (fair)
74Top-rated
M⛰
#6
Madison River
Fair
11.4 mi away
· High wind warning — dangerous on open water· 926 cfs · in range (600-4,000)· Cold day · 39°F
The Whitewater River Run on the Madison River in Montana is a popular spot for whitewater enthusiasts. The ideal streamflow range for this section of the river is between 1,000…
Why 74: live conditions (fair)
74Top-rated
M⛰
#7
Madison River
Fair
12.0 mi away
· High wind warning — dangerous on open water· 926 cfs · in range (600-4,000)· Cold day · 39°F
The Madison River in Montana is a popular destination for whitewater enthusiasts, offering a range of challenges for experienced paddlers. The ideal streamflow range for the…
Why 74: live conditions (fair)
74Top-rated
M⛰
#8
Madison River
Fair
12.2 mi away
· High wind warning — dangerous on open water· 926 cfs · in range (600-4,000)· Cold day · 39°F
The Madison River in Montana is a popular destination for whitewater rafting and kayaking. The ideal streamflow range for the river is between 2,000 to 3,500 cubic feet per second…
Why 74: live conditions (fair)
74Top-rated
W⛰
#9
Wf Madison River, Sec. 10 T11S R1E To Jackpine Rd #1209, Sec. 4, T12S R1E
Good
13.1 mi away
· 853 cfs · in range (700-2,700)· Cold day · 37°F
The Whitewater River Run in Montana is a popular destination for kayakers and rafters looking for an exciting adventure. The ideal streamflow range for this run is between 500 and…
Why 74: live conditions (good)
74Top-rated
M⛰
#10
Madison River
Fair
13.4 mi away
· High wind warning — dangerous on open water· 926 cfs · in range (600-4,000)· Cold day · 39°F
The Madison River is a popular whitewater river run in Montana, with an ideal streamflow range of 1,000-4,000 cfs. The river is rated as a class II-III, with some sections…
Why 74: live conditions (fair)
74Top-rated
M⛰
#11
Madison River
Good
14.4 mi away
· 853 cfs · in range (700-2,700)· Cold day · 37°F
The Madison River in Montana is a popular whitewater destination for rafters, kayakers, and anglers. The ideal streamflow range for the Madison River is between 1,500 and 2,500…
Why 74: live conditions (good)
74Top-rated
M⛰
#12
Madison River
Fair
14.4 mi away
· High wind warning — dangerous on open water· 926 cfs · in range (600-4,000)· Cold day · 39°F
The Madison River in Montana is a popular destination for whitewater enthusiasts. The ideal streamflow range for the Madison River is between 1,000 and 4,000 cubic feet per second…
Why 74: live conditions (fair)
74Top-rated
M⛰
#13
Madison River
Good
15.0 mi away
· 853 cfs · in range (700-2,700)· Cold day · 37°F
The Madison River is located in the state of Montana and is one of the most popular whitewater river runs in the area. The ideal streamflow range for this river is between 1,000…
Why 74: live conditions (good)
74Top-rated
M⛰
#14
Madison River
Fair
8.5 mi away
· High wind warning — dangerous on open water· 853 cfs · in range (700-2,700)· Cold day · 37°F
The Madison River in Montana is a popular destination for whitewater enthusiasts. The ideal streamflow range for the river is between 1,500 and 4,000 cubic feet per second (cfs)…
Why 72: live conditions (fair)
72Top-rated
M⛰
#15
Madison River
Fair
9.2 mi away
· High wind warning — dangerous on open water· 853 cfs · in range (700-2,700)· Cold day · 37°F
The Madison River, located in Montana, is a popular destination for whitewater rafting enthusiasts. The ideal streamflow range for this river is between 2,500 and 4,000 cubic feet…
Why 72: live conditions (fair)
72Top-rated
Paddling near Big Sky
The Big Sky area has 26 paddle runs on Snoflo, ranked by live conditions, visitor reviews, and logged trips — so the best, closest options rise to the top.
How we rank the best paddling near Big Sky
How are these paddle runs ranked?
Each gets a daily Snoflo score blending live conditions, visitor review ratings, and logged trips. The order reflects what's best right now and re-ranks every day.
How often does it update?
Daily, as new conditions, reviews, and trips arrive — so "best right now" means right now.
What do the numbers on the map mean?
Each pin shows that spot's current Snoflo score; tap it for the breakdown and a link to the full report.