Southside Road Missoula County boat launch
Southside Road Missoula County
According to the Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks website, the Clark Fork River is open to a variety of watercraft, including motorized boats, canoes, kayaks, and rafts. However, certain regulations and restrictions may apply, depending on the location and time of year.
It is always important to check with local authorities or the Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks website for the latest information on boating regulations and restrictions before launching any watercraft.
Plan your launch down to the hour
Same weather feed Snoflo's iOS app uses -- updated continuously from NOAA / yr.no.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Area streamflow levels
USGS streamgauges around Southside Road Missoula County -- the same readings that determine whether your launch is safe and your boat is the right craft.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Clark Fork Below Missoula Mt | 8,550 cfs | → |
| Bitterroot River Near Missoula Mt | 3,960 cfs | → |
| Clark Fork Above Missoula Mt | 4,940 cfs | → |
| Flathead River At Perma Mt | 25,400 cfs | → |
Plan a longer trip
The closest paddle runs, fishing spots, and other boat launches so you can extend a day on the water.
River runs
- Alberton Gorge (St. John To Forrest Grove)
- Montana Creek, Sec. 18, T11n, R24w To Fish Creek, Sec. 8, T12n, R24w
- Mainstem Headwaters, Sec. 21, T11n, R25w To Montana Creek, Sec. 18, T12n, R24w
- White Creek Headwaters, Sec. 33, T12n, R24w To Mainstem, Sec. 18, T12n, R24w
- West Fork Fish Creek Headwaters, Sec. 6, T13n, R26w To Clearwater Crossing Trailhead, Sec. 6, T13n, R25w
- Cedar Log Creek Headwaters, Sec. 14, T12n, R26w To Mainstem, Sec. 19, T13n, R25w
Boating safety & etiquette
- Check the conditions before you launch
- Use the streamflow numbers, weather, and wind forecast on this page. High-cfs whitewater requires whitewater-specific craft and skill.
- Wear your life jacket
- Statistically the single biggest survival factor in a boating incident. State law often requires one per passenger.
- File a float plan
- Tell someone on shore your put-in, take-out, and expected return time. Especially for multi-day or remote trips.
- Yield at the ramp
- Prep gear in the parking lot, not on the ramp. Launch and clear quickly so others can use the lane.
- Clean, drain, dry
- Inspect, clean, drain and dry your boat between waters to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.
Set push alerts in the Snoflo app
Save Southside Road Missoula County as a favorite, set a discharge threshold or a wind/precipitation alert, and the iOS app will push the moment conditions cross.
About Southside Road Missoula County
Can I launch a motorboat here?
Most Snoflo-tracked launches support motorboats; check the operator for any horsepower restrictions, paddle-only zones, or seasonal closures.
How fresh is the streamflow data?
USGS streamgauges report continuously (every 15 minutes); the table on this page pulls the latest reading at page load.
Is there a fee?
Many federal and state boat launches charge a day-use fee. Check the operator's site before driving out.
What boat is right for these conditions?
Use the nearby streamflow numbers and river-run panel on this page to gauge current conditions. Wider, slower water is friendly for casual paddling and powerboats; high-cfs whitewater requires whitewater-specific craft and skill.
Can I get alerts when conditions change?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this launch, set a threshold (discharge, wind), and you'll get a push the moment it crosses.
Other launches near here
Snoflo-tracked boat launches within driving distance of Southside Road Missoula County.