River runs

Montana river runs

Live streamflow, whitewater class, and length for every paddleable section in Montana with a named USGS gauge. Built for kayakers, rafters, and canoeists.

Runs in Montana
119
Class range
I–V
Across the U.S.
331
Updated
May 24
Open the Montana paddle layer on the map Whitewater + paddle runs filtered to Montana.
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May
24
2026
River runs
Montana is a paradise for whitewater enthusiasts, with a variety of thrilling river runs to choose from. One popular destination is the Gallatin River, known for its exciting Class II-IV rapids and stunning scenery. The Gallatin River offers a mix of technical drops and fast-paced sections, making it a favorite among both beginners and experienced paddlers. Recommended streamflow levels for the Gallatin River range from 1,500 to 3,000 cubic feet per second for optimal conditions.

Another must-visit spot for kayaking and whitewater rafting in Montana is the Middle Fork of the Flathead River. This remote and pristine river run offers a true wilderness experience, with challenging Class III-IV rapids and breathtaking views of Glacier National Park. The Middle Fork is best tackled at streamflow levels between 2,000 and 5,000 cubic feet per second for an exhilarating ride. Safety is paramount when navigating Montana's whitewater rivers, so always check current streamflow levels, wear appropriate gear, and paddle with a group or guide. With its diverse range of river runs and stunning natural landscapes, Montana is a mecca for whitewater enthusiasts seeking adventure and adrenaline-pumping thrills.
Full directory

Montana river runs

Every paddleable section in Montana keyed to a named USGS gauge. Sortable, quickly filterable. Tap any one for current discharge and the gauge it reports off.

119 entries
River run Streamflow Class
Southeastern Boundary Of Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area To Confluence With Bighorn River 1,520 cfs III-IV
The Headwaters To The Confluence With Soda Butte Creek 130 cfs III-IV
The Headwaters To Ends Above Slough Creek Campground, Located On A Secondary Spur Road To The Park's Main Road 130 cfs ·
Begins Where The River Parallels A Two Lane Highway To The Western Boundary Of Yellowstone National Park 449 cfs II-III+
Northeast Yellowstone National Park Boundary, Near Cooke City To The Confluence With Lamar River 130 cfs III-IV
Jackpine Rd & Wf Madison Rd, Sec. 4, T12s, R1e To Shakelford Homestead, Sec. 25, T1s, R1w 676 cfs II-IV
Shakelford Homestead, Sec. 26, T12s, R1w To 1/2 Mi Below Landon Camp, Sec. 32, T12s, R1w 676 cfs ·
1/2 Below Landon Camp, Sec. 32, T12s, R1w To Up River 3/4 Mi, Sec. 31, T12s, R1w 43 cfs ·
1/4 Mi West Landon Camp, Sec. 31, T12s, R1w To Fossil Creek, Sec. 27, T12s, R2w 43 cfs ·
Dobrota Headwaters, Sec. 23, T18n, R10w To Mainstem, Sec. 31, T18n, R9w 685 cfs III-IV
Dwight Creek, Sec. 12, T17n, R12w To Dry Creek, Sec. 3, T17n, R11w 824 cfs III+
Canyon Creek Headwaters, Sec. 28, T17n, R11w To Dry Creek, Sec. 11, T17n, R11w 824 cfs II
Junction Of The Fisher River (Three Miles Sownstream Of Libby Dam) To Tub Gulch, Approximately Four Miles Upstream From The Town Of Libby, Montana 9,940 cfs III-IV
10 Miles From Tub Gulch To Quartz Creek To 10 Miles From Tub Gulch To Quartz Creek 9,940 cfs III-IV
9 Miles From Quartz Creek To Surprise Gulch,Two Miles Below Kootenai Falls To 9 Miles From Quartz Creek To Surprise Gulch,Two Miles Below Kootenai Falls 1,380 cfs II
Slowery, Sec. 15, T17n, R27w To Sec. 31, T18n. R28w 12,200 cfs III
Cuttoff, Sec. 9, T18n, R27w To Sec. 34, T19n, R25w 38,100 cfs III-IV
West Fork Fish Creek Headwaters, Sec. 6, T13n, R26w To Clearwater Crossing Trailhead, Sec. 6, T13n, R25w 12,200 cfs ·
Cedar Log Creek Headwaters, Sec. 14, T12n, R26w To Mainstem, Sec. 19, T13n, R25w 12,200 cfs III-IV
Middle Fork Indian Creek Headwaters, Sec. 14, T12n, R26w To Mainstem, Sec. 25, T12n, R26w 12,200 cfs III-IV
Mainstem Headwaters, Sec. 21, T11n, R25w To Montana Creek, Sec. 18, T12n, R24w 25,300 cfs II-III
Montana Creek, Sec. 18, T11n, R24w To Fish Creek, Sec. 8, T12n, R24w 25,300 cfs II-III
Irish Creek Headwaters, Sec. 20, T12n, R25w To Mainstem, Sec. 22, T12n, R25w 25,300 cfs ·
Pebble Creek Headwaters, Sec. 10, T11n, R25w To Mainstem, Sec. 28, T12n, R25w 25,300 cfs ·
White Creek Headwaters, Sec. 33, T12n, R24w To Mainstem, Sec. 18, T12n, R24w 25,300 cfs III-IV
Mainstem Headwaters, Sec. 4, T15n, R18w To Boundary, Sec. 2, T13n, R18w 4,760 cfs III-IV
Wrangle Creek Headwaters, Sec. 18, T15n, R18w To Mainstem, Sec. 21, T15n, R18w 194 cfs III-V
Lake Creek Headwaters, Sec. 30, T15n, R18w To Mainstem, Sec. 21, T15n, R18w 194 cfs III-IV
White Sand Mouth, Sec. 34, T37n, R14e To Trail #47 And Trail #50, Sec. 5, T36n, R15e 623 cfs ·
Trail #47 And #50, Sec. 5, T36n, R15e To Selway Bitterroot Wilderness Boundary, Sec. 36, T36n, R15e 3,030 cfs II-III
Blodgett Lake Dam, Sec. 27, T6n, R23w To S B Wilderness Boundary, Sec. 17, T6n, R21w 3,030 cfs III-IV
Fossil Ck & Wf Madison, Sec. 27, T12s, R2w To Miner Creek, Sec. 30 T12s, R2w 43 cfs III
From The Boundary Of The Flagstaff Mountain Inventoried Roadless Area #690 Downstream For Three Miles To The Confluence Of Main Quartz Creek To 1,380 cfs III-IV
From The Headwaters Of The West Fork Of Quartz Creek Downstream For Three Miles To The Boundary Of The Flagstaff Mountain Inventoried Roadless Area #690 To 1,380 cfs III
Lookout Creek And South Fork, Sec. 21, T34n, R30w To Upstream For 6 Miles 1,380 cfs III
Cabin Creek Headwaters, Sec. 13, T17n, R10w To Dry Fork, Sec. 13, T17n, R11w 824 cfs II-IV
Cooney Cr Headwaters, Sec. 17, T19n, R9w To Mainstem, Sec. 1, T17n, R10w 685 cfs III-IV
Fools Gold Crossing (Fdr 480) To Wagon Box Creek 193 cfs II-III
Wagon Box Creek To Dry Fork Trail 193 cfs III-IV
Lolo/Deerlodge Nfs Boundary To Clark Fork River 1,090 cfs ·
Headwaters, Sec. 17, T19n, R15w To Seeley Lake, Sec. 20, T17n, R15w 194 cfs II-III
Headwaters, Sec. 7, T18n, R14w To Morrell Falls, Sec. 24, T18n, R15w 194 cfs III
Nf Blackfoot Headwaters, Sec. 34, T18n, R9w To Main North Fork Trailhead, Sec. 27, T16n, R11w 824 cfs III-IV
Dry Fork Headwaters, Sec. 30, T17n, R10w To Mainstem, Sec. 30, T17n, R10w 824 cfs III-IV
Falls, Sec. 25, T14n, R4e To Smith River, Sec. 25, T14n, R3e 256 cfs III-IV
Tenderfoot Creek, Sec. 30, T14n, R4e To Deep Creek, Sec. 31, T16n, R4e 332 cfs III-IV+
Dry Fork River From Its Confluence With Lake Creek To Confluence With Little Big Horn 193 cfs III-IV
Pool Creek, Sec. 7, T28n, R12w To Falls, Sec. 25, T29n, R12w 305 cfs III
Willow Creek, Sec. 32, T24n, R29w To Noxon Reservoir, Sec. 14, T24n, R31w 274 cfs II-III
Headwaters, Sec. 34, T28n, R11w To Swift Reservoir 305 cfs ·
Arch Coulee Junction, Sec. 32, T13n, R11e To Forest Boundary, Sec. 35, T13n, R11e 81 cfs II-III
Headwaters, Sec. 13, T18n, R10w To Forest Boundary, Sec. 6, T17n, R7w 561 cfs III-IV
Lick Creek Bridge, Sec. 18, T4n, R21w To Bear Creek Pass, Sec. 5, T4n, R23w And Twin Lakes Dam, Sec. 29, T5n, R23w 1,980 cfs III-IV
Morrell Falls, Sec. 24, T18n, R15w To Morrell Falls Trailhead, Sec. 36, T18n, R15w 194 cfs II-III
10 Miles From Surprise Gulch To A Mile Below Kootenai Vista Estates To 10 Miles From Surprise Gulch To A Mile Below Kootenai Vista Estates 1,380 cfs ·
North Fork Bull River, Sec. 32, T29n, R32w To Proposed Cabinet Mtns Wilderness Boundary, Sec. 1, T28n, R32w 476 cfs ·
Snowbank Lake, Sec. 4, T15n, R8w To Landers Fork Blackfoot River, Sec. 36, T15n, R8w 27 cfs II-III
Sec. 29, T.8s, R.13w To All Upstream Waters 25 cfs III
Custer Forest Boundary, Sec. 19, T8s, R20e To Absaroka Beartooth Wilderness Boundary 138 cfs III-IV
Custer Boundary, Sec. 6, T8s, R20e To Absaroka Beartooth Wilderness Boundary 138 cfs III-V
Absaroka Beartooth Wilderness Boundary To Headwaters, Sec. 25, T8s, R17e 138 cfs III-IV
Spring Gulch Headwaters, Sec. 12, T14n, R19w To Mainstem, Sec. 35, T14n, R19w 4,760 cfs III-IV
High Falls Creek Headwaters, Sec. 5, T14n, R18w To Mainstem, Sec. 2, T14n, R18w 3,140 cfs III-IV
East Fork Headwaters, Sec. 8, T14n, R17w To Mainstem, Sec. 14, T14n, R18w 3,140 cfs IV
Beaverhead Boundary Sec. 22, T4s, R4w To Upper Branham Lake, Sec. 5, T4s, R3w 28 cfs III
Beaverhead Boundary, Sec. 22, T9s, R3w To South Of Romy Lake, Sec. 26, T8s, R3w 133 cfs II-III
Pattengail Ck. Sec. 11, T2s, R12w To Jaccobsen & Mono Cks, Sec. 33, T3s, R12w 1,550 cfs III
Sec 15, T2s, R10w To Lion Cr, Sec. 4, T3s, R11w 1,550 cfs III-IV
Proposed Torrey Peak Wilderness To Proposed Torrey Peak Wilderness 33 cfs III-V
Elk Rv & Wf Madison Rv, Sec. 17, T12s, R1e To Dirty Creek, Sec. 11, T11s, R1w 676 cfs II-III
Mainstem Headwaters, Sec. 35, T10n, R22w To South Fork Lolo Creek Trailhead, Sec. 12, T11n, R22w 8,420 cfs III
No Name Creek Headwaters, Sec. 30, T10n, R22w To Mainstem, Sec. 24, T10n, R22w 3,030 cfs III+
Hebgen Lake Dam, Sec. 23, T11s, R3e To Gallatin Forest Boundary, Sec. 35, T11s, R2e 449 cfs III
Gallatin Canyon, Sec. 19, T4s, R4e To Yellowstone National Park, Sec. 27, T9s, R5e 4,920 cfs II-III
Grave Creek System 2,310 cfs III-IV
From The Junction Of Hennesey Creek Downstream For Nine Miles To The Confluence With The Kootenai River To 1,380 cfs III-IV
Dirty Ck To Elk River & Gravelly Range Road #290, Sec. 15 T11s R2w 676 cfs III-IV
Wf Madison River, Sec. 10 T11s R1e To Jackpine Rd #1209, Sec. 4, T12s R1e 676 cfs III-IV
Gallatin Forest Boundary, Sec. 26, T3s, R12e To Blakley Creek, Sec. 26, T3s, R12e 5,340 cfs III-IV
Town Of Nelson, Sec. 12, T12n, R2w To Missouri River, Sec. 19, T12n, R2w 3,330 cfs II-III
Blakley Creek, Sec. 26, T4s, R12e To Miller Creek, Sec 13, T4s, R21e 5,340 cfs III-IV
Miller Creek, Sec. 13, T4s, R21e To Bramble Creek, Sec. 26, T5s, R12e 5,340 cfs II-III
Bramble Creek, Sec. 26, T5s, R12e To Absaroka Beartooth Wilderness, Sec. 22, T7s, R12e 73 cfs II-III
Gallatin Forest Boundary, Sec. 32, T7s, R7e To Yellowstone National Park, Sec. 23, T9s, R8e 4,920 cfs II-IV
Fool Creek, Sec. 24, T25n, R11w To Wilderness Boundary 564 cfs III
Wilderness Boundary To South Fork Sun River, Sec. 26, T22n, R10w 685 cfs ·
Headwaters, Sec. 4, T18n, R10w To North Fork Sun River, Sec. 26, T22n, R10w 685 cfs III-IV
Headwaters, Sec. 15, T18n, R10w To Straight Creek, Sec. 25, T19n, R10w 685 cfs III-IV
Custer Forest Boundary, Sec. 1, T7s, S16e To Absaroka Beartooth Wilderness Boundary 73 cfs ·
Hauser Dam, Sec. 29, T12n, R2w To Cochran Gulch, Sec. 18, T12n, R2w 3,330 cfs II-III
Trail #329, Sec. 15, T7n, R7w To Sec. 28, T8n, R7w 117 cfs II-III
Sec. 28, T8n, R7w To Ontario Creek, Sec. 12, T8n, R7w 14 cfs III
Custer Forest Boundary, Sec. 15, T5s, R15e To Absaroka Beartooth Wilderness Boundary 642 cfs III-IV
Absaroka Beartooth Wilderness Boundary To Headwaters, Sec. 9, T9s, R14e 73 cfs III-IV
Absaroka Beartooth Wilderness Boundary To Headwaters, Sec. 29, T7s, R15e 73 cfs II
Confluence Rock Creek, Sec. 34, T8s, R19e To Absaroka Beartooth Wilderness Boundary 138 cfs III-IV
Absaroka Beartooth Wilderness Boundary To Headwaters, Sec. 10, T9s, R17e 138 cfs III
S B Boundary, Sec. 17, T6n, R21w To Westside Of Blodgett Campground, Sec. 17, T6n, R22w 3,030 cfs III-IV
Nez Perce Fork Bitterroot River, Sec. 26, T1s, R22w To Painted Rocks Dam, Sec. 26, T1s, R22w 623 cfs II-III
Vermilion River 556 cfs III-IV
Chief Joseph Cg, Sec. 28, T9s, R15e To Montana State Line, Sec. 34, T9s, R15e 130 cfs III-IV
Absaroka Beartooth Wilderness Boundary To Headwaters, Sec. 20, T9s, R17e 138 cfs III-IV
Yaak Falls, Sec. 4, T33n, R33w To Downstream To Bpa Powerline, 6 Miles West Of Troy 1,380 cfs III-IV
West Side Blodgett Campground, Sec. 17, T6n, R21w To Bitterroot Forest Boundary, Sec. 17, T6n, R21w 3,030 cfs II-III
Madison River 770 cfs II-III
Big Hole River 1,110 cfs II-IV
Big Sheep Creek 461 cfs III
Blackfoot River 274 cfs II-III
Bad Canyon Creek 1,780 cfs IV-V
Gallagher Creek 27 cfs ·
Belmont Creek 967 cfs III
Rock Creek 152 cfs ·
Missouri River 3,740 cfs II-IV
Beaverhead River 592 cfs II-III
Marias River 12 cfs II-III
Muskrat Creek 77 cfs III-IV
Piney Creek 1,580 cfs III-IV
Clarks Fork Of The Yellowstone 1,580 cfs IV-V
Pat O'Hara Creek 1,580 cfs IV-V
River runs FAQ

About Montana river runs

What does whitewater class mean?

The international whitewater scale (Class I–VI) rates a river's difficulty. I is moving water with riffles. II is straightforward rapids with clear channels. III requires complex maneuvers in fast water. IV is intense, powerful but predictable rapids requiring decisive boat handling. V is extremely long, obstructed, or violent rapids with significant hazard. VI is considered impossible to run.

Where does the Montana streamflow data come from?

USGS streamgauges. Each Montana paddle run is keyed to a specific gauge that paddlers and outfitters have agreed represents flow on that section. Gauges report every 15 minutes; we re-pull throughout the day.

What's a runnable level?

Run-specific. A creek that's classic at 200 cfs might be too low at 100 and dangerously flooded at 1,000. Always cross-reference with a guidebook or a Montana paddling club for the run's accepted gauge ranges before launching.

Can I get an alert when a run hits prime flow?

Yes. Save any paddle run as a favorite in the Snoflo iOS app, set a flow window (e.g. "alert me between 800 and 1,500 cfs"), and you'll get a push the moment it crosses into range. Free with a Snoflo account.

Is this a substitute for local guidebooks and trip leaders?

No. Snoflo is informational. Always carry appropriate skills, gear, and a sober assessment of the day's flow. For high-consequence runs (Class IV+), paddle with people who know the run and never solo. American Whitewater is the authoritative source for U.S. river information.

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