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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
Runnable now
-
Class mix
-
Updated
Oct 16
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Paddle briefing · Oct 16, 2026

Montana river runs today

What’s in range, the best bets by class and what’s running high — from live USGS gauges.

62 of 119 Montana runs are in their runnable range right now, 38 are too low and 13 are running high. 6 more have no live reading.

Best bets in range today — Class V: Wrangle Creek Headwaters, Sec. 18, T15N, R18W To Mainstem… (19 cfs) and Proposed Torrey Peak Wilderness To Proposed Torrey Peak W… (83 cfs); Class IV: Gallatin Forest Boundary, Sec. 26, T3S, R12E To Blakley C… (1,700 cfs) and Blakley Creek, Sec. 26, T4S, R12E To Miller Creek, Sec 13… (1,700 cfs); Class III: Miller Creek, Sec. 13, T4S, R21E To Bramble Creek, Sec. 2… (1,700 cfs) and Gallatin Canyon, Sec. 19, T4S, R4E To Yellowstone Nationa… (1,250 cfs).

Running high: West Fork Fish Creek Headwaters, Sec. 6, T13N, R26W To Cl… at 2,940 cfs (range tops out near 800). Scout before you commit.
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.

Montana paddle report

119 runs
River run Streamflow Status Runnable range Class
Southeastern Boundary Of Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area To Confluence With Bighorn River 1,600 cfs Too low 1,817–6,814 cfstypical III-IV
The Headwaters To The Confluence With Soda Butte Creek 10 cfs Too high 2–3 cfstypical III-IV
The Headwaters To Ends Above Slough Creek Campground, Located On A Secondary Spur Road To The Park's Main Road 10 cfs Too high 2–3 cfstypical ·
Begins Where The River Parallels A Two Lane Highway To The Western Boundary Of Yellowstone National Park 707 cfs Runnable 700–2,700 cfs II-III+
Northeast Yellowstone National Park Boundary, Near Cooke City To The Confluence With Lamar River 10 cfs Too high 2–3 cfstypical III-IV
Jackpine Rd & Wf Madison Rd, Sec. 4, T12s, R1e To Shakelford Homestead, Sec. 25, T1s, R1w 799 cfs Runnable 700–2,700 cfs II-IV
Shakelford Homestead, Sec. 26, T12s, R1w To 1/2 Mi Below Landon Camp, Sec. 32, T12s, R1w 799 cfs Runnable 700–2,700 cfs ·
1/2 Below Landon Camp, Sec. 32, T12s, R1w To Up River 3/4 Mi, Sec. 31, T12s, R1w · No reading 700–2,700 cfs ·
1/4 Mi West Landon Camp, Sec. 31, T12s, R1w To Fossil Creek, Sec. 27, T12s, R2w · No reading 700–2,700 cfs ·
Dobrota Headwaters, Sec. 23, T18n, R10w To Mainstem, Sec. 31, T18n, R9w 91 cfs Too low 350–2,500 cfs III-IV
Dwight Creek, Sec. 12, T17n, R12w To Dry Creek, Sec. 3, T17n, R11w 166 cfs Too low 350–2,500 cfs III+
Canyon Creek Headwaters, Sec. 28, T17n, R11w To Dry Creek, Sec. 11, T17n, R11w 166 cfs Too low 350–2,500 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 4,260 cfs Too low 5,000–30,000 cfs III-IV
10 Miles From Tub Gulch To Quartz Creek To 10 Miles From Tub Gulch To Quartz Creek 4,260 cfs Too low 5,000–30,000 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 84 cfs Too low 5,000–30,000 cfs II
Slowery, Sec. 15, T17n, R27w To Sec. 31, T18n. R28w 2,940 cfs Runnable 1,200–20,000 cfs III
Cuttoff, Sec. 9, T18n, R27w To Sec. 34, T19n, R25w 10,200 cfs Runnable 7,468–23,597 cfstypical III-IV
West Fork Fish Creek Headwaters, Sec. 6, T13n, R26w To Clearwater Crossing Trailhead, Sec. 6, T13n, R25w 2,940 cfs Too high 350–800 cfs ·
Cedar Log Creek Headwaters, Sec. 14, T12n, R26w To Mainstem, Sec. 19, T13n, R25w 2,940 cfs Runnable 1,200–20,000 cfs III-IV
Middle Fork Indian Creek Headwaters, Sec. 14, T12n, R26w To Mainstem, Sec. 25, T12n, R26w 2,940 cfs Runnable 1,200–20,000 cfs III-IV
Mainstem Headwaters, Sec. 21, T11n, R25w To Montana Creek, Sec. 18, T12n, R24w 7,560 cfs Runnable 5,523–12,917 cfstypical II-III
Montana Creek, Sec. 18, T11n, R24w To Fish Creek, Sec. 8, T12n, R24w 7,560 cfs Runnable 5,523–12,917 cfstypical II-III
Irish Creek Headwaters, Sec. 20, T12n, R25w To Mainstem, Sec. 22, T12n, R25w 7,560 cfs Runnable 5,523–12,917 cfstypical ·
Pebble Creek Headwaters, Sec. 10, T11n, R25w To Mainstem, Sec. 28, T12n, R25w 7,560 cfs Runnable 5,523–12,917 cfstypical ·
White Creek Headwaters, Sec. 33, T12n, R24w To Mainstem, Sec. 18, T12n, R24w 7,560 cfs Runnable 5,523–12,917 cfstypical III-IV
Mainstem Headwaters, Sec. 4, T15n, R18w To Boundary, Sec. 2, T13n, R18w 1,530 cfs Runnable 500–40,000 cfs III-IV
Wrangle Creek Headwaters, Sec. 18, T15n, R18w To Mainstem, Sec. 21, T15n, R18w 19 cfs Runnable 9–58 cfstypical III-V
Lake Creek Headwaters, Sec. 30, T15n, R18w To Mainstem, Sec. 21, T15n, R18w 19 cfs Runnable 9–58 cfstypical III-IV
White Sand Mouth, Sec. 34, T37n, R14e To Trail #47 And Trail #50, Sec. 5, T36n, R15e 80 cfs Runnable 49–197 cfstypical ·
Trail #47 And #50, Sec. 5, T36n, R15e To Selway Bitterroot Wilderness Boundary, Sec. 36, T36n, R15e 425 cfs Runnable 312–1,944 cfstypical II-III
Blodgett Lake Dam, Sec. 27, T6n, R23w To S B Wilderness Boundary, Sec. 17, T6n, R21w 425 cfs Runnable 312–1,944 cfstypical III-IV
Fossil Ck & Wf Madison, Sec. 27, T12s, R2w To Miner Creek, Sec. 30 T12s, R2w · No reading 700–2,700 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 84 cfs Too low 185–1,962 cfstypical 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 84 cfs Too low 185–1,962 cfstypical III
Lookout Creek And South Fork, Sec. 21, T34n, R30w To Upstream For 6 Miles 84 cfs Too low 185–1,962 cfstypical III
Cabin Creek Headwaters, Sec. 13, T17n, R10w To Dry Fork, Sec. 13, T17n, R11w 166 cfs Too low 350–2,500 cfs II-IV
Cooney Cr Headwaters, Sec. 17, T19n, R9w To Mainstem, Sec. 1, T17n, R10w 91 cfs Too low 350–2,500 cfs III-IV
Fools Gold Crossing (Fdr 480) To Wagon Box Creek 70 cfs Runnable 58–77 cfstypical II-III
Wagon Box Creek To Dry Fork Trail 70 cfs Runnable 58–77 cfstypical III-IV
Lolo/Deerlodge Nfs Boundary To Clark Fork River 265 cfs Runnable 163–551 cfstypical ·
Headwaters, Sec. 17, T19n, R15w To Seeley Lake, Sec. 20, T17n, R15w 19 cfs Runnable 9–58 cfstypical II-III
Headwaters, Sec. 7, T18n, R14w To Morrell Falls, Sec. 24, T18n, R15w 19 cfs Runnable 9–58 cfstypical III
Nf Blackfoot Headwaters, Sec. 34, T18n, R9w To Main North Fork Trailhead, Sec. 27, T16n, R11w 166 cfs Too low 350–2,500 cfs III-IV
Dry Fork Headwaters, Sec. 30, T17n, R10w To Mainstem, Sec. 30, T17n, R10w 166 cfs Too low 350–2,500 cfs III-IV
Falls, Sec. 25, T14n, R4e To Smith River, Sec. 25, T14n, R3e 146 cfs Too low 250–1,500 cfs III-IV
Tenderfoot Creek, Sec. 30, T14n, R4e To Deep Creek, Sec. 31, T16n, R4e 116 cfs Too low 250–1,500 cfs III-IV+
Dry Fork River From Its Confluence With Lake Creek To Confluence With Little Big Horn 70 cfs Runnable 58–77 cfstypical III-IV
Pool Creek, Sec. 7, T28n, R12w To Falls, Sec. 25, T29n, R12w 101 cfs Runnable 49–214 cfstypical III
Willow Creek, Sec. 32, T24n, R29w To Noxon Reservoir, Sec. 14, T24n, R31w 36 cfs Too low 350–800 cfs II-III
Headwaters, Sec. 34, T28n, R11w To Swift Reservoir 101 cfs Runnable 49–214 cfstypical ·
Arch Coulee Junction, Sec. 32, T13n, R11e To Forest Boundary, Sec. 35, T13n, R11e 52 cfs Runnable 7–91 cfstypical II-III
Headwaters, Sec. 13, T18n, R10w To Forest Boundary, Sec. 6, T17n, R7w 206 cfs Runnable 43–611 cfstypical 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 240 cfs Runnable 220–994 cfstypical III-IV
Morrell Falls, Sec. 24, T18n, R15w To Morrell Falls Trailhead, Sec. 36, T18n, R15w 19 cfs Runnable 9–58 cfstypical 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 84 cfs Too low 5,000–30,000 cfs ·
North Fork Bull River, Sec. 32, T29n, R32w To Proposed Cabinet Mtns Wilderness Boundary, Sec. 1, T28n, R32w 72 cfs Too low 108–1,413 cfstypical ·
Snowbank Lake, Sec. 4, T15n, R8w To Landers Fork Blackfoot River, Sec. 36, T15n, R8w · No reading 7–101 cfstypical II-III
Sec. 29, T.8s, R.13w To All Upstream Waters · No reading 16–105 cfstypical III
Custer Forest Boundary, Sec. 19, T8s, R20e To Absaroka Beartooth Wilderness Boundary 59 cfs Too high 24–35 cfstypical III-IV
Custer Boundary, Sec. 6, T8s, R20e To Absaroka Beartooth Wilderness Boundary 59 cfs Too high 24–35 cfstypical III-V
Absaroka Beartooth Wilderness Boundary To Headwaters, Sec. 25, T8s, R17e 59 cfs Too high 24–35 cfstypical III-IV
Spring Gulch Headwaters, Sec. 12, T14n, R19w To Mainstem, Sec. 35, T14n, R19w 1,530 cfs Runnable 500–40,000 cfs III-IV
High Falls Creek Headwaters, Sec. 5, T14n, R18w To Mainstem, Sec. 2, T14n, R18w 613 cfs Runnable 200–10,000 cfs III-IV
East Fork Headwaters, Sec. 8, T14n, R17w To Mainstem, Sec. 14, T14n, R18w 613 cfs Runnable 200–10,000 cfs IV
Beaverhead Boundary Sec. 22, T4s, R4w To Upper Branham Lake, Sec. 5, T4s, R3w 160 cfs Runnable 135–205 cfstypical III
Beaverhead Boundary, Sec. 22, T9s, R3w To South Of Romy Lake, Sec. 26, T8s, R3w 106 cfs Runnable 82–163 cfstypical II-III
Pattengail Ck. Sec. 11, T2s, R12w To Jaccobsen & Mono Cks, Sec. 33, T3s, R12w 454 cfs Runnable 122–1,648 cfstypical III
Sec 15, T2s, R10w To Lion Cr, Sec. 4, T3s, R11w 454 cfs Runnable 122–1,648 cfstypical III-IV
Proposed Torrey Peak Wilderness To Proposed Torrey Peak Wilderness 83 cfs Runnable 71–139 cfstypical III-V
Elk Rv & Wf Madison Rv, Sec. 17, T12s, R1e To Dirty Creek, Sec. 11, T11s, R1w 799 cfs Too low 832–1,172 cfstypical II-III
Mainstem Headwaters, Sec. 35, T10n, R22w To South Fork Lolo Creek Trailhead, Sec. 12, T11n, R22w 2,340 cfs Runnable 1,868–7,058 cfstypical III
No Name Creek Headwaters, Sec. 30, T10n, R22w To Mainstem, Sec. 24, T10n, R22w 425 cfs Runnable 312–1,944 cfstypical III+
Hebgen Lake Dam, Sec. 23, T11s, R3e To Gallatin Forest Boundary, Sec. 35, T11s, R2e 707 cfs Runnable 700–2,700 cfs III
Gallatin Canyon, Sec. 19, T4s, R4e To Yellowstone National Park, Sec. 27, T9s, R5e 1,250 cfs Runnable 450–6,000 cfs II-III
Grave Creek System 276 cfs Runnable 74–775 cfstypical III-IV
From The Junction Of Hennesey Creek Downstream For Nine Miles To The Confluence With The Kootenai River To 84 cfs Too low 185–1,962 cfstypical III-IV
Dirty Ck To Elk River & Gravelly Range Road #290, Sec. 15 T11s R2w 799 cfs Too low 832–1,172 cfstypical III-IV
Wf Madison River, Sec. 10 T11s R1e To Jackpine Rd #1209, Sec. 4, T12s R1e 799 cfs Runnable 700–2,700 cfs III-IV
Gallatin Forest Boundary, Sec. 26, T3s, R12e To Blakley Creek, Sec. 26, T3s, R12e 1,700 cfs Runnable 1,000–5,000 cfs III-IV
Town Of Nelson, Sec. 12, T12n, R2w To Missouri River, Sec. 19, T12n, R2w 2,970 cfs Too low 3,522–5,565 cfstypical II-III
Blakley Creek, Sec. 26, T4s, R12e To Miller Creek, Sec 13, T4s, R21e 1,700 cfs Runnable 1,000–5,000 cfs III-IV
Miller Creek, Sec. 13, T4s, R21e To Bramble Creek, Sec. 26, T5s, R12e 1,700 cfs Runnable 1,000–5,000 cfs II-III
Bramble Creek, Sec. 26, T5s, R12e To Absaroka Beartooth Wilderness, Sec. 22, T7s, R12e 88 cfs Too low 1,000–5,000 cfs II-III
Gallatin Forest Boundary, Sec. 32, T7s, R7e To Yellowstone National Park, Sec. 23, T9s, R8e 1,250 cfs Runnable 500–25,000 cfs II-IV
Fool Creek, Sec. 24, T25n, R11w To Wilderness Boundary 107 cfs Runnable 27–351 cfstypical III
Wilderness Boundary To South Fork Sun River, Sec. 26, T22n, R10w 91 cfs Runnable 32–399 cfstypical ·
Headwaters, Sec. 4, T18n, R10w To North Fork Sun River, Sec. 26, T22n, R10w 91 cfs Runnable 32–399 cfstypical III-IV
Headwaters, Sec. 15, T18n, R10w To Straight Creek, Sec. 25, T19n, R10w 91 cfs Runnable 32–399 cfstypical III-IV
Custer Forest Boundary, Sec. 1, T7s, S16e To Absaroka Beartooth Wilderness Boundary 88 cfs Too high 15–74 cfstypical ·
Hauser Dam, Sec. 29, T12n, R2w To Cochran Gulch, Sec. 18, T12n, R2w 2,970 cfs Too low 3,522–5,565 cfstypical II-III
Trail #329, Sec. 15, T7n, R7w To Sec. 28, T8n, R7w 186 cfs Too low 219–352 cfstypical II-III
Sec. 28, T8n, R7w To Ontario Creek, Sec. 12, T8n, R7w 2 cfs Runnable 1–16 cfstypical III
Custer Forest Boundary, Sec. 15, T5s, R15e To Absaroka Beartooth Wilderness Boundary 435 cfs Too low 900–3,500 cfs III-IV
Absaroka Beartooth Wilderness Boundary To Headwaters, Sec. 9, T9s, R14e 88 cfs Too low 900–3,500 cfs III-IV
Absaroka Beartooth Wilderness Boundary To Headwaters, Sec. 29, T7s, R15e 88 cfs Too high 15–74 cfstypical II
Confluence Rock Creek, Sec. 34, T8s, R19e To Absaroka Beartooth Wilderness Boundary 59 cfs Too high 24–35 cfstypical III-IV
Absaroka Beartooth Wilderness Boundary To Headwaters, Sec. 10, T9s, R17e 59 cfs Too high 24–35 cfstypical III
S B Boundary, Sec. 17, T6n, R21w To Westside Of Blodgett Campground, Sec. 17, T6n, R22w 425 cfs Runnable 312–1,944 cfstypical III-IV
Nez Perce Fork Bitterroot River, Sec. 26, T1s, R22w To Painted Rocks Dam, Sec. 26, T1s, R22w 80 cfs Runnable 49–197 cfstypical II-III
Vermilion River 134 cfs Runnable 76–992 cfstypical III-IV
Chief Joseph Cg, Sec. 28, T9s, R15e To Montana State Line, Sec. 34, T9s, R15e 10 cfs Too low 400–5,000 cfs III-IV
Absaroka Beartooth Wilderness Boundary To Headwaters, Sec. 20, T9s, R17e 59 cfs Too high 24–35 cfstypical III-IV
Yaak Falls, Sec. 4, T33n, R33w To Downstream To Bpa Powerline, 6 Miles West Of Troy 84 cfs Too low 185–1,962 cfstypical III-IV
West Side Blodgett Campground, Sec. 17, T6n, R21w To Bitterroot Forest Boundary, Sec. 17, T6n, R21w 425 cfs Runnable 312–1,944 cfstypical II-III
Madison River 799 cfs Runnable 700–2,700 cfs II-III
Big Hole River 1,090 cfs Runnable 581–2,388 cfstypical II-IV
Big Sheep Creek 11 cfs Runnable 5–83 cfstypical III
Blackfoot River 186 cfs Too low 350–2,500 cfs II-III
Bad Canyon Creek 435 cfs Too low 900–3,500 cfs IV-V
Gallagher Creek · No reading 7–101 cfstypical ·
Belmont Creek 613 cfs Runnable 200–10,000 cfs III
Rock Creek 56 cfs Runnable 37–71 cfstypical ·
Missouri River 2,970 cfs Too low 3,522–5,565 cfstypical II-IV
Beaverhead River 101 cfs Too low 103–263 cfstypical II-III
Marias River 401 cfs Too high 48–157 cfstypical II-III
Muskrat Creek 32 cfs Too low 38–144 cfstypical III-IV
Piney Creek 131 cfs Too low 400–5,000 cfs III-IV
Clarks Fork Of The Yellowstone 131 cfs Too low 400–5,000 cfs IV-V
Pat O'Hara Creek 131 cfs Too low 400–5,000 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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