High Falls Creek Headwaters, Sec. 5, T14n, R18w To Mainstem, Sec. 2, T14n, R18w river run
High Falls Creek Headwaters, Sec. 5, T14n, R18w To Mainstem, Sec. 2, T14n, R18w
This section is rated as a Class III-IV rapids, with a total segment mileage of approximately 5 miles. Along the way, there are several challenging rapids and obstacles, including High Falls, a 15-foot waterfall.
There are specific regulations in place for this area, including a permit requirement for commercial outfitters. Private boaters are also required to follow guidelines for responsible recreation, such as packing out all trash and avoiding damaging the natural environment.
Overall, the High Falls Creek Headwaters to Mainstem section of the Whitewater River offers a thrilling whitewater experience for experienced paddlers within a beautiful natural setting.
Plan your run down to the hour
Same weather feed Snoflo's iOS app uses -- updated continuously from NOAA / yr.no. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram; rain ahead of a run typically lifts flows 12-48 hours later depending on the basin.
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. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| 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 -- the upstream story that drives next week's flows.
Regional streamflow levels
USGS streamgauges around High Falls Creek Headwaters, Sec. 5, T14n, R18w To Mainstem, Sec. 2, T14n, R18w -- useful for spotting upstream pulses and gauging which tributary is contributing what.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Blackfoot River Near Bonner Mt | 3,240 cfs | → |
| Clark Fork Above Missoula Mt | 4,940 cfs | → |
| Clark Fork At Turah Bridge Nr Bonner Mt | 1,690 cfs | → |
| South Fork Jocko River Near Arlee Mt | 191 cfs | → |
| Bitterroot River Near Missoula Mt | 3,960 cfs | → |
| Clark Fork Below Missoula Mt | 8,550 cfs | → |
Plan a longer trip
The closest boat launches, other paddle runs, and campgrounds so a day on the water can grow into a full weekend.
Boat launches
Other river runs
- East Fork Headwaters, Sec. 8, T14n, R17w To Mainstem, Sec. 14, T14n, R18w
- Lake Creek Headwaters, Sec. 30, T15n, R18w To Mainstem, Sec. 21, T15n, R18w
- Wrangle Creek Headwaters, Sec. 18, T15n, R18w To Mainstem, Sec. 21, T15n, R18w
- Spring Gulch Headwaters, Sec. 12, T14n, R19w To Mainstem, Sec. 35, T14n, R19w
- Mainstem Headwaters, Sec. 4, T15n, R18w To Boundary, Sec. 2, T13n, R18w
Campgrounds
- Johnsrud Park Fas
- Thibodeau Campground
- Thibodeau Fas
- Missoula Koa
- Corricks River Bend Fas
- Hidden Lake Campground
Fishing spots
Whitewater safety
- Check the flow before you run
- Use the linked-gauge card and Regional Flow panel above. Class ratings change with flow -- a Class III at low water can become Class IV+ at high water.
- Know your skill ceiling
- Pick runs comfortably below your ceiling. Cold-water and big-water runs raise the consequences of any mistake.
- Wear the right gear
- Helmet, PFD, drysuit / wetsuit when water is below 60°F. Throw bag, knife, and whistle on your person, not in the boat.
- Scout, set safety, and run with a team
- Scout new rapids on foot, set safety with throw bags above the consequence pool, and run with at least one other competent paddler.
- Respect the river
- Strainers, undercuts, low-head dams, and wood can kill at any class rating. When in doubt, portage.
Set push alerts in the Snoflo app
Save High Falls Creek Headwaters, Sec. 5, T14n, R18w To Mainstem, Sec. 2, T14n, R18w as a favorite, set a discharge threshold (e.g. "alert me when flow hits 600 cfs"), and the iOS app pushes the moment the linked gauge crosses.
About High Falls Creek Headwaters, Sec. 5, T14n, R18w To Mainstem, Sec. 2, T14n, R18w
What's the optimal flow for High Falls Creek Headwaters, Sec. 5, T14n, R18w To Mainstem, Sec. 2, T14n, R18w?
The optimal flow depends on the section and the craft. Check the Run Details panel for the linked gauge and current status.
How fresh is the cfs reading on this page?
The linked USGS streamgauge reports continuously (every 15 minutes); Snoflo refreshes throughout the day. Hover the streamflow sparkline to read individual datapoints.
What's the whitewater class?
See the Run Details panel for the class rating Snoflo tracks for this run. Class ratings change with flow -- a Class III at low water can become Class IV in high water.
Where do I put in / take out?
Tap Directions in the hero above to open driving directions to the put-in. For shuttle planning, check the Nearby Boat Launches panel and the river run operator's site.
Can I get alerts when flows hit the optimal range?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this run, set a discharge threshold, and you'll get a push the moment the gauge crosses.
Other runs near here
Snoflo-tracked paddle runs within driving distance of High Falls Creek Headwaters, Sec. 5, T14n, R18w To Mainstem, Sec. 2, T14n, R18w.