Beaverhead River river run
Beaverhead River
One of the most notable rapids on the Beaverhead River is the Grasshopper Rapid, which is a class III rapid located near the town of Twin Bridges. This rapid features a narrow channel with large boulders, creating a challenging and exciting run for paddlers. Other notable rapids on the Beaverhead River include the Chandler Rapids and the Beaver Lodge Rapids.
There are specific regulations that apply to the Beaverhead River, including a limit on the number of commercial outfitters and the requirement for all boaters to carry a Type IV throwable device. Additionally, the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Department requires all boaters to have a valid Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Pass before launching on the river.
Overall, the Beaverhead River is a great option for intermediate level paddlers looking for a multi-day trip with exciting rapids and beautiful scenery. It's important to follow all regulations and safety guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience on the river.
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 Beaverhead River -- useful for spotting upstream pulses and gauging which tributary is contributing what.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Beaverhead River At Barretts Mt | 521 cfs | → |
| Beaverhead River At Dillon Mt | 116 cfs | → |
| Beaverhead River Near Twin Bridges Mt | 102 cfs | → |
| Big Hole River Near Glen Mt | 1,590 cfs | → |
| Big Hole River Near Melrose Mt | 1,510 cfs | → |
| Ruby River Ab Reservoir Nr Alder Mt | 133 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
Campgrounds
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 Beaverhead River 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 Beaverhead River
What's the optimal flow for Beaverhead River?
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 Beaverhead River.