Madison River Paddle Report

Summary

The ideal streamflow range for a fun and safe run on the river is between 1,200 and 4,000 cubic feet per second (cfs). The river is rated as a class II-III, with some sections reaching class IV in high water. The segment mileage for the whitewater section is around 31 miles, starting from the town of Ennis and ending at the town of Three Forks.

The Madison River has several notable rapids and obstacles, including Kitchen Sink, which is a class III rapid that requires careful navigation. Another popular section is the Bear Trap Canyon, which is a steep and narrow canyon with fast-moving water and class IV rapids.

It is important to note that there are specific regulations in place in the area. For instance, fishing is not allowed in the whitewater section of the river to preserve the habitat and prevent interference with recreational activities. Additionally, all boaters are required to wear a personal flotation device, and commercial outfitters are required to have proper permits to operate on the river.