C-Forum

Some friends and I are planning a trip down to missoula sometime this summer, and I'm wondering if someone from the area might have some info on rivers we should be sure to hit (Class II-III), when we should hit them, good websites, guidebooks, etc. Any info would be appreciated.

Howdy, I live in Missoula and could show you around, shoot me a message when you are coming and we can get together. Otherwise the Blackfoot is Class 2 and is pretty fun, then the Alberton Gorge on the Clark Fork, higher volume class 3, super fun surfing in the summer. If the Lochsa is still running in the summer it is technical class 3-4 and beautiful. Those are the closest to Missoula. There are a ton of other runs not too far of a drive a way. Let me know
Cheers
B

Here are some books I own or know about...The Floater's Guide to Montana by Hank Fischer, Floating Montana's Rivers by Curt Thompson, Surf Montana (more of a class IV+ and up, creeking book) and since Idaho is so close, I'll mention Idaho The Whitewater State by Grant Amaral. The first two mentioned are geared to every type of river runner but still have valuble information. I have only thumbed through Surf Montana but it leaves out most all class III or less. I live about 40 miles south of Missoula in Hamiton and here is my list of favorite runs in order of difficulty, from easiest to most challenging. All are 20 minutes to 2 1/2 hours from Missoula.
East or West Fork of the Bitterroot R. class II technical
The Blackfoot from Sperry Grade downstream. class II+ technical
The day stretch of the Main Salmon near Shoup Idaho. class II - III
technical with some bigger waves and holes.
The North Fork of the Blackfoot R. class II+ with class IV
consequences. The gradient is almost 60 ft per mile in the
upper section.
The Alberton Gorge of the Clark Fork. Big but for the most part
easy class III
Buffalo section of the Main Flathead. Big, pushy, squirrely class III
Section 3 of the Lochsa R (Idaho). class III to IV- tech. and big
Section 2 of the Lochsa class III to IV+ " " "

*My classifications are based on reasonalble open boat flows, are my opinion and open to debate!

Other runs worth mentioning are the Thompson R., Rock Creek, Gallatin, Madison and Middle Fork of the Flathead. Others may chime in with some other suggestions.

There is a supprisingly large open boat community in the Missoula area that would be willing to show you around. Let us know when you are firming up your dates and we can be more specific about runs that are optimum. My cell is 406-546-8960, contact me on this site or you might try calling the Trailhead in Missoula 543-6966.
See you on the river.
Alan

Both montana surf and idaho: the whiteh2o state are out of print. lots of fun stuff in the area. North Fork Clearwater is a goob bit from Missoula, but is also one of the coolest places to spend an extended weekend ever. Bit easier than the Lochsa, couple great play spots, and 0 crowds.

If you're driving in from the east, the Gallatin at Bozeman is definitely worth the stop (great easy access, and diverse paddling levels on different sections). Also, there's the Beartrap Canyon on the Madison, check it out before you run it, Kitchen Sink can get quite big at higher flows. On the Yellowstone there's the Town run, and Yankee Jim is short but sweet, easy camping just below Yankee Jim too.

someone quick.... what's the name of that guide book - with nothing but hot springs, that's a mandatory if in the area

you can also check with guys at 'The Canoe Rack' in Missoula ( http://www.canoerack.com/ ) they were totally open boat friendly, knew levels, had most anything you might need to replace, and a can tell you any shortcuts (like to the Lochsa)

Unfortunatley Canoe Rack went out of business in December , however I am one of the guys that worked there and can give you the info that you could have gotten from that store. The name of the book is, well there are 2, Touring Montana and Wyoming Hotsprings--mostly resort type or non-primitive the other book is Hiking Hot Springs in the Pacific Northwest--mostly primitive (the best ones) and in Idaho, WA, OR and BC. Side note- there are a couple of great hot springs on the way to the Lochsa that are worth the short hike, or the longer hike if you want to go to one of the best in the NW, the trailhead is out of the camprgound just above the lower run on the Lochsa.
Thanks for the plug though Phil!