Floating the river is a Missoula must in the summer. The days are hot and long, so relaxing in a tube on the water is a great way to beat the heat and enjoy the summer sunshine. It can be a bit intimidating to know where to start, but we are here to give you some pro tips for floating the river, from where to go to what you need to know.
If you have questions or need a hand while on the river, look for one of Missoula's River Ambassadors! You can find these helpful locals in brightly colored shirts at main river access points, parking areas on the Clark Fork, Bitterroot, and Blackfoot, and floating on SUP boards and in kayaks. Ambassadors will provide information on parking and shuttle options, guidance on put-ins and take-outs that protect riverbank vegetation, safety tips, river facts, and friendly advice to help people get the most out of their day on the water.
We recommend floating one of the two most popular routes. You can end your float at Caras Park, or continue on to Silver Park. Floating past Silver Park on the Clark Fork is not advised. For a full rundown of all the ways to access and enjoy the Clark Fork River in Missoula, check out our Downtown River Map.
Sha-Ron River Access to Caras Park: ~2 hours*
Milltown State Park Confluence Area to Caras Park: ~3.5 hours*
*Times vary based on water flow. When the river is high in the spring, floating in a tube is not recommended.
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