Find whitewater thrills and serene drifting for the day down this scenic Montana river.
Cover photo courtesy of ROW Adventures
There’s nothing like a multi-day wilderness river rafting trip for unwinding from the stress of our daily lives and re-connecting with nature, but such trips are a big time commitment that won’t always work out with busy summer schedules. Fortunately, Montana’s Clark Fork River, just over two hours from Spokane, offers a day trip version of longer rafting adventures with the same whitewater thrills and serenity of floating through wild, beautiful landscapes.
Named after William Clark of the Lewis & Clark expedition, the Clark Fork, which begins in the Rocky Mountains near Butte, Mont., eventually makes its way west to its terminus at Lake Pend Oreille. The Alberton Gorge section of the Clark Fork offers up a fun, family-friendly ride with roller coaster waves and intermediate (Class II-III) rapids. In between the frequent splashy rapids with names like Boat Eater, Fang, Cliffside, and Tumbleweed, there’s plenty of time to soak up the summer sun and swim in the calmer stretches or just kick back and relax while contemplating the river slowly passing by. While the Clark Fork remains accessible along much of I-90, most of the trip floats between deep canyon walls with towering, multi-colored cliffs that offer peace and solitude. This escape gives rafters the feeling of being far removed from the worries and responsibilities they may have back home.
Local outfitter ROW Adventures offers one-day whitewater rafting trips down the Clark Fork River from July through September. In the summer months the river temperature is warm and idyllic for swimming, the rapids are at peak fun levels, and the weather is often sunny and hot, all making for an inviting day on the river. ROW’s trips meet and end at Superior, Mont., right off of I-90, and the downriver journey typically takes place in 13-foot paddle rafts where the passengers get to help propel the craft by paddling, per the guide’s instructions, through the rapids.
Since the river carves its way through the mountainous country of western Montana, the surrounding forests are as beautiful as you’d expect, and sightings of many species of birds and other wildlife are likely and range from osprey and eagles to deer and other critters. Once you’re off the river, your sun-kissed, river-rocked body will feel lighter and more relaxed than before. Don’t be surprised to feel “Zenned-out” on the short drive back home that evening. A day on the Clark Fork with friends or family will be one of the highlights of your summer! Call 208-770-2517 to book a trip or visit Rowadventures.com for more info.
