Montana River Guides

Whitewater rafting and scenic river trips near Missoula, Montana. Three of Montana's most distinctive rivers converge in western Montana: the big Class III and IV whitewater of the Clark Fork, the emerald pools of the big Blackfoot, and the peak-reflecting glides of the scenic Bitterroot. The only rafting company based right on the Clark Fork River at the Alberton Gorge, Montana River Guides is a custom river outfitter with an established reputation for fun and professional river trips. Our staff’s professionalism, attention to detail, and ability to create the right trip for different groups of people is what has made our company the Gorge’s leading outfitter. We offer the convenience of a retail shop with free wetsuits right on the river at the Alberton Gorge. Operating since 1994, MRG is the only company in Montana certified to teach River Rescue and the only company in Montana guiding riverboard trips. Over 70 percent of our guests have been with us before or are going with us because they heard about us from a friend. Here's some additional information about our river adventures.

Western Montana's Best Summer Adventure: Whitewater Rafting
Located just west of Missoula, the Alberton Gorge is the premium whitewater run in Montana with rollicking Class II.III and IV rapids and absolutely stunning canyon scenery. In between rapids you and your guests will enjoy the spectacular surroundings and watch for eagles, osprey, kingfishers, moose, deer, bear and mountain lions. The Gorge is a great family float. Younger kids (ages 6 and up) and older folks can ride in bigger rafts for a milder float while people who want a wilder ride will go in smaller paddle rafts. After running legendary rapids like Cliffside, Tumbleweed and Fang, guests can swim, relax and soak up the sun and scenery.

Half Day Whitewater Raft Trip: Alberton Gorge
About four hours round trip, this is the most popular choice for families or groups looking for Montana’s best summer adventure. Morning, afternoon and evening trips daily. Launch times usually 9am, 2pm, 6pm.

Full Day Raft Trip:Alberton Gorge
Raft the Alberton Gorge and stop along the way for a delicious riverside picnic at a beautiful swimming hole. Our lunches are legendary and still include Bernice’s homemade brownies. Fish Creek is one of the best swimming holes in Montana. Savor it all on the full day adventure. Launch times 9 –11 am.

Raft Trip & BBQ: The Alberton Gorge Ranch
An afternoon of rafting and whitewater fun followed by a relaxing BBQ at the Ranch. Located just 30 minutes west of Missoula along the Clark Fork River, our 40 acre ranch is a beautiful setting for wedding parties, church groups, company picnics or family events. Sunsets, horseshoes, volleyball, fishing and trail rides all available.

RIVERBOARDING: The Ultimate Whitewater Adventure
This is the ultimate whitewater thrill! We’re one of three companies in the United States to offer guided riverboard trips. You’ll wear a wetsuit, lifejacket, helmet, & fins and run the rapids on a specially designed bodyboard with handles. Learn to surf if you’re gung ho! This adventure has been covered in publications ranging from Men’s Health Magazine to the New York Times.

Blackfoot River Trips
The Blackfoot River pours into the Clark Fork River just east of Hellgate Canyon, With its headwaters to the north in the Bob Marshall and Scapegoat Wildernesses, the Blackfoot tumbles out of the mountains, meanders through willow-choked meadows, and picks up speed again as it rushes toward Missoula. With its fast moving currents, clear pools, friendly whitewater, and mountain scenery, the Blackfoot is truly a classic Montana River. Known for legendary dry flyfishing, the Blackfoot was the inspiration for Norman Maclean’s book, A River Runs Through It.

Scenic & Historic Float Trips
The Bitterroot River is perfect for relaxing, birdwatching, and enjoying the mountain scenery. Bald eagles, hawks, mergansers, white tail deer and even moose can be seen along the Bitterroot, which is as thick with history as it is with wildlife. Ancestral home to the Salish Indians, the Bitterroot carves a path followed by Lewis and Clark as well as the Nez Perce’ Indians in their tragic 1877 journey. We float past Travellers Rest, where Lewis and Clark camped on their way west before crossing the continental divide and again when they returned in 1806. Launch times vary depending on your schedule: Raft Trip with brunch or lunch:

The Tarkio Gorge is a scenic float trip located just downstream of the Clark Fork River's legendary Alberton Gorge. The Tarkio Gorge is a good choice for people with young children or people who want a gentle float with the opportunity to view wildlife beautiful scenery and go swimming.

Why Montana River Guides?
*Complimentary wetsuits on cool, overcast days.
*The only outfitter headquartered at the Alberton Gorge with a retail shop and forty acre ranch on the river.
*The only outfitter in Montana certified to teach river rescue through Rescue 3 International. We have provided river rescue and safety training to over 100 different agencies and organizations since 1995.
*Friendly, professional guides certified in first aid and river rescue.
*Customized trips to meet your groups needs and make it the perfect river adventure for you.
*The only outfitter in Montana to offer guided riverboard trips--featured in Men's Health, the New York Times, Paddlesports Business and many other magazines.
*Selected by the Discovery Channel to provide whitewater safety, production support and stuntwork for the pilot show of the new reality series, "Man vs Wild"

		From	To	From	To	From	To
Monday	Open	8am	9pm
Tuesday	Open	8am	9pm
Wednesday	Open	8am	9pm
Thursday	Open	8am	9pm
Friday	Open	8am	9pm
Saturday	Open	8am	9pm
Sunday	Open	8am	9pm