Alberton Gorge (Clark Fork)

Missoula’s summer whitewater, with swims and cliff jumps.

West of Missoula the Clark Fork squeezes through a steep-walled canyon for about 10 miles from Cyr to Tarkio, with Class II–III rapids like Tumbleweed and Fang, sandy beaches and summer swimming. Missoula outfitters run guided raft, inflatable kayak and riverboard trips daily, and experienced private boaters run it on their own. Bridge work on Old Highway 10 closes the Triple Bridges wave access and nearby land through fall 2027.

At a glance

Run

Cyr to Tarkio, about 10 mi

Rapids

Class II–III: Cliffside, Triple Bridges, Tumbleweed, Fang

Put-in

Cyr fishing access (I-90 exit 70), with a raft slide

From Missoula

About 40 min west on I-90

Closure

Old Hwy 10 bridge area closed through fall 2027

Good for

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

What’s here

• Whitewater
• Guided tours
• Swimming

Rentals, guides and shops

• Montana River Guides

  Family-run since 1994: Alberton Gorge rafting, kayaking and riverboarding, scenic Clark Fork floats and swiftwater classes.

• Zoo Town Surfers

  Alberton Gorge raft trips from $65, scenic Tarkio and Blackfoot floats, and the Lochsa in spring.

Where to stay

• hotelThe Wren

  Hotel with a coffee shop in downtown Missoula.

  40 min drive
• hotelHoliday Inn Missoula Downtown

  Downtown hotel with a pool.

  40 min drive

Nearby

• Brennan’s Wave · 40 min drive

  Watch river surfers on the wave by Caras Park in downtown Missoula.

• KettleHouse Brewing · 40 min drive

  Missoula craft brewery.

• Clark Fork Market · 40 min drive

  Saturday farmers market in downtown Missoula.

• Big Dipper Ice Cream · 40 min drive

  Homemade ice cream in Missoula since 1995.

Getting there

• Missoula Montana Airport (MSO) · about 40 min drive
• Missoula · about 0.75 hr
• Spokane · about 2.75 hr

Directions in Google Maps