Mike Johnston

Montana Whitewater Rafting and Riverboarding trips near Missoula Montana with Montana River Guides. 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.

Whitewater Rafting the Alberton Gorge
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.

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. Price: $75 per person. Also available as a dinner Float!

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 trailrides all available. $85

Montana River Guides is the only outfitter in Montana offering guided riverboard trips-- considered by many to be the ultimate whitewater thrill. We've been guiding riverboard trips in Montana for over a decade. It’s for the adventurous few who want more excitement than rafting or kayaking can provide. Montana is North America's last best place to catch a mountain wave. Here's some general information on or trips. Please let us know if you have any questions or would like to reserve a trip.

Montana River Guides is a regional leader in river skills training and river rescue instruction to professional firefighters and rescue personnel, river rangers, guides, rafting company owners and managers. Owner Mike Johnston riverboarding and bodyboarding since 1986 and introduced guided riverboard trips to Montana a decade later in 1996.

The Alberton Gorge is an ideal location for guided riverboard trips. It is a high volume (2,000 to 40,000 cfs), pool and drop river with large recovery pools after each of its Class II, III and IV Rapids. Because of it’s volume, the Clark Fork is not considered a technical run and is relatively free of obstructions. The rapids are characterized by obvious entry points with large waves caused by a combination of constriction and deep channel drops. Bottom line: the Alberton Gorge whitewater is one of the world’s best spots to learn how to maneuver and surf while riverboarding. We run trips from June through September. The snowpack looks great this year. Expect huge water and fast runs through early July. As the river level drops through July and August more rocks and features appear along with more potential surf waves. $85/Main Gorge or $129/ Upper and Main Gorge with lunch. Morning trips meet at 9am, afternoon trips at 2pm and evening trips at 6 pm / mountain time.

CONVENIENCE & COMFORT
Montana River Guides is the only river outfitter with an office right at the Alberton Gorge. Our retail shop and 40 acre riverside ranch are convenient for guests and give our guides greater flexibility to accommodate last minute adjustments. When guests arrive, our guides will greet them, outfit them with river equipment, and conduct a pre-trip orientation. Then everyone simply walks down to the river to begin the adventure. After the trip, our vehicles will be waiting at the take-out to shuttle the guests and guides back to our office where they can change inside, relax on our deck, look at photos of their trip, and enjoy some refreshments.

800-381-RAFT
406-777-4837