The Alberton Gorge is a great montana whitewater raft trip. Maybe the best Montana Whitewater. There are several outfitters with commercial whitewater Gorge Trips. Most don't start running the Alberton Gorge until June because of high and raging whitewater. However, the kayaks start running the Gorge earlier in the spring with higher water flow and spectacular montana whitewater. They all say until you have done the Alberton Gorge at high water, you haven't lived. In the summer, the whitewater is calmed, there is less water flow, and the Alberton Gorge is a great trip for the whole family.

The Gorge is west of Missoula and west of Alberton, Montana. The gorge is incredibly beautiful, with abundant wildlife. On onne trip we took, we rounded a corner and there on the bank was a very small black bear cub. Some tourist in another raft suggested we stop and take pictures with it! Thos of us from Montana, new the mama bear was not far away, and that stopping would be the stupidest thing one could do. You will see eagles, and osprey, and often many dear. I have seen beaver, and herons.

Thirty-five miles west of Missoula, The Clark Fork River enters the "Gorge."

Class III and IV rapids and spectacular scenery make for huge gorge fun. The Alberton Gorge or “The Gorge,” is a 20-mile section of the Clark Fork River west of Alberton, Montana that extends from St. John’s fishing access site (FAS) to Forest Grove FAS (see map). The Gorge is well known for its whitewater and beautiful scenery. Due to its location near Missoula and easy access via Interstate 90, the Alberton Gorge sees a high number of visitors during the summer months.

Recreation consists primarily of whitewater rafting and kayaking, with some angling and limited camping opportunities. Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) is responsible for managing recreation through the Alberton Gorge.

The famed Alberton Gorge, with its incredible scenery and recreational treasures, makes a perfect family trip on a hot summer day.

The Alberton Gorge section of the Lower Clark Fork River is a paradise for many whitewater enthusiasts. This popular stretch of river, contains five major rapids as well as several smaller ones that offer challenges to even the most experienced river rafters and kayakers. Many commercial outfitters offer trips or you may take your own raft or kayak. The best time to run the gorge is July and August, after the high water.

How the Alberton Gorge was formed? The Alberton Gorge of the Clark Fork River was formed during the most recent ice-age. 15,000 years ago up to 30 miles of ice impounded Glacial Lake Missoula. When the water breached the ice dam catastrophic floods followed, more than a dozen separate times, forming the spectacular rock formations seen in the Alberton Gorge and many more interesting geological features seen from the Missoula Valley to the Columbia Gorge. To learn more about this topic read David Alt's book Glacial Lake Missoula.

Links:

http://www.HiawathaTrail.com

http://www.MontanaSnow.com

Http://www.TrekMissoula.com

Montana  

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