Blackfoot River Corridor

About

The Blackfoot River Corridor provides a unique wilderness camping experience along one of Montana's most celebrated rivers, immortalized in Norman Maclean's "A River Runs Through It." Eight designated float-in campsites are scattered between Russell Gates Memorial Fishing Access Site and Johnsrud Fishing Access Site, each accommodating up to 10 people. Sites include River Junction, Bear Creek Flats, Clearwater, Ninemile Prairie, Corrick's River Bend, Ponderosa Flats, Goose Rock, and Clark's Cliff. This is true dispersed camping requiring complete self-sufficiency. No amenities are provided at the sites themselves. Campers must bring portable toilet systems and pack out all human waste, use fire pans and pack out ash, and employ proper food storage due to the presence of grizzly bears in the corridor. Glass containers are prohibited at all sites. The float combines excellent whitewater with outstanding scenery and wildlife. Class II-III rapids provide technical challenge, particularly at flows below 1,000 cfs. The corridor supports diverse wildlife including elk, grizzly bears, river otters, and bald eagles. Reservations are required during the season and must be made by phone through the Reserve America call center.

Directions

Launch points are accessible from Highway 200 east of Missoula. Common put-ins include Cedar Meadow, River Junction, and Russell Gates Memorial Fishing Access Site. The corridor extends from Russell Gates downstream to Johnsrud Fishing Access Site, approximately 12-20 miles east of Bonner on Highway 200.