Clark Fork
Johnsrud Park to PaddleHeads Stadium(Missoula Town Run)
| Difficulty | II |
| Length | 7.8 mi |
| Avg Gradient | n/a |
| Gauge | Clark Fork Above Missoula Mt |
| Flow Rate as of 29 minutes | 9040 cfshigh runnable |
| Reach Info Last Updated | March 22, 2026 |
Projects
For over 70 years, the Clark Fork River was used as the dumping ground for the waste from one of the largest mining ventures on earth. The companies operating the mines and smelters in Butte and Anaconda unloaded metals-laced tailings directly into the headwaters of the Clark Fork River. [...]Read More
River Description
The section from the former Milltown Dam through downtown Missoula is a nice class II float but many come just to enjoy Brennan's Wave at Caras Park. This wave was a replacement for an old diversion weir that was a safety hazard. The site now provides a great recreational amenity for the community. To reach the wave take Missoula's Orange Street Exit off I-90. Head south a few blocks and take a left on Front Street before you cross the river. Take this a block and turn right onto Ryman and the entrance to Caras Park. The wave is located in the park on the downstream river right side of the Higgins Ave. Bridge.
River Features
Confluence Park
With the removal of Milltown Dam, the confluence where the Blackfoot joins the Clark Fork can now be enjoyed by the public at Milltown State Park that was formally opened to the public in 2018. Access available for hand carry boats.
Sha-Ron Access
Access piont with parking and easy access to the river that accomodates trailered boats.
Brennan's Wave (Park and Play)
Named for Brennan Guth, a Missoula-native and world-class kayaker who died paddling in Chile in 2001, this man-made park-and-play feature in the heart of downtown Missoula has good spectator opportunities and convenient access to all the amenities of the city.
Caras Park Access
Convenient hand-carry access in the park adjacent to Brenan's Wave on river right in town.
Silver Park Take-out
Access suitable for rafts or other trailed boats on river left.
Trip Reports
Log in to add a reportSite of the former Milltown Dam at the confluence of the Blackfoot with the Clark Fork.
The day after the coffer dam was breached the Clark Fork had fully reclaimed a channel next to the remnants of Milltown Dam.What is left of Milltown Dam can be seen in the lower left corner of this shot, with the new channel flowing on its far side.
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The 2007 River Management Society conference in Missoula provided an opportunity to float the Clark Fork River, visit the Milltown Dam site, and enjoy an evening in the park at Brenan's Wave.
A priceless evening in the Zou, surfing it up.
For More info and photos of Brennans Wave and paddling in the Missoula Area check out my website www.infinitymountain.com.
Milltown Dam is slated for removal by 2008. In this photo the reservoir has been drawn down 10 feet in preparation for removal. Notice the vegetation that has already become established on the flat areas recently exposed.