Adventure Missoula

Adventure Missoula was the first rafting company to conduct commercial river trips on the Alberton Gorge of the Clark Fork River. We conduct full and half day rafting and fishing trips 7 days a week May through September. It is noted as the best day trip in the Northwest and the #1 Thing to do in Missoula. The “Clark’s Fork of the Columbia,” named after William Clark, is a major tributary of the mighty Columbia River. Why didn’t Lewis and Clark take the Clark Fork River instead of their arduous journey over the Lolo Trail? After deciding the Salmon River was too rough and banks to steep they traveled down the Bitterroot River and came to the Missoula Valley. Lewis & Clark debated the best route to the Pacific. With the advice of their Native American guides, they knew they needed to reach rivers and waters with salmon. This would ensure they were on the drainages that eventually flowed to the Pacific. Even though the Clark’s Fork does flow to the Pacific, there were no salmon due to obstructions/falls downstream.

The Alberton Gorge of the Clark Fork River was formed during the most recent ice-age, approximately 15,000 year ago when up to 30 miles of ice impounded Glacial Lake Missoula. Water breached the ice dam, and catastrophic floods followed, more than a dozen times, violently creating the spectacular rock formations and the river run at Alberton Gorge. This Class II-III whitewater location in our area is considered a world class family friendly destination due to it’s geological features, scenery, and river features. As far as Northwest river trips go, this is the best family friendly whitewater day trip that features sandy beaches and beautiful rock formations. Come join us on the Gorge!