Missoula is a great place to start if you have your sights set on thrilling whitewater adventures this year! Rafting trips to the Alberton Gorge, part of the Clark Fork River that runs through the heart of downtown Missoula, are an enjoyable way to cool off on a hot summer day. There are also trips through the Alberton Gorge that are a little less about adrenaline and more about the wildlife you’ll see along the way.
Missoula is a fantastic place to spend some time this summer, no matter what you want to do. That is especially true when you stay at our Missoula Bed and Breakfast, nestled in the scenic countryside just outside of downtown Missoula. Overlooking the Blue Mountain Valley, we offer guests a rustic yet upscale retreat away from the busy crowds of downtown. Spend your evenings under the dark Montana skies at night and wake up to the sounds of birds chirping in the morning.
After you’ve fueled up with a delicious multi-course breakfast, the day is yours for the taking. From one adventure to the next, Missoula has plenty to offer even the most discerning of travelers. Perhaps a trip down the Alberton Gorge is just what you’re looking for this year? Book a room at our Missoula Bed and Breakfast today!
Alberton Gorge Rafting Trips
The Alberton Gorge is magnificent, and it just so happens to be one of the best destinations for whitewater rafting in Montana. The Alberton Gorge is a 10-mile stretch of Missoula’s scenic Clark Fork River. Still, as opposed to the relatively flat and calm section that moves through town, the Alberton Gorge offers up steep canyon walls and roaring whitewater rapids.
Whitewater rafting through the Alberton Gorge is not only fun and beautiful, but it’s a great way to keep cool on a hot summer day! It doesn’t take very long to get there, either, as it’s just 46 miles away from downtown Missoula. Once you’re on the water, you’ll encounter Class II and III rapids throughout the Alberton Gorge, which isn’t too much for beginners, and still offers plenty of challenges for experienced paddlers.
The best time of year to take an Alberton Gorge rafting trip is from late June through early August. Be on the lookout for bald eagles, osprey, and other local wildlife throughout your adventure. When you’re done rafting, there are plenty of sandy beaches and calm waters for swimming, too! It also just so happens to be ane excellent destination for fly fishing in Montana!
Montana River Guides offers several tours, from your typical rafting trips to kayak and paddleboard adventures through the Alberton Gorge. If whitewater rafting isn’t for you, but you still want to spend some time on the water looking at wildlife and enjoying the scenery, try one of their scenic guided trips instead. As you get later in the summer and the rapids get quieter, you can even enjoy calmer trips through the stunning Alberton Gorge!
More Things to do in Missoula This Summer
As wonderful as it is rafting your way through the Alberton Gorge in the summer, it’s just the start of what could (and should) be several days of fun, adventure, and great food and beer in Missoula! Missoula is set amidst some truly stunning scenery, and it just begs to be explored. There are so many great things to do in Missoula in the summer – but it’s not all about outdoor adventure.
There are plenty of festivals and ways to experience the arts and culture here. As you prepare to plan your trip, here are some of our favorite things to do in Missoula this summer!
- One of our favorite things to do in Missoula each summer is to attend the River City Roots Festival at the end of August. This 2-day free festival is a local favorite and features live music, a fine art show, 4-mile fun run through the city, etc.
- Spend time browsing our local bounty at local farmer’s markets! Both the Clark Fork River Market and The Missoula Farmers Market are open all summer. Talk about a great place to pick up picnic supplies for your day at the Alberton Gorge!
- Hiking is one of the most popular things to do in Missoula throughout the year, especially in summer. Missoula and the surrounding mountains are a hiking paradise, too. Favorite trails include Mount Sentinel hike or the “M,” the Kim Williams Trail, the Rattlesnake Wilderness, and the Pattee Canyon National Recreation Area.
- Biking is another excellent way to spend some time in Missoula, and there are plenty of backroads and biking trails worth exploring. One of the most popular is The Bitterroot Trail, a 50-mile paved path that connects Missoula to the stunning Bitterroot Valley.
- How about some of the world’s best fly fishing? Choose the Clark Fork, Bitterroot, and Blackfoot Rivers and head out for an adventure in the wilderness. Guided trips are offered by Blackfoot River Outfitters, Missoula On The Fly, and Grizzly Hackle.
- For an authentic summer afternoon in downtown Missoula, head to the river and watch the surfers at Brennan’s Wave. This man-made wave was constructed in memory of a world-class kayaker.
- Head down to the Hip Strip for unique boutique shopping, checking out art galleries and great eateries. The businesses here are all locally owned and operated and offer a great way to find that perfect souvenir for your time in Missoula.
- After a fun day of adventure, one of our favorite ways to cool off and unwind is visiting one of the many incredible Missoula Breweries in town. Missoula is one of the top destinations for beer in the country, thanks to places like Big Sky Brewing Co., Bayern Brewing, Kettlehouse Brewing, Conflux Brewing, etc.
If any (or all) of this sounds like a great way to spend time this summer, book your room at our Missoula Bed and Breakfast today!
