- Explore the Red Lodge area rivers in Montana on canoes and kayaks, just like Lewis and Clark, and so many other early pioneers.
- Single person canoe/kayak rentals start around $45/day.
- Double occupancy canoe/kayak rentals start around $80/day.
- Group, multi-day, and Senior rental discounts may be available.
- Minimum age and life jacket requirements enforced.
Overview
Montana hosts some great river rafting opportunities and whitewater to fit all ability levels. The scenic rivers of Montana are most popular for their Class I, I, and II rapids so floaters can plan to enjoy mostly calm water on their kayaking and canoeing trips in the Red Lodge area.
Where to Go Canoeing and Kayaking
- The Stillwater River (don’t let the name fool you) caters to Class III kayakers in the Upper section and the rest of its 36 miles of floatable water offers a happy medium to other floaters.
- The Gallatin River, and 25 miles of the nearby Yellowstone River, also deliver some great canoeing and kayaking in the Red Lodge area.
- The Missouri River offers gentle, multi-day canoe trip opportunities that let floaters retrace Lewis and Clark's route.
- For those who want an extensive retreat, the 149-mile corridor of the Upper Missouri flows into the remote, wild Missouri Breaks.
- Wild Bill Lake is a very pretty, small, handicap accessible lake good for a few hours of canoeing with the whole family.
Rentals and Fees
If you bring your own raft or canoe and go without a guide, make sure you know how to read the rapid ratings and navigate with necessary skill. Otherwise, many of the experience guides and outfitters on this page can assist you with equipment rentals, guided tours, and current river conditions.
- Single person canoe/kayak rentals start around $45/day.
- Double occupancy canoe/kayak rentals start around $80/day.
- Group, multi-day, and Senior rental discounts may be available.
Minimum age and life jacket requirements enforced.
Hire a Guide
Unless you and your group are very good at understanding rapid ratings and know your own rapid management abilities very well, you will want to strongly consider hiring a guide with proper equipment for extra safety protection and advice.
Ratings range from Class I (very gentle floating) to Class VI (Dangerous/floatable). For safer, less stressful floats, stay in Class I and II waters and remember that river conditions are subject to constant change.
