To learn about Missoula River Tours we have to start with it’s founder: a river rat named Amy. When Amy moved to Missoula in 1998 for college, she had no idea there was such a thing as relaxed, scenic rafting.
Coming from the front range of Colorado her rafting background was all whitewater. You put on a moldy wetsuit and booties, took a ride in a rickety yellow school bus, and sat knees to bums on a raft—paddle in hand—for an adventurous trip through rapids big and small. At the end, the yellow bus picked you up, wet and freezing, for the ride back.
Amy soon learned to guide whitewater on local waters like the “Gorge” just west of Missoula, the “Bear Trap Canyon” on the Madison River near Ennis, and the Salmon River in Idaho, to name a few. But her true passion is relaxed rafting where the boat isn’t packed with people and the trip is more about cruising than thrill seeking.
“We take those same rafts and add a rowing frame with front and back seats for our passengers. Think comfy chairs with cup holders. The boat has a cooler full of drinks and snacks and because we’re floating on calmer waters, we have the opportunity to be leisurely, stopping at beaches, pausing over deep pools in the river, watching birds swoop in the cliffs. It’s heaven.” she says.
Wanting to share this experience beyond her friends and family, Amy founded Missoula River Tours. “We cater to folks that want to experience the river but aren’t interested in whitewater or rapids. Our guides spend all their free time on the rivers around Missoula. They know the Blackfoot, Bitterroot, and Clark Fork rivers better than they know their mom’s birthday, and they love to share the exprience”
Here is a sample itinerary for a scenic tour:
① BOOK YOUR TOUR
Select a trip from the Tours & Pricing page. After booking our staff will call to discuss details, payment, and answer any questions.
② GETTING READY
The day before your river adventure our staff will call to confirm trip details including; food preferences, amenities, and transportation. Below is a list of what to bring. Each raft is equipped with a waterproof bag to keep your personal items dry.
Bathing suit
Polypropylene clothing
Fleece jacket
Rain gear as weather dictates
Footwear – swimming shoes, sandals with ankle strap, or old sneakers
Sunblock
Bug spray
Hat and sunglasses
Waterproof camera
Towel
Change of clothes
Personal toiletries
③ TOUR DAY
Your tour guide will pick you up and provide direct transportation to the river. After a quick safety talk, it’s time to launch!
Sit back and relax – you don’t have to lift a finger. Your guide does all the rowing so you can take in the scenery, sunshine, and fresh air.
