A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT

OUTDOOR ADVENTURES A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT

There’s a famously good reason that locals go surfing on their lunch hour. It’s the same reason that experts and newcomers go fly-fishing side by side in the middle of downtown and that freestyle kayaking competitions are hosted here. The Clark Fork River runs right through town. Just about everybody spends time on, in, and around the river. Why not star in your own movie? We’ll provide the iconic setting, the authentic extras, suitable gear and experienced guides. We’ll even throw in a picnic lunch. From high-adrenaline whitewater to a relaxing float with a backdrop of ponderosa pines, mountain shorelines and bald eagles, come have a blast and splash around with us.

FLY FISHING Nestled in sheer wild wonder, Missoula offers the perfect setting for a peaceful day of casting a fly rod on the river. With an impressive number of skilled, awardwinning fishing outfitters and guides, three rivers, and Rock Creek’s blue-ribbon trout stream, Missoula has been named one of the country’s top ten fly-fishing towns.

SURFING Missoula was one of the first mountain towns on the map for river surfing, and thrill-seeking ratchets up to a whole new level here as more and more people are choosing to chase the nonstop ride of a rushing river. Watch surfers conquer the water at Brennan’s Wave near Caras Park. TUBING/STAND-UP PADDLEBOARDING Whether gliding along a smooth lake surface or navigating the ebb and flow of a river, tubing and stand-up paddleboarding attract a wide range of water enthusiasts looking to relax under Montana’s big sky. Easy access to the water and a variety of rental vendors equals a stress-free day of discovery.

KAYAKING Kayaking draws quite the crowd with Brennan’s Wave, in the heart of downtown. A wave system created in memory of a local kayaker, Brennan’s Wave brings Montana’s outdoors into Missoula’s city limits.

WHITEWATER RAFTING Hitting the rapids is exhilarating no matter your vessel of choice, but whitewater rafting—led by any one of Missoula’s several rafting guides—lends a sense of community to the whole experience. With a variety of rafting expeditions tailored to your needs and preferences, it’s an adventure made for you.

 ALBERTON GORGE. RUN THE ATLAS

Learn more about river recreation and safety at DESTINATIONMISSOULA.ORG/RIVERS. HERE MONTANA: BRINGING DIVERSITY TO MONTANA RECREATION

As a photographer who worked in the outdoor industry, Alex Kim saw the lack of diversity in Montana’s outdoor community clear as day. So, in 2018 Kim created Here Montana. The organization’s mission aims to create “a space embracing intersectionality for People of Color (POC) to come together and enjoy the outdoors.” It also includes educating participants about the environment around them and hosting conversations about responsible recreation.

This year-round program, led by Kim and several volunteers, offers POC cost-free outdoor excursions like snowshoeing, cross country skiing, camping, weekly hikes and visits to the climbing gym. “Gear is expensive and not everyone gets an early introduction to these outdoor recreation opportunities. We wanted to make the program free because everyone should be able to enjoy the outdoors without the barrier of finances,” Kim said.

Here Montana has no plans of slowing down. They aim to expand their reach and continue to share the joys of outside play with community members of color.

Visit HEREMT.ORG and @hereMT to learn about recreation opportunities, donations and more.

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USA Today