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Montana | Missoula County / Blackfoot River corridor

Blackfoot RiverScotty Brown Bridge Fishing Access Site to Johnsrud Park Fishing Access Site

A source-documented 31.6-mile Blackfoot Recreation Corridor expedition from the small Scotty Brown Bridge access to Johnsrud Park, with designated float-in campsites and named Class II–III rapids.

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Plan this route

DistanceAbout 31.6 river miles
DifficultyHard
Typical timePlan 2–3 days
ShuttleCar shuttle
The Blackfoot River flows through the Missoula, Montana valley.
River contextBlackfoot River near Missoula; same-river context, not an endpoint or current-conditions photograph river-level context — not necessarily this exact reach.Photo by Bob Wick, Bureau of Land Management via Wikimedia Commons

Need to know

Why this call
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Route overview

Trip details

Access rules, camping, seasonal conditions and trip length.

Distance, difficulty, rules and camping
On-water distanceAbout 31.6 river milesScotty Brown Bridge Fishing Access Site to Johnsrud Park Fishing Access Site
DifficultyhardRiverbeta documents a 31.6-mile Class II–III corridor with Bear Creek, Roundup, Thibodeau and The Ledge features. The full reach is remote between road accesses and is best treated as a multi-day or very long day expedition with practiced rescue skills.
ShuttleCar shuttleStage at Johnsrud Park, then shuttle to the small Scotty Brown Bridge access. The road shuttle is about 28.9 miles; preserve daylight for a remote launch.
PermitsCheck posted rulesA Montana Conservation License is required at FWP fishing access sites. Reserve designated float-in campsites through FWP/ReserveAmerica and confirm current corridor rules.
CampingOptions nearbyOn-route overnight camping is available only at the eight designated FWP float-in campsites, including Bear Creek Flats, Clearwater, Ninemile Prairie, Corrick’s River Bend, Ponderosa Flats, Goose Rock and Clark’s Cliff. Reservations or permits are required; carry fire pan, bear-resistant food storage and portable toilet supplies as directed.
SeasonMay-SepMay through September. Spring snowmelt supplies the Class II–III character; late summer is lower and more technical over rock gardens. Check the current forecast and FWP notices.

Plan ahead

Tomorrow and the weekend

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Plan

Plan your trip

Launch points, shuttle details, distance, and access notes.

Route logistics

Access and shuttle

A long Blackfoot Recreation Corridor expedition with designated float-in camping and a direct gauge.

Access map

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Start

Put-in

Scotty Brown Bridge Fishing Access Site (water-entry edge)
Open mapDirections to put-in

Scotty Brown parking is very limited and county-road parking is prohibited near the bridge.

Finish

Take-out

Johnsrud Park Fishing Access Site (water-entry edge)
Open mapDirections to take-out

Accesses and campsites are separated by long remote stretches; use intermediate FWP sites only when confirmed open.

Road shuttle

Driving shuttle routeShuttle in Apple MapsOpenStreetMap
Access notes and hazards

Access caveats

  • Scotty Brown parking is very limited and county-road parking is prohibited near the bridge.
  • Accesses and campsites are separated by long remote stretches; use intermediate FWP sites only when confirmed open.
  • Johnsrud is busy and closed in winter; preserve daylight and a reliable take-out plan.

Watch for

  • USGS 12340000 and the 1,050–9,000 cfs planning zones
  • Spring wood, Bear Creek, Roundup, Thibodeau and The Ledge
  • Cold-water rescue, long remote stretches and designated campsite permits

Plan this paddle

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Conditions

Water levels, gauge history, and hourly forecast

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Gauge detail

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Gauge

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Weather

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Route gallery

Photos

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The Blackfoot River flows through the Missoula, Montana valley.
Blackfoot River near Missoula; same-river context, not an endpoint or current-conditions photograph river-level context — not necessarily this exact reach.Photo by Bob Wick, Bureau of Land Management via Wikimedia Commons
U.S. government work / public domain

Score & sources

Why this score

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Data status
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Why this scoreData reliability: checking

This rating reflects whether the gauge measures this part of the river, whether published water-level guidance is available, and how recently the data was updated.

Why
  • Checking data sources and update times.
Data behind the scoreWater levels, published guidance and update times

These readings and published water-level limits help explain today’s score.

Gauge siteBlackfoot River near Bonner, MT
DischargeChecking
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24h trendChecking
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Preferred range1,500 cfs to 6,000 cfs
Low threshold1,050 cfs
High threshold9,000 cfs
Evidence strength behind the rangeLocal route guidance
Gauge observedChecking
Paddle Today updatedChecking
Main source behind this scoreRiverbeta Scotty Brown Bridge to Johnsrud Park reach guide
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Weather sourceChecking
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NotesWhat to know before you go

These notes cover the access details, route quirks, and source caveats most likely to matter once you get there.

  • Named reach and accessScotty Brown Bridge to Johnsrud Park; 31.6 miles; Class II–III

    Riverbeta names the full reach, exact endpoint coordinates, named rapids and FWP access context.

    Source

  • Scoring band1,050 cfs low guard; 1,500–6,000 cfs prime; 9,000 cfs high guard

    Riverbeta publishes these community zones against direct USGS 12340000; verify live trend, wood and local conditions.

    Source

  • Direct gaugeUSGS 12340000 Blackfoot River near Bonner

    Direct Blackfoot River telemetry; recheck current value and trend before departure.

    Source

  • Camping policyEight designated FWP float-in campsites; permit or reservation required

    Riverbeta and Montana FWP document the designated-site exception and corridor camping controls.

    Source

Verify it yourselfCheck the source links

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Keep exploring

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Quick answers

Blackfoot River paddling FAQ

What water level is best for the Scotty Brown Bridge Fishing Access Site to Johnsrud Park Fishing Access Site route on the Blackfoot River?

Paddle Today watches Blackfoot River near Bonner, MT and treats 1,500 cfs to 6,000 cfs as the target band for this route, with weather and recent trend included in the final score.

Where does the Scotty Brown Bridge Fishing Access Site to Johnsrud Park Fishing Access Site route on the Blackfoot River start and end?

This route starts at Scotty Brown Bridge Fishing Access Site (water-entry edge) and ends at Johnsrud Park Fishing Access Site (water-entry edge), about 31.6 river miles on the water.

Is the Scotty Brown Bridge Fishing Access Site to Johnsrud Park Fishing Access Site route on the Blackfoot River suitable for beginners?

This is listed as a hard route. Treat the live score as a planning aid, then confirm conditions, hazards, access, and group skill before launching.

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