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Montana | Missoula County / Clark Fork urban corridor
Clark Fork RiverMilltown State Park to Sha-Ron Fishing Access
A documented mid-summer Clark Fork float from Milltown State Park to the Sha-Ron Fishing Access, passing the restored confluence corridor.
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Need to know
Why this call
Route overview
Trip details
Access rules, camping, seasonal conditions and trip length.
Distance, difficulty, rules and camping
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 documented mid-summer Clark Fork float from Milltown State Park to the Sha-Ron Fishing Access, passing the restored confluence corridor.
Access map
Put-in
Milltown State Park Confluence Area, Missoula (refined Clark Fork water-entry edge)Use only the named public access points and existing paths.
Take-out
Sha-Ron Fishing Access, Missoula (refined water-entry edge)Silver Park is a take-out-only landing; do not launch there.
Road shuttle
Access notes and hazards
Access caveats
- Use only the named public access points and existing paths.
- Silver Park is a take-out-only landing; do not launch there.
- Respect limited parking, gate hours and neighboring private property.
Watch for
- Milltown access gate and nonresident fee
- Former Milltown dam site and fast current
- Sha-Ron limited parking and dawn-to-dusk access
Plan this paddle
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Conditions
Water levels, gauge history, and hourly forecast
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USGS measurements
More about this gauge
These measurements come from the gauge station. Water depth and current can differ along your trip.
River camera · USGS
View at the gauge
Clark Fork above Missoula, MT. This view may be outside your paddling reach. Images are periodic and do not establish safe conditions.
Gauge detail
Water-level history and forecastDetailed view
Gauge
Recent trend
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Route gallery
Photos
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Score & sources
Why this score
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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.
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Data behind the scoreWater levels, published guidance and update times
These readings and published water-level limits help explain today’s score.
| Gauge site | Clark Fork above Missoula, MT |
| Discharge | Checking |
| Gauge height | Checking |
| 24h trend | Checking |
| 24h change | Checking |
| Current band | Checking |
| Rain last 24h | Checking |
| Rain last 72h | Checking |
| Air temp | Checking |
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| Wind | Checking |
| Gusts | Checking |
| Rain timing | Checking |
| Preferred range | 2,000 cfs to 10,000 cfs |
| Low threshold | 2,000 cfs |
| High threshold | 15,000 cfs |
| Evidence strength behind the range | Local route guidance |
| Gauge observed | Checking |
| Paddle Today updated | Checking |
| Main source behind this score | RiverScout Clark Fork flow and reach guide |
| Gauge source | Checking |
| Weather source | Checking |
| Rainfall source | Checking |
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.
- Access and float timeMilltown State Park to Sha-Ron Fishing Access; About 2 hours, varying with flow and craft
Destination Missoula identifies this named access pair as a common Clark Fork float and publishes access hours, parking and launch limitations.
- Scoring band2,000–10,000 cfs community planning band
RiverScout ties the band to USGS 12340500. Recheck current telemetry, trend and closure notices before travel.
- GaugeUSGS 12340500 Clark Fork above Missoula
Direct Clark Fork telemetry for the Missoula corridor; verify the live value and trend immediately before launch.
Verify it yourselfCheck the source links
Use these links to double-check the gauge, route details, and access notes before you head out.
Paddler reports
Recent notes from paddlers
A few quick notes from people who were on this route recently.
Reports
Paddler reports
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More routes to check next
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Quick answers
Clark Fork River paddling FAQ
What water level is best for the Milltown State Park to Sha-Ron Fishing Access route on the Clark Fork River?
Paddle Today watches Clark Fork above Missoula, MT and treats 2,000 cfs to 10,000 cfs as the target band for this route, with weather and recent trend included in the final score.
Where does the Milltown State Park to Sha-Ron Fishing Access route on the Clark Fork River start and end?
This route starts at Milltown State Park Confluence Area, Missoula (refined Clark Fork water-entry edge) and ends at Sha-Ron Fishing Access, Missoula (refined water-entry edge), about 5 river miles on the water.
Is the Milltown State Park to Sha-Ron Fishing Access route on the Clark Fork River suitable for beginners?
This is listed as a moderate route. Expect more planning than an easy float, and use the live score, route notes, and source links before committing.
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