You feel the rush as the raft slices through the frothy waters of the legendary Clark Fork River, sending cascades of cool spray into the fresh mountain air. With each paddle stroke, the river roars beneath, its energy palpable as it propels the boat forward through the rose-colored canyon walls of the Alberton Gorge in the warm Montana sunshine. This is some of the best whitewater in Montana, and Montana River Guides has the whole experience in their expert hands.
"It all started with
just a van and a raft…"
Founded by Mike Johnston in 1994, Montana River Guides (MRG) began humbly with just a van, a raft, and an innate desire to help people experience part of what makes Montana so darn special. Today, MRG is one of the most reputable outfitters on the Clark Fork's Alberton Gorge, offering adrenaline seekers a wildly fun experience on a gorgeous stretch of whitewater. “We get to share this piece of Montana with everyone coming through … I love making sure that people have an awesome experience,” said Sam Johnston, Mike's son, and MRG Operations Manager.
“We get to share this piece of Montana with everyone coming through.”
Crafting an Unforgettable Montana Experience
With attention to detail, a commitment to tailoring trips to suit different groups, and some of the best river guides in the business, MRG ensures that every guest feels right at home on the water. “We treat every raft trip like it's that person's only day on the river for the entire year, and that's something special and to be handled with care,” said Sam. What's more, MRG is the only company in Montana certified to teach River Rescue and the only company in Montana guiding riverboard trips. Over 70% of MRG's guests have run rapids with them before or booked a trip because they heard about them from a friend.
A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT:
A Family's Legacy
Sam and his brother, Everett Johnston, MRG Manager, live and breathe the river, and they take pride in offering an authentic Montana whitewater experience you won't find elsewhere. Growing up and working on the river in the family business means the water is a way of life for them. It means they bring a lifetime of river knowledge (along with a little humor) to every run and every interaction with their guests. “This river has taught me so much over the course of my life, and whether it's good times or bad times, it's something that I can fall back on … just having it there … no matter where I'm at in life or in the world, I know that this river is always moving through this section and this canyon, it's never stopping, and it helps keep me rolling,” said Sam.
“This river has taught me so much over the course of my life. It's never stopping, and it helps keep me rolling.”
Taking Care in the Treasure State
For Mike, Sam, Everett, and everyone else at Montana River Guides, it's not just about providing thrilling adventures—it's about instilling a sense of appreciation for the land they call home. As Sam reflects, the river is not just a playground; it's a teacher, a constant reminder of the importance of preserving access to our natural treasures. “It’s so valuable that we have these public access points to these amazing places, and we need to do everything we can to protect that access.” Sam hopes to inspire others to cherish and protect Montana’s resources for generations to come. “I want them to not only take away an amazing experience, but also [realize] just how valuable public access to wild places is.”
