Things To Do in the Waters of Western Montana + Glacier National Park

Water Play the Montana Way

Our waters make up some of the wildest and some of the most serene parts of our region, and there’s no shortage of ways to play in almost any of these sparkling rivers, lakes and streams. It can be as simple as throwing an inner tube in the river upstream of Missoula and floating right into town with a cold drink in your hand, then climbing out and grabbing a bite to eat at a café steps from the river. From sailing, boating or water skiing on Flathead Lake, to kayaking or whitewater rafting Alberton Gorge, to fishing in a quiet, high-alpine glacial-fed lake, we’ve got a lot water for you to make waves in.

Anyone—resident and nonresident—traveling with their own motorized or non-motorized watercraft must stop at all open watercraft inspection stations they encounter. These mandatory inspections help keep Montana’s waters free of aquatic invasive species. Nonresidents must also purchase a Vessel AIS Prevention Pass.

After an amazing day of fun on the water, follow the three easy steps of Clean. Drain. Dry. to help keep Montana’s rivers, lakes and streams as pristine as you found them.