Dearborn River Paddle
Added 2021-07-18
🏊
swimming🚣
kayaking☀️
summerQuick Summary
- Estimated 11 mile river float/paddle best done on a large raft or kayaks. DO NOT attempt this on inner tubes, paddle boards, etc.
- There are small but powerful rapids on this route that will require intermediate skill with paddling and navigating a river.
- This area is very remote and until you reach the pullout site, you'll most likely be completely alone. Plan ahead.
- This paddle is only available for a short season - too early and the rapids might be too strong, too late and the water will be too low.
Photos
Story
The Dearborn is one of the prettiest in Montana with bright blue pools and rocky cliffs. The water stays pretty cold throughout the year but it is pretty refreshing. The window of time to enjoy this float is small, likely only June and July are good months to attempt it. There aren't any "official" parking spots on either end of this float, but there is plenty of space. The put-in is where the Dearborn intersects highway 200 and the pull-out in on highway 287. You will need two vehicles to coordinate and the drive between is about 15 minutes.