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Riding the White Water




(Not us): Photo: Montana River Guides


Montana has some of the best white water in the nation.  My son loves rafting and outdoors.  He decided to skip the last couple Disney trips so I have found other opportunities to spend time with him.  One of our favorite getaways is spending an afternoon on the river.  We have been rafting together for several years now and love the fact we can get some nice waves within an hour of home. 


Hunter could guide us because last year he took the Swiftwater Rescue and Raft Guide Class and guides for a local summer camp, but we don't have a boat.  I haven't purchased one because we aren't sure what Hunter plans to do when he graduates next year so we just book a tour with our favorite local guides.



Montana River Guides (MRG) is a local company owned by Mike Johnson, one of the nicest men you will ever meet.  He hires great guides and has a wonderful staff.  They will ensure you are safe and have a great time. 




Hunter and I enjoy the Alberton Gorge afternoon white water trip but there are numerous other trips that MRG offers.  The Alberton Gorge trip is recommended for ages 6 and up but it can get dicey at different water levels so call first and they can recommend the safest and most enjoyable trip for your family.  Hunter and his friends are all love the big waves so he has gone twice this year.  I skipped the early July trip this year, I'm not a fan of going when it is so cold you need to wear a wetsuit.


We had a blast the weekend I went in late July, (no wetsuit needed).  The river was running high but not crazy so we had some good waves.  Mike gave our group our own boat and guide, there was six of us, Hunter had two friends and I brought two of my friends. 


There is a photographer that takes photos of each boat as you come through the biggest rapid of the day.  He then sells them on his website Montana River Photography. 


You can check ours out here:

https://goo.gl/s3drGW


What can you expect:
You will meet at the MRG headquarters about 15-20 minutes before your trip.  They will get you suited up, wear your swimwear, water shoes and sunscreen and they take care of the rest.  I recommend you bring some water to drink because you'll be on the river for a couple hours. 
The lead guide will do a 10 minute safety brief to ensure you are going to make it to the take out safe. 
It is a short walk across the street to grab your boat and hit the river.  By the time you hit the water everyone in your party will know how to paddle and what to do if anyone falls out of the boat. '
The river trip will include some of the most beautiful views in Montana, some river facts (and fiction), and the opportunity to take a swim.  A couple hours and 8-9 rapids later you will float into the take out point.
The trip back to the shop takes about 10-15 minutes in the van based on traffic and construction.  The guides will then put out chips and salsa for you to enjoy while you collect your belongings, tell you water stories, get a card so you can check out your pictures when you get home, and shop the little store.  (Don't forget to tip your guide.)


I highly recommend this trip for anyone that loves being outside and just unplugging for a couple hours.  The afternoon trip is perfect for locals or as an add on to a vacation.  It would be great for the afternoon after the Missoula Marathon, one of my favorite races. 

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Location: Cyr, MT 59820, USA

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