Best Places to Kayak Near Missoula, MT

30 public launch points within 50 miles of Missoula, ranked by water conditions, access, and amenities.

30 nearby15 Rivers15 Lakes

← All paddling in Montana

Top Picks Near Missoula

lake in the middle of mountains under blue sky

Placid Lake State Park

Standout kayak fishing on Placid Lake

LakeBeginner31 mi away

Calm lake with a forest and clear blue sky.

Beavertail Pond

Calm, sheltered water that's ideal for beginners and paddle boarding

LakeBeginner23 mi away

Dramatic mountain range with a lake at sunset

Harpers Lake

Well-equipped launch with boat ramp, parking, camping

LakeBeginner32 mi away

green grass field beside river under blue sky during daytime

Kelly Island

Montana · 3.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

A rushing river flows through a rocky gorge.

Sha-Ron

Montana · 4.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Two paddleboarders on a serene mountain lake at sunset

Kona Bridge

Montana · 6.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Rushing turquoise river flowing past rocks.

Weigh Station

Montana · 8.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Rushing white water flows through the scenic landscape.

Harper's Bridge

Montana · 10.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Deep Creek

Montana · 10.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Turah

Montana · 10.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Angevine

Montana · 12.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

K. Ross Toole

Montana · 14.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

a body of water with cliffs and trees on the side

Florence Bridge

Montana · 15.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

A turquoise river flows through a lush canyon.

Schwartz Creek

Montana · 16.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Johnsrud Park

Montana · 16.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Sheep Flats

Montana · 19.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Thibodeau Rapids

Montana · 20.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

A river running through a lush green hillside

Whitaker Bridge

Montana · 20.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Red Rocks

Montana · 21.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Petty Creek

Montana · 21.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Beavertail Pond

Montana · 23.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Turbulent water rapids churn with white froth.

Corrick's River Bend

Montana · 24.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

St. John's

Montana · 26.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Roundup

Montana · 28.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Bell Crossing

Montana · 28.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Upper Osprey

Montana · 29.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Placid Lake State Park

Montana · 30.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Middle Osprey

Montana · 30.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Lower Osprey

Montana · 31.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Clearwater Crossing

Montana · 32.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Forks

Montana · 32.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Harpers Lake

Montana · 32.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Ralph's Takeout

Montana · 33.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Missoula.

Milltown, MT7 mi Lolo, MT8 mi Bonner, MT13 mi Florence, MT16 mi Clinton, MT16 mi Frenchtown, MT17 mi Stevensville, MT23 mi Arlee, MT23 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to kayak near Missoula, MT?

Top picks near Missoula include Placid Lake State Park, Beavertail Pond, Harpers Lake. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on rivers, lakes.

What types of paddling can I do near Missoula?

Near Missoula you'll find opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddle boarding. Most locations offer beginner-friendly conditions with public boat ramp access.

Are there free kayak launches near Missoula?

Yes! Most public boat ramps near Missoula are free to use. Some state parks and recreation areas may charge a small parking or entrance fee.