Clark Fork River

White-water rafting draws many visitors to the Clark Fork river, which is known for its exhilarating, big volume rapids. The waters run through a sharp canyon with dramatic pinkish-colored cliffs. For rafting enthusiasts, the river contains dozens of roller coaster waves and Class 2 to Class 3 whitewater rafting. The river is dotted with warmer calm water pools to give riders a chance to catch their breath and relax. The Clark Fork river is the perfect backdrop for the ultimate day rafting trip, whether you are a newbie or a seasoned white-water adventurer.

An interesting fact is that the Clark Fork river is actually one of the few snow fed rivers in the world. It originates from the headwaters of Saint Mary's Pass. During the spring thaw that usually occurs in the month of April, melting snow turns into a massive amount of water that empties into the river. At this time of the year, the river bursts into the U-shaped canyon at rapid speeds. It eventually reaches a cascading waterfall, emptying down the granite rock face into a beautiful gorge at an elevation of more than 5,600 feet.

The Clark Fork river merges downstream with the Stanislaus River, which is part of the Stanislaus National Forest. This national reserve includes more than 800 miles of rivers and streams for fishing and recreation. There are several campgrounds as well as pristine backcountry trails for the more adventurous.

The river gets its name from William Clark, of the famous Lewis and Clark Expedition. The full name is actually the Clark Fork of the Columbia River. The rivers first claim to Hollywood fame was in the 1972 Michael Landon film "Forever". The river was also included in several other productions filmed by Michael Landon in the years that followed.

The Clark Fork river is an excellent fishing destination for even the most discerning angler. The river is known for its plentiful supply of rainbow, brown and cutthroat trout. There are also bull trout that are native to the river, but this species is endangered. In spite of negative impact on the health of the river by local mining, the ecosystem has slowly been able to repair itself over the past few decades. There are now an estimated 1000 fish per mile in many segments of the river. The average trout size is around 15 inches, but much larger fish, measuring well above twenty inches in length.

As with any fishing trip or visit to a natural area, make sure to check with the local authorities for local special fishing regulations. When you arrive, make sure to treat the river, wildlife and vegetation with respect and never leave anything behind, to ensure that the Clark Fork river and all of America's waterways can be enjoyed for years to come.