Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Because of the river's popularity, it is closely managed by Montana Fish, Wildlife
& Parks (FWP), which oversees a lottery system for the roughly 1,000 permits issued
annually. There are 27 boat camps and 52 campsites scattered along the river, which
can most often be floated in four days. The season varies dramatically depending
on snowpack, rainfall, and the timing of irrigation use, but mid-April-early July is
considered the prime season, and occasionally floaters can hit the Smith as late as
September. To apply for a permit, which is due in mid-February, contact the Montana
FWP Smith River Reservation Line (406/454-5861,
www.fwp.mt.gov
)
. Another op-
tion for those unlucky in the lottery is to book a Smith River trip with one of a hand-
ful of permitted outfitters.
Lewis and Clark Expeditions
(Helena, 406/449-4632,
www.lewisandclarkexpeditions.net
,
4-day/5- night trips $3,800) offers excellent trips
with world-class guides and gourmet grub. In addition to his fantastic commercial
trips, owner Mike Geary has teamed with Project Healing Waters to sponsor river
fishing trips for disabled veterans.
Floating and Fishing on the Smith River
One of Montana's most isolated, the Smith River is 59 miles of dramatic canyons, open
ranch land, and rugged forest between Camp Baker and Eden Bridge. The high season is
when the water is high, typically late spring-early summer. On average, floaters take four
days to travel through this spectacular roadless area.
Because of its popularity with Montanans, it is the only river in the state that can be used
only with a permit. Permits are issued annually by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP)
in a lottery that runs early January-mid-February. For more information, contact the Great
Falls FWP office (406/454-5861).
Accommodations
To enjoy White Sulphur Springs in the way the earliest settlers intended, make a point
to visit the pet-friendly
Spa Hot Springs Hotel
(202 W. Main St., 406/547-3366,
www.spahotsprings.com
,
$99-139). The guest rooms are very basic and clean, but it's the
three hot springs pools that make this place special. Outside, there are two pools kept at
98°F and 103°F. Inside, the pool is 105°F, and all are drained and cleaned nightly so that
no chemicals have to be added to the natural hot water. Non-guests can use the pools for a
fee ($7 adults, $6 seniors, $6 children 13-17, $5 children 6-12, $3 children 3-5, $2 children
under 3).
