River

County

Reach

Length (miles)

Year Listed/ Updated

Potential Classification

ORVs

Description

Other States

Badger Creek, North

Pondera

Confluence with Pool Creek (Sec. 7, T.28 N., R.12 W.) to Falls (Sec. 25, T.29 N., R.12 W.)

7

1993

S

F

Provides exceptionally high quality habitat for one of largest populations of pure strain westslope cutthroat trout east of Continental Divide.

Basin Creek

Flathead

Crossing of Forest Service Trail 177 over stream (west border of Sec. 13, T.25 N., R.12 W.) to east border of Sec. 4, T.25 N., R.11 W.

5

1993

W

S

Drainage is a series of beaver ponds and willow bottoms. Fed by cascading streams.

Beaver Creek

Lewis and Clark

Boundary of private land by town of Nelson in Sec. 12, T.12 N., R.2 W., MPM to confluence of Missouri River Sec. 19, T.12 N., R.2 W., MPM

4

1993

R

F

Only spawning tributary for the "Blue Ribbon" stretch of the Missouri River between Hauser Dam and Holter Reservoir.

Big Creek

Lincoln

Junction of North Fork and Big Creek upstream for 6 miles

6

1993

W

S, R

See initial comments

Big Creek

Lincoln

Junction of Copeland Creek and South Fork of Big Creek upstream for 2 miles

2

1993

W

S, R

See initial comments

Big Creek

Lincoln

Junction of Good Creek and Big Creek upstream for 4 miles

4

1993

W

S, R

See initial comments

Big Creek

Lincoln

Junction of Little North Fork and Big Creek upstream for 2 miles

2

1993

W

S, R

See initial comments

Big Creek

Lincoln

Junction of North Fork and South Fork of Big Creek upstream to Drop Creek

6

1993

R

S, R

See initial comments

Big Creek

Lincoln

Big Creek bridge adjacent to Lake Koocanusa upstream to junction of North Fork and South Fork of Big Creek

6

1993

R

S, R

Accessible, but still a relatively undisturbed river environment. Fishing, dispersed camping, and picnicking opportunities.

Big Creek

Flathead

SW 1/4 of Sec. 12, T.32 N., R.22 W. to its confluence with North Fork of Flathead River (SW 1/4 of Sec. 22, T.33 N., R.20 W.)

12

1993

R

F

Contains essential spawning habitat for bull trout, "species of special concern."

Big Creek

Lincoln

Junction of Lookout Creek and South Fork of Big Creek upstream for 6 miles including portion of East Fork of Lookout Creek

6

1993

W

S, R

See initial comments

Big Salmon Creek

Missoula, Powell

Confluence with Pendant Creek (SW 1/4 of Sec. 10, T.20 N., R.15 W.) to inlet of Big Salmon Lake (SE 1/4 of Sec. 8, T.21 N., R.14 W.)

9

1993

W

S

Scenic creek bottom and good views of Charlotte Peak and Big Salmon Lake in Segment 1. Three major waterfall sections in Segment 2.

Big Salmon Creek

Missoula, Powell

Outlet of Big Salmon Lake (SW 1/4 of Sec. 35, T.22 N., R.14 W.) to the South Fork of the Flathead River (SW 1/4 of Sec. 26, T.22 N., R.14 W.)

1

1993

W

S

See initial comments

Birch Creek, North Fork

Pondera

Headwaters at Sec. 34, T.18 N., R.11 W. to Forest boundary and Swift Reservoir (Sec. 28, T.28 N., R.10 W.)

7

1993

W

S, G

Interesting rock formations and diverse vegetation. Series of waterfalls, rapids, and pools are accentuated by spectacular views of rugged mountains in horizon.

Bitterroot River, West Fork

Ravalli

Confluence of Nez Perce to South boundary of N 1/2 of Sec. 26, T.1 S., R.22 W. MPM near Painted Rocks Dam

7

1993

R

G

Outstanding trait in cliffs and colored rocks for which Painted Rocks Reservoir is named. Popular for floating enthusiasts, fishing, and camping.

Black Canyon Creek

Big Horn

Entire segment within the Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

1

1993

W

G, F, W

Towering limestone cliffs, abundant forest, and vegetation. A variety of large mammals including black bear, and a variety of fish including trout.

Blackfoot River, North Fork

Powell

Upstream from Wilderness boundary to Bob Marshall

24

1993

W

R, F

North Fork Blackfoot Trail parallels river. Recreational opportunities such as white water boating, fishing, camping, hiking, and viewing scenery.

Blodgett Creek

Ravalli

Western edge of Blodgett Campground through campground to Bitterroot National Forest boundary in SE of Sec. 17, T.6 N., R.21 W.

0

1993

R

S, G

See initial comments

Blodgett Creek

Ravalli

Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness boundary (SW 1/4 of Sec. 17, T.6 N., R.22 W.) to western edge of Blodgett Campground in SE 1/4 of Sec. 17, T.6 N., R.21 W.

8

1993

W

S, G

See initial comments

Blodgett Creek

Ravalli

Below dam at outlet of Blodgett Lake (NE 1/4 of Sec. 27, T.6 N., R.23 W.) to Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness boundary in SW 1/4 of Sec. 17, T.6 N., R.22 W.

6

1993

W

S, G

Rushing white water, deep pools, and small meadows in very picturesque canyon with cliffs, rock outcrops and natural rock arch. Canyon is excellent example of alpine glaciated "U" shaped valley.

Boulder River

Sweet Grass, Park

Forest boundary (Sec. 26, T.3 S., R.12 E.) to point where Blackley Creek flows into Boulder River near Aspen campground (Sec. 26, T.4 S., R.12 E.)

7

1993

R

S, R, G, F

Courses through Absaroka Mt. Range. Site of Natural Bridge (recently collapsed), an outstanding geologic feature. Well known sports fishery.

Boulder River

Sweet Grass, Park

Blakley Creek to Miller Creek (Sec. 13, T.4 S., R.12 E.)

4

1993

S

S, R, G, F

See initial comments

Boulder River

Sweet Grass, Park

Miller Creek to Bramble Creek (Sec. 26, T.5 S., R.12 E.)

3

1993

R

S, R, G, F

See initial comments

Boulder River

Sweet Grass, Park

Bramble Creek to the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness boundary near Independence Peak (Sec. 22, T.7 S., R.12 E.)

13

1993

S

S, R, G, F

See initial comments

Browns Canyon Creek

Beaverhead

SW 1/4 of Sec. 29, T.8 S., R.13 W. encompasses all upstream waters for a total of 4.3 miles

4

1993

W

F

Populations of confirmed, genetically pure, westslope cutthroat trout.

Bull River

Sanders

Boundary of recommended wilderness addition near junction of North and Middle Forks downstream to junction of East Fork of Bull River

13

1993

R

S

Scenic driving and sightseeing, camping, fishing, and picnicking. Canoeing and kayaking in segments 1 and 2. Historic Bull River Guard Station in segment 2.

Bull River

Sanders

Junction of East Fork of Bull River downstream to Cabinet Gorge Reservoir

9

1993

R

S

See initial comments

Bull River

Sanders

Headwaters of both North and Middle Forks of Bull River downstream to boundary of recommended wilderness additions near junction of North and Middle Forks

12

1993

W

S

See initial comments

Cache Creek

Mineral

Montana Creek to headwater

9

1993

W

R

Challenging area for off-trail hiking and exploring due to geologic ruggedness of upper reaches. Opportunities for solitude.

Cache Creek

Mineral

Montana Creek to mouth

2

1993

S

R

See initial comments

Canyon Creek

Beaverhead

Private land in NW 1/4 of Sec. 15, T.2 S., R.10 W. to head of Lion Creek drainage in NE 1/4 of Sec. 21, T.3 S., R.10 W.

11

1993

W, R

S, R, W

Cluster of brick charcoal kilns were constructed and operated in 1880's. Guest lodge and camping sites. Provides varying scenery from open sagebrush along canyon bottom to steep, rocky peaks.

Clack Creek

Flathead

SW 1/4 of Sec. 24, T.26 N., R.12 W. to confluence with Middle Fork of Flathead River (NE 1/4 of Sec. 13, T.26 N., R.12 W.)

2

1993

W

F

Contains essential spawning habitat for bull trout.

Clark Fork River

Sanders, Mineral, Missoula

Mouth of Seigel Creek (Sec. 17, T.18 N., R.25 W.) upstream to mouth of Tamarack Creek (Sec. 9, T.18 N., R.27 W.)

13

1993

S

R

Recreational opportunities such as white water boating, fishing, camping, and hiking.

Clearwater River

Missoula

Inlet of Seeley Lake upstream to headwaters

13

1993

R

R, W, O

Recreational opportunities such as white water boating, fishing, camping, and hiking. Wildlife and natural features.

Coal Creek

Flathead

NE 1/4 of Sec. 23, T.34 N., R.23 W. to it confluence with North Fork of Flathead River (SE 1/4 of Sec. 20, T.34 N., R.20 W.)

19

1993

R

F

Spawning habitat for bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout.

Coal Creek, South Fork

Flathead

NE 1/4 of Sec. 31, T.34 N., R.22 W. to confluence with Coal Creek in NE 1/4 of Sec. 30, T.34 N., R.21 W.

7

1993

R

F

Spawning habitat for bull trout.

Cooper Creek

Lewis and Clark

Snowbank Lake in SW 1/4 of Sec. 4, T.15 N., R.8 W. to NW 1/4 of Sec. 36, T.15 N., R.8 W.

5

1993

R

F, W

Provides critical spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout (fluvial strain) and cutthroat trout. Riparian zones offer unique habitat for threatened and endangered grizzly bear.

Crooked Creek

Carbon

Section line on south side of Sec. 35, T.8 S., R.27 E. (Forest boundary) to headwaters in Sec. 1, T.8 S., R.27 E.

8

1993

W

S, G, F, C, O

Flows through deeply incised limestone canyons in Pryor Mountains. Eastern most location of Douglas fir in Montana.

Cyclone Creek

Flathead

Outlet of Cyclone Lake (SW 1/4 of Sec. 15, T.34 N., R.21 W.) to its confluence with Coal Creek (SE 1/4 of Sec. 36, T.34 N., R.21 W.)

5

1993

R

F

Abundant westslope cutthroat trout populations.

Danaher Creek

Powell, Lewis, Clark

Confluence with Limestone Creek (NE 1/4 of Sec. 20, T.18 N., R.11 W.) to where it joins with Youngs Creek to form South Fork of the Flathead River (NW 1/4 of Sec. 31, T.20 N., R.12 W.)

14

1993

W

S, C

Scenic Danaher Meadows and valley. Major Indian route traverses the area. Prehistoric campsites located in Danaher Basin.

Deadman Creek

Beaverhead

SW 1/4 of Sec. 9, T.17 S., R.10 W. to Forest boundary at NW 1/4 of Sec. 33, T.15 S., R.10 W.

10

1993

W

R, W, H, C

Rainbow and cutthroat trout fishing. Two prehistoric hunting camps with numerous points possibly eligible for National Historic Registration (outside of the 1/4 mile corridor by about 1/4 mile).

Dearborn River

Lewis and Clark

Headwaters at Scapegoat Mt. Sec. 13, T.18 N., R.10 W. to Forest boundary Sec. 6, T.17 N., R.7 W.

18

1993

W

S

Rugged, bold exposures of folded and faulted limestone cliffs. Panoramic views from rolling grassy hills to stark 500-600 cliffs of Scapegoat Mt..

Elk River

Madison

Junction with West Fork of Madison River in SE 1/4 NE 1/4 of Sec. 17, T.12 S., R.1 E. to intersection of Dirty Creek in NW 1/4 NW 1/4 of Sec. 11, T.12 S., R.1 W.

5

1993

S

F

Most important tributary for fish recruitment to West Fork of Madison and main Madison River. Madison River internationally known as "Blue Ribbon" trout stream.

Elk River

Madison

Junction with Dirty Creek in NW 1/4 NW 1/4 of Sec. 11, T.12 S., R.1 W. to interception with Gravelly Range Road #290 in SW 1/4 SW 1/4 of Sec. 15, T.11 S., R.2 W.

9

1993

W

F

See initial comments

Fish Creek, West Fork

Mineral

Clearwater Crossing to headwaters

9

1993

W

G, O

Rare crystals occur at head of Cedar Log Creek. Ancient groves of cedar that survived 1910 fire exist on upper reaches.

Gallatin River

Gallatin

Forest boundary (Sec. 19, T.4 S., R.4 E.) to confluence of West Fork of Gallatin River (Sec. 32, T.6 S., R.4 E.)

19

1993

R

S, R, F

One of most significant "Blue Ribbon" trout fisheries in U.S.. Popular national attraction for its visual resources and recreational opportunities. White water rafting and kayaking.

Gallatin River

Gallatin

West Fork of Gallatin River to point where river enters Yellowstone National Park (Sec. 27, T.9 S., R.5 E.)

20

1993

R

S, R, F

See initial comments

Gallitin River

Gallatin

Entire segment within Yellowstone National Park

32

1993

W, S

S, G, F, W

See Gallatin River, WY comments.

WY

Gardiner River

Park

Entire segment within Yellowstone National Park

31

1993

W, S

S, R, W

See Gardiner River, WY comments.

WY

Gateway Creek

Flathead

NW 1/4 of Sec. 31, T.27 N., R.10 W. to confluence with Strawberry Creek (Sec. 9, T.26 N., R.11 W.)

4

1993

W

S, G

Gateway Gorge contains 1000 foot cliffs 1/2 mile on each side. Gateway Meadows is very scenic.

Glacier Creek

Missoula

Outlet of Glacier Lake (SW 1/4 of Sec. 30, T.19 N., R.17 W.) to Mission Mt. Wilderness boundary (East edge of Sec. 29, T.19 N., R.17 W.)

2

1993

W

S

Glacier slough is a unique resource. Has cascades that flow down to and through marshy slough.

Glacier Creek

Missoula

SW 1/4 of Sec. 21, T.19 N., R.17 W. to outlet of Glacier Slough (NW 1/4 of Sec. 10, T.19 N., R.17 W.)

3

1993

S

S

See initial comments

Glacier Creek

Missoula

Mission Mt. Wilderness boundary to SW 1/4 of Sec. 21, T.19 N., R.17 W.

1

1993

R

S

See initial comments

Granite Creek

Flathead

Confluence of Dodge and Challange Creeks (SW 1/4 of Sec. 32, T.29 N., R.13 W.) to confluence with Middle Fork of Flathead River (SW 1/4 of Sec. 35, T.28 N., R.14 W.)

8

1993

W, R

F

Contains essential spawning habitat for bull trout.

Hallowat Creek

Flathead

NW 1/4 of Sec. 15, T.35 N., R.22 W. to its confluence with Big Creek (SW 1/4 of Sec. 33, T.33 N., R.21 W.)

7

1993

R

F

Spawning habitat for bull trout.

Judith River

Fergus

Ming Coulee to Anderson Bridge

27

1993

W

S, R, G

Meandering channel and steep valley cliffs. Pristine riparian ecosystem. Wildlife diversity.

Judith River, Middle Fork

Judith Basin

Arch Coulee Junction Sec. 32, T.13 N., R.11 E. to Forest boundary Sec. 35, T.13 N., R.11 E.

5

1993

R

C

Eight recorded historic sites. Eligible for National Register of Historic Places.

Kootenai River

Lincoln

Tub Gulch downstream past town of Libby to Quartz Creek

10

1993

R

S, F, H

See initial comments

Kootenai River

Lincoln

Mile below K. Vista Estates downstream past mouth of Yaak River to Montana-Idaho State border

8

1993

R

S, F, H

See initial comments

Kootenai River

Lincoln

Quartz Creek downstream past Kootenai Falls to Surprise Gulch

8

1993

R

S, F, H

See initial comments

Kootenai River

Lincoln

Junction of Fisher River downstream to Tub Gulch, which is approximately 4 miles upstream from town of Libby

10

1993

R

S, F, H

Outstanding trout fishery. Last remaining undeveloped falls on major river in Northwest. Flows through wide-bottom canyon, rapids, and falls. Passes David Thompson Portage Trail.

Kootenai River

Lincoln

Surprise Gulch downstream past town of Troy to a mile below K. Vista Estates

10

1993

R

S, F, H

See initial comments

Lake Creek

Flathead

Outlet of Scott Lake (NW 1/4 of Sec. 30, T.27 N., R.13 W.) to confluence with Middle Fork of Flathead River (SW 1/4 of Sec. 7, T.27 N., R.13 W.)

4

1993

W

G

Has a waterfall over thirty feet high.

Lake Creek, Unnamed Fork

Flathead

Outlet of Flortilla Lake (SE 1/4 of Sec. 26, T.27 N., R.14 W.) to inlet of Scott Lake (NW 1/4 of Sec. 30, T.27 N., R.13 W.)

1

1993

W

G

Flortilla Lake formed by mass failure, which dammed the creek. Oulet of the lake is underground and surfaces as a big spring 1 mile below the lake.

Langford Creek

Flathead

Outlet of Mud Lake (NW 1/4 of Sec. 17, T.33 N., R.20 W.) to its confluence with Big Creek (SW 1/4 of Sec. 21, T.33 N., R.20 W.)

2

1993

R

F

Contains abundant westslope cutthroat trout population, "species of special concern". Essential spawning habitat for this species.

Lion Creek

Lake

SW 1/4 of Sec. 35, T.23 N., R.16 W. to west border of Sec. 18, T.22 N., R.16 W.

7

1993

W

S

Corridor contains series of 50 foot cascades through boulder/bedrock areas. Trail goes by head of falls, through boulder rubble in creek bottom, and below high cliff bands to Lion Basin

Little Bitterroot River

Flathead

Little Bitterroot Lake (SW 1/4 of Sec. 16, T.27 N., R.24 W.) to Hubbard Reservoir (SE 1/4 of Sec. 31, T.26 N., R.24 W.)

12

1993

S

S, G

Little Bitterroot Canyon is a very scenic and geologically unusual feature unique to this area.

Little Blackfoot River

Powell

NW 1/4 of Sec. 28, T.8 N., R.7 W. to confluence of Ontario Creek in Sec. 12, T.8 N., R.7 W., MPM

5

1993

R

F

See initial comments

Little Blackfoot River

Powell

Trail 329 crossing in Sec. 15, T.7 N., R.7 W. to point 1 mile above Kading Campground in NW 1/4 of Sec. 28, T.8 N., R.7 W.

6

1993

W

F

Provides high quality habitat for westslope cutthroat trout. Portions of reach inhabited by fluvial bull trout populations.

Little Salmon Creek

Flathead

Confluence with Chasm Creek (SE 1/4 of Sec. 24, T.22 N., R.15 W.) to its confluence with South Fork of Flathead River (NW 1/4 of Sec. 23, T.22 N., R.14 W.)

5

1993

W

F

Abundant westslope cutthroat trout populations. Has a high sport fishery value.

Lolo Creek, South Fork

Missoula

NE 1/4 of Sec. 12, T.11 N., R.22 W. upstream to headwaters

12

1993

W

R, G

Resident fishery. South Fork Lolo Creek Trail parallels stream. Recreational opportunities.

Lost Horse Creek

Ravalli

Lick Creek bridge in SW 1/4 of Sec. 18, T.4 N., R.21 W. to Bear Creek Pass in SW 1/4 of Sec. 5, T.4 N., R.23 W. and Twin Lakes Dam in SE 1/4 of Sec. 29, T.5 N., R.23 W.

15

1993

S

S, R, G

Opportunities for hiking, fishing, hunting, and pleasure driving. Rugged and majestic scenery of ice-carved Bitterroot Range. Snow avalanche slides are truly spectacular.

Madison River

Gallatin

Hebgen Lake Dam (Sec. 23, T.11 S., R.3 E.) to Forest boundary downstream from Earthquake Lake (Sec. 35, T.11 S., R.2 E.)

8

1993

R

S, R, F

Contains Earthquake Lake, created by massive earthquake in 1959. Scenic values contribute to entrance route to Yellowstone National Park. Nationally significant "Blue Ribbon" fishery.

Madison River

Gallatin

Entire segment within Yellowstone National Park

18

1993

S

S, G, F, W

See Madison River, WY comments.

WY

Madison River, West Fork

Madison, Beaverhead

Intersection with Jackpine Road 1209 in NE 1/4 of Sec. 4, T.12 S., R.1 E. to east end of Shakelford Homestead in NW 1/4 of Sec. 25, T.1 S., R.1 W. Excludes private lands

4

1993

S

R, F

See initial comments

Madison River, West Fork

Madison, Beaverhead

Intersection with Fossil Creek at SW 1/4 of Sec. 27, T.12 S., R.2 W. to intersection with Miner Creek in NW 1/4 of Sec. 30, T.12 S., R.2 W.

3

1993

S

R, F

See initial comments

Madison River, West Fork

Madison, Beaverhead

Point 1/4 mile west of Landon Camp NE 1/4 SE 1/4 of Sec. 31, T.12 S., R.1 W. to intersection of Fossil Creek SW 1/4 of Sec. 267, T.12 S., R.2 W.

5

1993

W

R, F

See initial comments

Madison River, West Fork

Madison, Beaverhead

West end of Shakelford Homestead in SE 1/4 of Sec. 26, T.12 S., R.1 W. to point 1/2 mile below Landon Camp SW 1/4 SE 1/4 of Sec. 32, T.12 S., R.1 W.

3

1993

W

R, F

See initial comments

Madison River, West Fork

Madison, Beaverhead

Junction with main Madison River in center of Sec. 10, T.11 S., R.1 E. to where Jackpine Road 1209 intersects West Fork Madison Road 209 in NE 1/4 of Sec. 4, T.12 S., R.1 E.

4

1993

S, R

R, F

Important for fishery recruitment to Madison River, which is internationally known as "Blue Ribbon" trout stream. Many recreational opportunities.

Madison River, West Fork

Madison, Beaverhead

1/2 mile below Landon Camp SW 1/4 SE 1/4 of Sec. 32, T.12 S., R.1 W. to NE 1/4 SE 1/4 of Sec. 31, T.12 S., R.1 W.

1

1993

R, F

See initial comments

Mathias Creek

Flathead

SE 1/4 of Sec. 33, T.34 N., R.22 W. to confluence with South Fork Coal Creek (NW 1/4 of Sec. 34, T.34 N., R.22 W.)

1

1993

R

F

Spawning habitat for bull trout.

Mill Creek

Madison

Forest boundary in Sec. 22, T.4 5., R.4 W. to Upper Branham Lake in Sec. 5, T.4 S., R.3 W.

7

1993

R

S, H

Scenic waterfalls, small lakes, and rugged peaks. Smuggler Mine is cultural resource with potential historic values, as do several mining-related earthworks in vicinity.

Missouri River

Lewis and Clark

Hauser Dam in SW 1/4 of Sec. 29, T.12 N., R.2 W., MPM, downstream to Cochrans Gulch in Sec. 18, T.12 N., R.2 W., MPM

2

1993

S

S, R, G, F, W

Provides nationally renowned fishing for trophy-sized brown trout. Represents Eldorado thrust fault. Outstanding cliffs and seeps. One of main travel routes for Lewis and Clark Expedition.

Moose Creek

Flathead

NE 1/4 of Sec. 5, T.35 N., R.22 W. to its confluence with North Fork of Flathead River (SW 1/4 of Sec. 32, T.36 N., R.21 W.)

6

1993

F

Abundant westslope cutthroat trout populations. Essential spawning habitat.

Morrell Creek

Mineral

Trailhead to headwaters

7

1993

S

S, R