10 Montana Rivers So Beautiful, Lewis and Clark Would Swipe Right

Where are the prettiest rivers in Montana? That depends on who you ask, but lord knows we have no shortage of excellent rivers. When you're looking for less crowds, yet stunning places to go in Montana - give these a try.

It's hard to find an exact number of rivers and streams that flow in Montana. There are a lot. Heck, there are 45 different streams named Willow Creek.

Montana's rivers also serve different purposes. Some are the best for fly fishing. Whitewater rafting enthusiasts have their favorites. A few of our nicest and most well known rivers have major dams.

• Some of Montana's best rivers for fly fishing
• Where to kayak in Montana

INTERESTING FACT: Technically, there are several thousand dams in Montana, although most of them are quite small - over 3,000 of them.

"Montana has 3,259 dams that meet the National Dam Inventory (niD) Criteria. This includes dams that store at least 50 acre-feet of water or are at least 25 feet high."

• Find all of Montana's dam locations here
• Best river camping in Montana
• Best 'Middle of Nowhere' River in Montana

Other rivers in Montana that are fairly in the middle of nowhere, include: the Red Rock River, the Tongue and Powder Rivers, the Smith River (with a permit), the South Fork of the Flathead River, and the Shields River.

If you are looking for remote rivers to explore, keep these tips in mind from Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks:

• Access: Many remote rivers may require hiking or wading, and access points might be limited or difficult to find.
• Regulations: Always check Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks regulations before fishing or recreating on any waterway.
• Respect Private Property: If accessing rivers through private land, be sure to respect property boundaries and obtain any necessary permissions.
• Be Prepared: When venturing into remote areas, carry essential gear, including appropriate clothing, food, water, and emergency supplies.

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