FloatETA estimates how long this float actually takes from live discharge at USGS 12340000 (Blackfoot near Bonner), not a guidebook average. At a typical 1,200 cfs, a raft drifts about 3.3 mph here. Higher flow speeds you up; skinny water slows you down. Kayaks run faster than the current, tubes slower. Optional fishing adds 35 minutes per mile.
The Blackfoot River listing covers 27 river miles across 3 access-to-access stretches (Class I–II). Times in the table are typical raft hours at that reference flow. Open the live calculator for today's CFS, sunset take-out, water temperature, and rain/UV at the put-in.
See today's Blackfoot River float time
Float stretches on the Blackfoot River
| Put-in → take-out | Miles | Difficulty | Typical raft time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Russell Gates FAS → Roundup Bridge | 9 mi | Class I–II | ~2 hr 44 min | Heart of the Blackfoot Recreation Corridor. Roundup Rapid at higher flows. |
| Roundup Bridge → Johnsrud Park | 10 mi | Class I–II | ~3 hr 2 min | Ledges and boulder gardens; lively at runoff flows. |
| Johnsrud Park → Weigh Station (Bonner) | 8 mi | Class I–II | ~2 hr 25 min | The classic Missoula hot-day float. Thibodeau Rapid midway. |
How we time this river
Speed scales with discharge using hydraulic geometry v ∝ Q0.34, calibrated to this gauge. That is why a 1,000 cfs afternoon is a different day than 3,000 cfs runoff. Always scout, wear a PFD, and check Montana FWP boating for closures. Gauge page: USGS 12340000.
Common questions
How long does it take to float Russell Gates FAS to Roundup Bridge on the Blackfoot River?
About 2 hr 44 min in a raft at a typical 1200 cfs. Kayaks run a bit faster; tubes run slower. Stopping to fish adds about 35 minutes per mile. Heart of the Blackfoot Recreation Corridor. Roundup Rapid at higher flows.
How long does it take to float Roundup Bridge to Johnsrud Park on the Blackfoot River?
About 3 hr 2 min in a raft at a typical 1200 cfs. Kayaks run a bit faster; tubes run slower. Stopping to fish adds about 35 minutes per mile. Ledges and boulder gardens; lively at runoff flows.
How long does it take to float Johnsrud Park to Weigh Station (Bonner) on the Blackfoot River?
About 2 hr 25 min in a raft at a typical 1200 cfs. Kayaks run a bit faster; tubes run slower. Stopping to fish adds about 35 minutes per mile. The classic Missoula hot-day float. Thibodeau Rapid midway.
What USGS gauge is used for Blackfoot River float times?
FloatETA uses USGS gauge 12340000 (Blackfoot near Bonner) for live discharge. Speed is scaled from a reference 1200 cfs drift of about 3.3 mph.
Is the Blackfoot River a good tube float?
Tubes lag the current (we use a 0.72× speed multiplier). On Class I–II stretches tubes can work at moderate flows; skip high water and always wear a PFD.