FloatETA estimates how long this float actually takes from live discharge at USGS 12334510 (Rock Creek near Clinton), not a guidebook average. At a typical 500 cfs, a raft drifts about 4.0 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 Rock Creek (Clinton) listing covers 23 river miles across 3 access-to-access stretches (Class II–III, 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 Rock Creek (Clinton) float time
Float stretches on the Rock Creek (Clinton)
| Put-in → take-out | Miles | Difficulty | Typical raft time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bitterroot Flat / Dalles → Harry's Flat | 9 mi | Class II–III | ~2 hr 15 min | The Dalles boulder garden. Boats prohibited July 1–Nov 30. Scout wood every spring. |
| Harry's Flat → Valley of the Moon | 11 mi | Class I–II | ~2 hr 45 min | Classic spring salmonfly float. Strainers are the hazard, not rapids. |
| Valley of the Moon → Clinton / Clark Fork confluence | 3 mi | Class I–II | ~45 min | Short lower-creek run onto the Clark Fork. Tamarack is an unmarked option near mile 4. |
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 12334510.
Common questions
How long does it take to float Bitterroot Flat / Dalles to Harry's Flat on the Rock Creek (Clinton)?
About 2 hr 15 min in a raft at a typical 500 cfs. Kayaks run a bit faster; tubes run slower. Stopping to fish adds about 35 minutes per mile. The Dalles boulder garden. Boats prohibited July 1–Nov 30. Scout wood every spring.
How long does it take to float Harry's Flat to Valley of the Moon on the Rock Creek (Clinton)?
About 2 hr 45 min in a raft at a typical 500 cfs. Kayaks run a bit faster; tubes run slower. Stopping to fish adds about 35 minutes per mile. Classic spring salmonfly float. Strainers are the hazard, not rapids.
How long does it take to float Valley of the Moon to Clinton / Clark Fork confluence on the Rock Creek (Clinton)?
About 45 min in a raft at a typical 500 cfs. Kayaks run a bit faster; tubes run slower. Stopping to fish adds about 35 minutes per mile. Short lower-creek run onto the Clark Fork. Tamarack is an unmarked option near mile 4.
What USGS gauge is used for Rock Creek (Clinton) float times?
FloatETA uses USGS gauge 12334510 (Rock Creek near Clinton) for live discharge. Speed is scaled from a reference 500 cfs drift of about 4.0 mph.
Is the Rock Creek (Clinton) a good tube float?
Tubes lag the current (we use a 0.72× speed multiplier). This listing includes Class III or harder water — rafts and experienced paddlers, not tubes.