River Floaters Face 2.5-Month Detour as Milltown Park Closes for Bridge Repairs

MISSOULA — River floaters planning trips on the Clark Fork and Blackfoot rivers will need to find alternative launch and takeout points for the next 2.5 months as BNSF Railway repairs force the closure of one of the area’s most popular access sites.

The Milltown State Park Confluence Area will be closed to vehicles from Monday, Aug. 11 through an estimated Oct. 31, 2025, while BNSF Railway Company repairs the railroad bridge located just downstream of the state park on the Clark Fork River.

The extended closure comes at the height of floating season, forcing recreationists to adjust their river plans as the popular confluence area — where the Blackfoot River meets the Clark Fork — becomes inaccessible by vehicle.

Alternative Float Routes

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is directing floaters to alternative access points to avoid the construction zone. For Clark Fork River trips, the agency recommends Sha-Ron Fishing Access Site as the first downstream access point that won’t be affected by bridge repairs.

“FWP encourages floaters to put in at Sha-Ron and float downstream, avoiding the Milltown railroad bridge construction area,” the agency stated.

Floaters using the Blackfoot River face different options. Weigh Station FAS serves as the last takeout above the Milltown area, while those floating the Clark Fork can use Turah FAS as their final upstream takeout point.

Potential River Closures

The construction impacts may extend beyond vehicle access. FWP says it will work with BNSF to assess whether temporary river closures for floaters will be necessary in the Milltown area during active construction periods.

If river closures are implemented, FWP will post signs at upstream river access sites and provide updates through news releases, social media, and the agency’s website.

Limited Walk-In Access

While vehicle access will be blocked, the confluence area will remain accessible on foot through overflow parking on Juniper Road. However, the walk-in option may not be practical for many floaters carrying rafts, kayaks, and gear.

The construction work affects the road leading to the main parking lot at the Milltown Confluence Area, making the popular launch point unusable for most recreational boaters during the repair window.

Current restriction and closure information is available at fwp.mt.gov/news/current-closures-restrictions. For questions about the closure, contact Vivaca Crowser at FWP Region 2 at [email protected].