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Montana
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Montana State Parks

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Montana
Russell Country Region
Smith River State Park
Smith River State Park © Ennetws / Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
A scenic view of Smith Rock, central Oregon.
Western Meadow Lark © stateparks.com
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SMITH RIVER STATE PARK
SMITH RIVER STATE PARK
1005 Smith River Road
White Sulphur Springs, Montana   59645
(lat:46.803 lon:-111.182) map location

Phone: 406-454-5840


Smith River State Park offers gorgeous scenery in a remote setting. Renowned trout fishing is just one of the recreational opportunities that make a float trip on the 59-mile Smith River an unforgettable experience.

The Smith River is so popular that a permit is required to float it. The permit process allows visitors a quality, multi-day float in relative solitude.

Smith River State Park has one put-in point Camp Baker and one take-out point Eden Bridge for the entire 59-mile stretch. The river is accessible only by non-motorized watercraft, including rafts, canoes, kayaks and drift boats. Rowers and paddlers should have at least intermediate level skills. On average, visitors take four days to float the river.

From May 15 - July 15 floaters can stay on the river a maximum of four nights only. To help preserve the unique quality of the Smith River canyon, overnight camping must take place at designated boat camps.

Since the Smith River flows through a remote canyon, there are some things to keep in mind for this adventure there are no public services from Camp Baker to Eden Bridge. Floaters must carry their own food, water, safety, camping equipment and a fishing license. It is advisable to bring all the drinking water you will need for the duration of your trip, as there is no drinking water available at the put-in location of Camp Baker. Also, Camp Baker does not have trash dumpsters, but one is available at the Eden Bridge takeout point along with aluminum-recycling bins.
Swimming
1. Smith River State Park offers a variety of swimming options in its clear, refreshing river waters.
2. Visitors can swim freely or use floatation devices for leisurely floating down the Smith River.
3. The park does not have lifeguards on duty; therefore, swimmers should exercise caution and supervise children closely.
4. Swimming is best during summer months when water temperatures are warmer but still remain quite cool due to mountain runoff.
5. There aren't any designated swimming areas so visitors can choose their preferred spot along the 59-mile stretch of river within the park boundaries.
6. The current varies throughout different sections of the river making it suitable for both experienced and novice swimmers.
7. Water shoes are recommended as some parts may be rocky underfoot while entering or exiting from your chosen location.

Boating
The park offers a unique and popular 59-mile float trip through the limestone canyon, which is often considered one of Montana's most coveted outdoor recreational experiences. However, due to its popularity and limited campsites along the river corridor, permits for floating are required between May 15th - July 15th each year. These can be obtained via an annual lottery system or by booking unused launch dates after April 1st on a first-come-first-served basis.

In addition to this multi-day adventure option, there are also opportunities for day-use boating outside these peak times without needing any permit at all. The water levels in springtime make it ideal for rafting while later summer months provide perfect conditions for canoeists and kayakers alike.

It should be noted that motorized boats aren't allowed within the park boundaries as part of efforts to preserve natural resources & maintain tranquility throughout area; only non-motorized vessels such as rafts/canoes/kayaks/driftboats/paddleboards etc., may navigate waters here.

Also worth noting: no commercial outfitters operate inside state-owned section so visitors must bring their own equipment/arrange rentals from private companies located nearby if they don't have necessary gear themselves already available when visiting site - though shuttle services do exist help transport people/equipment back upstream once journey downstream has been completed successfully!
Fishing
Enjoy fly fishing in a pristine river setting. Species include rainbow trout, brown trout and mountain whitefish. Float trips are popular for accessing remote areas of the river. Fishing permits are required to fish here.


Location
Smith River State Park is

Picnicking
Smith River State Park offers numerous picnic spots with scenic views, wildlife sightings and access to fishing. No facilities are provided.

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Montana State Parks

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