FloatETA estimates how long this float actually takes from live discharge at USGS 12352500 (Bitterroot near Missoula), not a guidebook average. At a typical 1,000 cfs, a raft drifts about 3.0 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 Bitterroot River (Stevensville) listing covers 27 river miles across 3 access-to-access stretches (Class I). 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 Bitterroot River (Stevensville) float time
Float stretches on the Bitterroot River (Stevensville)
| Put-in → take-out | Miles | Difficulty | Typical raft time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bell Crossing → Stevensville Bridge | 7 mi | Class I | ~2 hr 20 min | Channels braid and wood moves every year — heads-up floating. |
| Stevensville Bridge → Florence Bridge | 9 mi | Class I | ~3 hr | Check recent obstruction reports — strainers are common here. |
| Florence Bridge → Buckhouse Bridge (Missoula) | 11 mi | Class I | ~3 hr 40 min | Last valley miles into town. Still woody. Stay off new side channels you can't see through. |
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 12352500.
Common questions
How long does it take to float Bell Crossing to Stevensville Bridge on the Bitterroot River (Stevensville)?
About 2 hr 20 min in a raft at a typical 1000 cfs. Kayaks run a bit faster; tubes run slower. Stopping to fish adds about 35 minutes per mile. Channels braid and wood moves every year — heads-up floating.
How long does it take to float Stevensville Bridge to Florence Bridge on the Bitterroot River (Stevensville)?
About 3 hr in a raft at a typical 1000 cfs. Kayaks run a bit faster; tubes run slower. Stopping to fish adds about 35 minutes per mile. Check recent obstruction reports — strainers are common here.
How long does it take to float Florence Bridge to Buckhouse Bridge (Missoula) on the Bitterroot River (Stevensville)?
About 3 hr 40 min in a raft at a typical 1000 cfs. Kayaks run a bit faster; tubes run slower. Stopping to fish adds about 35 minutes per mile. Last valley miles into town. Still woody. Stay off new side channels you can't see through.
What USGS gauge is used for Bitterroot River (Stevensville) float times?
FloatETA uses USGS gauge 12352500 (Bitterroot near Missoula) for live discharge. Speed is scaled from a reference 1000 cfs drift of about 3.0 mph.
Is the Bitterroot River (Stevensville) 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.