FloatETA estimates how long this float actually takes from live discharge at USGS 06036650 (Jefferson near Three Forks), not a guidebook average. At a typical 1,800 cfs, a raft drifts about 2.8 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 Jefferson River (Canyon / Three Forks) listing covers 33 river miles across 3 access-to-access stretches (Class I, 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 Jefferson River (Canyon / Three Forks) float time
Float stretches on the Jefferson River (Canyon / Three Forks)
| Put-in → take-out | Miles | Difficulty | Typical raft time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cardwell Bridge FAS → Sappington Bridge | 14 mi | Class I–II | ~5 hr | The Jefferson canyon. Long day. Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park is midway. |
| Williams Bridge FAS → Drouillard FAS | 11 mi | Class I | ~3 hr 56 min | River opens up and braids. Irrigation can drain this stretch in late summer. |
| Drouillard FAS → Missouri Headwaters State Park | 8 mi | Class I | ~2 hr 51 min | Ends where the Jefferson, Madison, and Gallatin become the Missouri. |
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 06036650.
Common questions
How long does it take to float Cardwell Bridge FAS to Sappington Bridge on the Jefferson River (Canyon / Three Forks)?
About 5 hr in a raft at a typical 1800 cfs. Kayaks run a bit faster; tubes run slower. Stopping to fish adds about 35 minutes per mile. The Jefferson canyon. Long day. Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park is midway.
How long does it take to float Williams Bridge FAS to Drouillard FAS on the Jefferson River (Canyon / Three Forks)?
About 3 hr 56 min in a raft at a typical 1800 cfs. Kayaks run a bit faster; tubes run slower. Stopping to fish adds about 35 minutes per mile. River opens up and braids. Irrigation can drain this stretch in late summer.
How long does it take to float Drouillard FAS to Missouri Headwaters State Park on the Jefferson River (Canyon / Three Forks)?
About 2 hr 51 min in a raft at a typical 1800 cfs. Kayaks run a bit faster; tubes run slower. Stopping to fish adds about 35 minutes per mile. Ends where the Jefferson, Madison, and Gallatin become the Missouri.
What USGS gauge is used for Jefferson River (Canyon / Three Forks) float times?
FloatETA uses USGS gauge 06036650 (Jefferson near Three Forks) for live discharge. Speed is scaled from a reference 1800 cfs drift of about 2.8 mph.
Is the Jefferson River (Canyon / Three Forks) 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.