How does it work?
Our business was born out of a desire to fix the complicated tubing situation, so our process is very simple. You book online, you show up 10-15 mins before your appointed time, you hop aboard one of our flashy vans, we give you a ride to Sha-Ron beach in East Missoula, and you float down the Clark Fork River on one of our hot pink tubes without a care in the world! You’ll pop out under the Bear Tracks Bridge (Higgins Ave) and walk up the steps back to the Clubhouse! Please note: this is a self-guided tour. You will be navigating the waters all on your very own (no tour guide droning on about how much beer they drank at Charlie B's last night)!
What skills do I need to have before I get on the river?
So glad you asked! While floating is a relatively low-effort sport, there are a few things you should know. First of all, you must have a strong sense of self-awareness! You're in Montana not Disneyland, so you gotta have your wits about you at all times. You're also on your own out there on the river without a tourguide, so have fun AND be safe (i.e. don't overdo it on the White Claws). Another important skill you should have is being comfortable in moving water! Although it's a fairly chill float, currents, weather, and other factors can quickly change that. We want you to have a good time out there on the river, and that means being safe. We also require that all floaters under 18 take a lifejacket (free o' charge) with them. Lastly, you should know that after you get off the river, you will be responsible for carrying your tube up the stairs and one block over back to our clubhouse.
What do you get?
Our vision statement is “Everything you need to have the best day of your summer” -- and that is exactly what you will get from us for your tubing in Missoula experience! To achieve that lofty goal, you will receive a comfortable ride in one of our stylish vans, complete with banging tunes and a fabulous vibe. Your hot pink tube is not only replete with a comfortable butt hammock, but also has a drink holder, and clips to hook up to your buddies! And don’t worry, we will outfit you with a couple of “paddles” so that you can navigate the waters like a pro. In need of a life jacket? No worries, we provide loaners free of charge! Since protecting our beloved rivers is very important to us, your tube also comes with a mesh bag so that you can store your cans (remember -- no glass allowed!). Be warned -- litterbugs will be banned for life from Clark Fork Yacht Club!
Can I bring my own tube/SUP board/canoe?
That’s gonna be a no from us dawg. While we love all types of river recreation, we are strictly a tubing operation. We don’t have room for any extra equipment, plus we provide premium tubes and super comfy covers that will put all those gas station floaties to shame! (But no shade for real, we love a good inflatable flamingo.)
How long does it take?
Your trip will likely last at least two to three hours (depending on the current flow of the river). That being said, you can stretch it out by stopping on one or more of the sandy beaches along the way. If you’re on the last shuttle at 5pm, don’t mess around for too long, because our clubhouse closes at 8pm.
What should I bring?
In order to help us help you have the best day of your summer, here’s what we recommend bringing (everything is optional of course!):
✓ Sunglasses
✓ Hat
✓ Sunscreen
✓ Water shoes
✓ Dry bag
✓ Swimsuit (or clothes that can get wet)
✓ Towel and/or dry clothes for after you float (pack a sweater for that après-float chill!)
✓ All beverages and snacks that you desire for your trip!
Here’s what you can’t bring with you:
✗ Your own tubes/equipment
✗ Anything that can’t get wet (stash it in our storage lockers)
✗ Anything glass (cans only!)
✗ Anything styrofoam!
✗ Any kids under the age of 10
✗ Your pets
✗ A bad attitude (v. important!)
NO GLASS! DID WE MENTION NO GLASS?!
Why is your age cut off 10 years old?
Our top priority is safety (aside from having fun of course)! From our experience, kids under 10 haven’t been able to reach the water to paddle, therefore they have to attach their tubes to their parent’s tube, which is dangerous. Each person needs to be able to carry their own tube, paddle themselves, be confident in a moving river, and not get flung from their tubes when you voyage over the rapid. NOT SAFE = NOT FUN!
Can I bring my own beverages and snacks?
Yes! Please bring all the bevvies your heart desires. We provide mesh bags so you can keep your cans together, and can recycle them for you after your float. We just ask that you bring no glass, and abstain from eating and drinking in our van.
How will I know when to get out?
No one wants to ruin their trip with take-out anxiety! So here’s the deal; when you start to float back into Missoula proper, mosey on over to the left bank (use the paddles to get there!). When you reach the heart of downtown, keep an eye out for the Bear Tracks Bridge (Higgins Avenue). There you will see a teeny beach landing under the bridge -- and that’s your spot! Hop out there and take the stairs back up to the Hip Strip (maybe stop by Dreamy’s soft serve on your way up?). Hang a left at the alley before Flipper’s Casino, and you’ll find yourself back at our Clubhouse, where you can return your tubes and retrieve your stuff.
Where are you located?!
So glad you asked! We are located in the fabulous Hip Strip neighborhood in the heart of downtown Missoula. Our official address is:
509 S Higgins, Ste #3366, Missoula, MT, 59801...but we’re in the back!
We can be found in the alley way between Betty’s Divine and Flipper’s Casino. (Don’t try to walk through Betty’s, they will make ya go around!)
Where do I park?
Let’s be perfectly honest here, the Hip Strip is the best place on Earth...and that means parking can be tricky and frustrating! If you can, ride a bike, take the bus or walk to the Clubhouse. After all, our goal of shuttling you is to reduce the amount of cars on the road, as well as prevent inebriated driving.
Missoula’s trail system is rad and our city is super bike friendly. Unfamiliar? Check it here.
The city bus, the Mountain Line, is FREE! It runs till 9ish on the weekdays and 6 ish on the Weekends and service on Sunday is coming soon (it turns out we are NOT the town in Footloose…). The transfer center is a 10 minute walk downtown from the Clubhouse, and multiple bus lines drop off and pick up on the Hip Strip. Go to their website and mess around with the Trip Planner or download their mobile app. If ya gotta drive, here’s the deal with vehicle parking. It’s free on the Hip Strip, which means there isn’t a lot available. Be respectful of our neighborhood and DO NOT park at Flippers, for those kind souls will tow your @$$! Parking down at the Boone and Crockett ain’t no secret either, you can try there.
Don’t wanna drive around in circles looking for a spot?? Head straight to one of our many downtown parking garages. Sure, you can park on the streets of downtown with the super easy Passport app or with some coinage, but it can also be hard to find. It is free after 5 pm, weekends and holidays. Be a boss and hit up one of Missoula’s NYC themed parking garages!
Central Park Garage - 128 W Main
Park Place Garage - 201 E Front
You only have to pay till 6pm, the first hour is FREE and it’s $1 an hour after. Plus, it’s just a short and exciting jaunt across Bear Tracks Bridge (aka the old Higgins Bridge) to our Clubhouse in the alley between Betty’s and Flippers.
What’s your cancellation policy?
You can plan a pretty picnic but you can’t predict the weather...but you can check the weather app on your phone within a week of your trip. Plus, the weather in Montana changes so frequently that you could start out your trip in a hailstorm and end sweating and smiling in bountiful sunrays. Although we don’t refund due to weather, you can receive a full refund if you cancel your trip 24 hours or more ahead of your reservation. Need to change your reservation for any reason? We allow folks to reschedule their trip at any time (free of charge). We will also cancel the trip preemptively if we see dangerous storms or high winds. Please know that in this case you will receive a full refund!