fishing, and limited recreational potential. This mix of favorable 

 and unfavorable reasons shows that the drainage contained streams 

 along the whole spectrum, from limited to outstanding value. 



Recreational use levels were heavy on 25 percent of the river 

 miles, moderate on 40 percent, and low on 15 percent, reflecting 

 in part the rivers' proximity to Missoula and the surrounding 

 areas. The drainage contained 18 percent of the state's heavily 

 used rivers and 12 percent of the low use level segments. Scenic 

 quality was rated as Substantial to Outstanding on 49 percent of 

 this region's river miles, about 13 percent of the state's river 

 miles having this high a level of scenic quality. The many creeks 

 flowing through the Bitterroot's spectacular side canyons enhance 

 the hiking opportunities south of Missoula. 



About 25 percent of the region's river miles provided 

 opportunities for semi-primitive or primitive recreation 

 experiences, lower than other, less-developed drainages located 

 farther away from population centers. Access was rated as abundant 

 or moderate for about 63 percent of the river miles, while about 

 50 percent of the rivers statewide had these levels of access. 

 Twenty-two percent of the mileage was said to have abundant 

 access, compared to 16 percent statewide. These relatively high 

 levels of access are expected close to growing areas such as 

 Missoula and the Bitterroot Valley. 



Fishing from shore was by far the most common water-based 

 activity, taking place on 77 percent of the stream segments 

 studied. Boating didn't occur on 59 percent of the segments, a 

 proportion lower than that of adjacent drainages and likely 

 reflecting the opportunities on the four major rivers in the 

 drainage. Boating was a primary or secondary activity on 38 

 percent of the segments. The drainage contained 26 percent of the 

 state's supply of 478 miles of moderate rapids and 22 percent of 

 flat water stretches studied. The most frequent land-based 

 activity was viewing scenery, a primary activity on 52 percent of 

 the segments. Tent camping was a primary activity on 38 percent, 

 picnicking on 35 percent, car camping and non-motorized trail use 

 on 28 percent, and motorized trail use on 14 percent. 



The Blackfoot is a gem among Montana rivers, giving Missoulans 

 and others an opportunity to fish, sit by the river, spend the 

 night at their choice of several campgrounds, or float through 

 exhilarating rapids. It's the site of the annual Blackfoot 

 Whitewater Weekend sponsored by the University of Montana Wildland 

 Recreation Management program. The Blackfoot holds some of the 

 bounciest, most pleasant Class II and III Whitewater in Montana. 

 The many access points provide a number of options, each with its 

 own beauty. Roundup to Ninemile probably has the most rapids, but 

 other popular stretches are Bear Creek upriver and Thibideau 

 below. Another treat is "the ledge," a pourover extending far out 

 into the river, backed up by a long, calm eddy. At most flow 

 levels it's forgiving. This is the perfect after-work spot. One 



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