****BOULDER WHITEWATER**** The class 2 rating given to this river is not quite correct - in fact,
this could pose a dangerous problem to misinformed floaters. The whitewater starts in the small
mining town of Basin and gives floaters a couple miles of class 3 waves and holes. The difficulty
increases as flows get over 800 cfs. The minimum for kayaking is around 450 cfs. The minimum for
rafting is around 800 cfs. The put-in is an unmarked gravel flat reached by turning into the "Merry
Widow" campground and turning right just after a large wooden sign. It is a couple hundred yards
upstream of the campground proper and is private property. The take out is at an informal
campground upstream of the "High Ore" off-ramp. A non-maintained road follows the river on the
north side. Please be respectful and low key at the put-in!!! The float can be extended by
putting-in upstream a couple more miles near the "Bernice" off-ramp. CAUTION: Possibly the most
hazardous rapid occurs a short hike upstream of the Merry Widow put-in. Multiple channels with
wood. Check it out before floating above or just put-in for one more rapid on the regular run.
****BASIN CREEK**** For those looking to step up the action, this is one of the best class 4 creek
runs in central Montana. Everything can be scouted within a short walk from the road, and
everything can be portaged. The run is only 1 1/2 miles in length and is usually done in multiples.
A usually mandatory portage around a large log occurs about 1/2 way down, but can be run when the
water is high and going over the top. Wood is the biggest hazard on this run and will not get any
better due to beetle kill. Scouting and cleaning is highly recommended before paddling!!
Directions: Drive slowly and quietly into Basin proper (going west), turn right on Quartz (mile 0).
Follow Basin cr for 3.8 miles. The take-out is a grassy little meadow just after the cattle guard.
N 46 17.712 W 112 17.647 Continue for 1.4 miles and put-in at Basin canyon camp ground. N 46 18.608
W 112 18.413 Floating above or below is not recommended due to wood and potentially hostile land
owners. PLEASE BE RESPECTFUL! ****BISON CREEK**** A mile long section has been paddled from the
roadside waterfall down to the first meadow with road access. Class 3+ with some wood. Take-out is
found by following non-maintained road from west side of "Bernice" off-ramp. Put-in is down hill of
interstate pull out, below funky waterfall.