If you’ve missed out on the opportunity to float in Montana’s Smith River State Park this year, you’re not the only one. The Smith River offers a unique floating experience as it stretches 59 miles of ...

The first reminder came in an email from friend Bill over in Great Falls. In a note sent out to a few friends, he reported that he had not drawn a Smith River permit, so he was open to discussing ...

This story, “Float to Wild Trout,” appeared in the August 1987 issue of Outdoor Life. For the last mile or so, I have been sitting relaxed with the canoe paddle across my lap, lulled by the stunning ...

Montana’s Smith River can be a fickle float trip. The weather is notoriously variable — from snow to blistering heat. River flows can plummet to impassible lows early in the spring depending on the ...

The Smith River offers renowned trout fishing and other recreational activities along the 59-mile float through remote wilderness in central Montana. This year, a total of 10,077 applicants were ...

HELENA, Mont. — The application deadline for Smith River permits is Feb. 15. Applicants are required to be at least 12 years old, and non-refundable applications cost $15. A drawing for the permits ...

In winter most outdoor enthusiasts ski, ice fish, snowshoe, snowmobile ride, or sled. But for some 5,000 river-runners it is time to apply for a permit to float the Smith River, located in the Smith ...

You can float back in time on Montana's Smith River. Ancient art on the Smith's steep limestone canyon walls and inside its large caves provides a glimpse into the river's prehistoric past, visions ...

This remote and tranquil Smith River cuts its way through the remote backcountry of the Little Belt Mountains. The stunning canyon scenery, quiet streamside campgrounds, wildlife and excellent trout ...

When we awoke to snow on the surrounding mountains following our first night of canoeing and rafting Montana’s fabled Smith River, I thought we had dodged the nasty-weather bullet. Given that the ...