Salmon Lake Outlet Put-in

Salmon Lake Outlet Put-in provides access to the Clearwater River, a medium-sized whitewater stream in Missoula County, Montana. This put-in is located near the headwaters of the Clearwater River system, which drains 1,154 square miles and features a total elevation drop of 512 feet over its 148.71-mile length. The river at this location has an average gradient of 3.4 feet per mile with an average flow of 379 cubic feet per second and velocity of 1.83 feet per second.

As a whitewater put-in on a Stream Order 5 river, this access point is suited for paddlers interested in moving water recreation. The river's moderate gradient and flow characteristics suggest Class I to II conditions, though water levels and hazards can vary seasonally. Paddlers should be prepared for current and potential obstacles typical of mountain streams in this region. The proximity to the lake outlet indicates this may be a transitional zone between lake and river conditions.

Boaters using this put-in should research current water conditions, seasonal flow changes, and any hazards specific to the Clearwater River corridor before launching. The site's location in the headwaters means the river will flow northwestward toward its confluence with the Blackfoot River system.