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Valley Garden (also known as Fall Creek Day Use Area) is a popular hand-launch site located approximately 6 miles north of Ennis, accessible via Ennis Lake Road off US Highway 287. This day-use-only facility (sunrise to sunset) serves as a primary launch point for float trips through the scenic Bear Trap Canyon Wilderness, a BLM-managed unit of the Lee Metcalf Wilderness. The site includes parking, picnic tables, fire pits, and restroom facilities, making it a convenient base for paddlers and anglers. Contact: 406-683-8000.
The Madison River in this section flows through a braided, delta-like stretch with multiple channels offering diverse paddling conditions. During early spring runoff, experienced paddlers can launch here to navigate the double-drop rapid downstream. This is an excellent fishing access point where fly anglers employ various techniques throughout the year; note that boats are legal for transportation, but anglers must pull over to wade-fish rather than fishing from vessels. The area offers abundant wade-fishing opportunities for those interested in combining paddling with angling.
Fall Creek is a popular fishing spot and parking area for day float trips through the Bear Trap Canyon Wilderness. During the early spring run-off, floaters can launch at the hand launch site to float the double drop rapid.