Clark Fork
Clark Fork is a major North American river flowing from northwest Montana into Idaho, passing through Missoula before joining the Columbia basin. It supports diverse ecology, whitewater recreation, and regional water systems.
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Geography
| Continent | North America |
|---|---|
| Region | MontanaIdaho |
| Subregion | Northern Rockies |
| Country | United StatesUnited States |
| State | MontanaIdaho |
| County | Granite County (MT)Missoula County (MT)Lemhi County (ID)Shoshone County (ID) |
| District | Clark Fork Basin |
| City | MissoulaSalmon |
| Timezone | AmericaDenver |
| Latitude | 46.8 |
| Longitude | -114 |
| Maps |
7:12 PM LOCAL TIMEClark Fork originates in northwest Montana near Butte and flows roughly 440 miles to the Columbia River, draining a basin of about 1,900 km². The river passes through key communities including Butte, Missoula, and Salmon, serving as a critical ecological corridor and regional waterway. USA.gov provides detailed hydrological data, emphasizing the river’s role in basin management and recreation. Along its course, users can find whitewater rapids, historic city parks, and access points for fishing and boating. The basin's ecology includes Bull trout, sturgeon, and riparian habitats—organisms and ecosystems strongly influenced by water quality and flow regulation.
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