If your spring plans involved hiking down to the Triple Bridges surf wave for some Clark Fork river-side zen, you might want to change your mind. According to FWP, starting April 15, a major bridge replacement project is moving in, and they’ve put up the “Do Not Disturb” sign for walk-in access in that specific corner of the Alberton Gorge.
Here is the lowdown on what’s happening, what’s closed, and why your favorite boat ramp is actually totally fine.
The “Stay Out” Zone:
To keep everyone from having a very bad day involving heavy machinery, the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Sletten Construction are closing off part of the riverbank west of Alberton.
Effective April 15, the following areas are off-limits:
- Old Highway 10 West: Closed immediately after the entrance to the Tarkio East Fishing Access Site (FAS).
- The Old Highway 10 Pedestrian Bridge: No foot traffic allowed.
- The Kayaker Trail: The path leading down to the Triple Bridges surf wave is officially closed.
- Riverbank Lands: Any land between the highway and the east bank of the river in the construction zone.
The Timeline: Pack your patience. These safety closures are expected to stay in place through Fall 2027.
The Good News: The River is Still Open!
Don’t stow your gear just yet. While you can’t walk into the Triple Bridges area, the Clark Fork River remains open to floating. The construction is strictly an “on-shore” and “bridge-up-high” situation regarding closures.
| Access Site | Status | Notes |
| Cyr Bridge FAS | OPEN | Your favorite Alberton Gorge put-in is unaffected. |
| Tarkio FAS | OPEN | The main take-out is business as usual. |
| Tarkio East FAS | OPEN | Access remains open up to the closure gate. |
| Ralph’s Takeout | OPEN | Smooth sailing (or rowing) here. |
Why the Hassle?
MDT is replacing the westbound I-90 bridge that spans the Clark Fork about 9.5 miles west of Alberton. It’s a massive undertaking aimed at keeping the interstate safe for the long haul.
The TL;DR for River Rats: You can still float the Gorge from Cyr to Tarkio without an issue, but if you usually park on the old highway to hike down to the surf wave, you’re out of luck for the next couple of seasons.
Stay safe out there, respect the fences, and we’ll see you at the takeout!
Feature photo via FWP