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Smith River (Montana)
Montana's most sought-after wilderness float—59 miles of limestone canyon from Camp Baker to Eden Bridge, drawn by state lottery.
“Multi-day river adventure through Montana Rivers.”
Track lottery & openings
Get reminders when the Smith lottery opens, before the deadline, and when results post — plus optional cancellation alerts after results.
Track lottery & openings
Get reminders when the Smith lottery opens, before the deadline, and when results post — plus optional cancellation alerts after results.
Two ways to land it
Track cancellations or run a lottery pool
Fast Lane tracking
We watch Smith for cancellations 24/7 and alert you when a spot opens so you can book before it's gone.
Start free cancellation watchLottery pool
Apply with a crew. Each person multiplies your combined odds. We coordinate invites, deadlines, and outcomes.
See plans to start a poolMost crews do both: pool for the lottery, watch for cancellations.
Better odds with a crew
Smith is a lottery. Every friend who applies adds another entry, so a crew gets more shots at the same permit than any one of you alone.
One of you runs the pool (Pro or a $12 alert). Everyone else joins free.
Smith Quick Facts
Smith Permit Facts
- As of July 2026, Smith in Montana Rivers, Wild & Scenic Rivers requires a permit issued via lottery.
- Smith is one of the most competitive permits in the United States, rating 9/10 on PermitSnag's demand index.
- Cancelled Smith permits are re-released on the booking system; PermitSnag monitors availability and alerts watchers when dates open.
Key Information
Permit Details
How to Get This Permit
Create a Recreation.gov account
Sign up at Recreation.gov if you don't have an account. Verify your email and add payment info ahead of time.
If unsuccessful, monitor cancellations
Permits get cancelled daily. Peak cancellation times are 24-48 hours before the trip date.
Set up PermitSnag alerts
Get instant notifications when cancellations happen. We check availability every 2-3 minutes, 24/7.
When to Go
Conditions
Summer offers the most reliable conditions for most wilderness areas.
Crowd Level
ModerateAdvantages
- +Longest days
- +Warmest temperatures
- +Reliable trail conditions
Challenges
- !Peak demand for permits
- !Book accommodations early
- !Weather varies
Difficulty Assessment
Fitness and endurance required
Climbing, scrambling, or specialized skills
Steep dropoffs and fall potential
Route finding and trail clarity
Difficulty of bailing out mid-route
Best For
Hikers of moderate fitness willing to put in the effort.
Recommended Experience
Multi-day backpacking or river experience recommended.
The Experience
Why It Matters
Smith offers a multi-day journey through some of America's most remote wilderness. River permits protect both the resource and the experience, ensuring uncrowded campsites and pristine conditions.
Plan Your Trip
Gear Checklist
Required and recommended gear for Smith
Shuttle Services
Trailhead transportation options
Browse all shuttlesGuide Services
Experienced wilderness guides
Browse all guidesSome links may be affiliate links. Purchases support PermitSnag at no extra cost to you.
Lottery Statistics
Competitive
estimated success rate
Get detailed lottery statistics and tips. Sign up to track this permit.
Boost Your Chances
Start a lottery pool to apply with a crew, and turn on cancellation alerts to catch spots that open up later.
12,453 permits and 8,294 campsites secured by PermitSnag users
Smith FAQ
How do I get a Smith permit?
Smith permits use a lottery system. PermitSnag sends lottery open, deadline, and results reminders; you can also enable cancellation alerts if spots open later.
When is the best time to visit Smith?
Check with the managing agency for current season dates. Weekdays generally have better availability than weekends.
How competitive is the Smith permit?
This permit has a demand score of 9/10, making it extremely competitive. We recommend having backup dates and using PermitSnag's cancellation alerts.
What if I can't get a Smith permit?
Cancellations happen daily. Set up alerts with PermitSnag to get notified the moment a spot opens up. We check availability every 2-3 minutes, 24/7.
👥Community
Trail Conditions
Questions
Trip Reports
Write ReportPhotography Guide
Golden Hour
Canyon walls glow during sunset. Position your camp for the best evening light angles.
Best Light
Midday can work in deep canyons where direct light penetrates. Morning offers reflections on calm water.
Beat the Crowds
River trips have built-in crowd control via permits. Focus on timing with natural light.
Classic Shots
- 📍Boat perspective through rapids
- 📍Canyon wall reflections
- 📍Camp setup on river beach
- 📍Wildlife along the shore
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