Most drops are followed by big pools, allowing time for recovery if problems occur. In high water, only strong intermediate canoeists or better should try this section. Spray skirts or air bags may be necessary to avoid getting swamped by big waves. Between Russell Gates and Roundup, it's all Class I and Class II water at normal flows, but the drops bump up to Class III during runoff. Immediately upstream from the Highway 200 bridge at Roundup lies a big rock garden that lasts for several hundred yards.
Easy access makes it a popular kayak spot.
Whitewater continues for several miles below Roundup, with plenty of big rocks. At high flows, the rapids can be fairly continuous, allowing little time for recovery if there's an upset. But you can catch your breath in the six-mile stretch of quiet water between Ninemile Prairie and Whitaker Bridge. Right after Whitaker, look for the Blackfoot's best-known piece of whitewater, Thibodeau Rapids. Watch for several other frisky rapids in the next few miles below Whitaker and Johnsrud Park.