Arapooish

Arapooish is a day-use boat ramp access point located near Hardin, Montana, serving as a take-out for paddlers and boaters completing floats on the Bighorn River. The site offers a functional boat launch, pit toilets, and trailer access, making it suitable for kayaks, canoes, and motorized boats. This access point marks the terminus of the popular 43.9-mile float from Yellowtail Afterbay Dam near Fort Smith downstream to Arapooish, a common multi-day paddling route.

**Important Operational Details:** Arapooish operates seasonally—closed from November through March—so plan accordingly for shoulder-season trips. Day-use only means no camping is permitted here, though the site is jointly managed by Big Horn County and Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks. Alcohol is prohibited. For those needing overnight accommodations, nearby Bighorn Fishing Access (upstream) offers camping facilities.

The Bighorn River in this section is known for its quality fishing and manageable float conditions, though paddlers should carry waterproof maps or guides showing rapids and river features along the 43.9-mile corridor. This is an ideal take-out for organized float trips and provides basic amenities for launching and retrieving boats.