Cardwell Bridge

**Location & Facilities**
Cardwell Bridge is a day-use fishing access site on the Jefferson River near Cardwell in Madison County, Montana. The site offers an unimproved boat ramp, ample parking, and restroom facilities. Note that the gravel bar ramp may require driving onto exposed gravel during low water periods, so plan accordingly depending on seasonal water levels.

**Paddling Conditions & Float Options**
The Jefferson River in this area is a gentle, slow-moving waterway ideal for paddlers of all skill levels—there are no rapids anywhere on the river. Cardwell Bridge serves as a popular access point for multi-day floats, with other ramps located just a few miles upstream and downstream, allowing for flexible float planning. This section flows through cottonwood bottoms with braiding, islands, and multiple channels, offering scenic paddling. The fastest current on the Jefferson is found in the upper section between Twin Bridges and Cardwell, though even these flows are modest. Popular floats include Sappington Bridge to Williams Bridge and various segments to nearby access points like Mayflower Bridge.