Notch Bottom

Notch Bottom is a public boat access site located at River Mile 18 on the Big Hole River in Madison County, Montana, near the historic Sodak Mill area. This access point serves as a convenient midway location for floaters planning multi-day trips or shorter day paddles on the Big Hole. The site features a gravel boat ramp with trailer parking and camping facilities, making it suitable for kayakers, canoeists, and motorized boats launching or taking out on the river.

As part of the Big Hole River's 14 state-maintained access sites, Notch Bottom provides a good launching point for downstream floats toward Glen (approximately 7 miles downstream) and Pennington Bridge (approximately 9 miles further). Before paddling, check current river conditions and be aware of seasonal snags that can develop in the Glen area downstream. The site's proximity to the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest offers opportunities to extend your trip with backcountry exploration. Note that while Notch Bottom features an unimproved gravel ramp rather than a paved surface, it remains a reliable access point for most boat types during normal water conditions.