There is so much to love about Montana. From its natural wonders to its hidden gems, there are countless things to see and do. However, if you are like me, I often don’t want to spend a fortune on exploration and adventures throughout the state. I want to find something free to do. Caras Park in downtown Missoula is a true treasure with many incredible activities. One adventure that doesn’t cost a penny but provides an unforgettable experience is Brennan’s Wave.

Caras Park is located in the heart of downtown Missoula. It sits right along the Clark Fork River and is a popular place for events of all sizes. It is also an excellent place for a little river surfing.

Brennan’s Wave is a man-made wave located on the Clark Fork River. It was constructed in memory of a world-class kayaker from Missoula who died while paddling in Chile.

This river surfing destination in Montana has become quite popular for kayakers, paddleboarders, and surfers. If you are up for a little adventure, you may want to hop on in.

Brennan's Wave is a great place to practice your skills and spend some time on the water, especially if you love to surf. However, at this river surfing destination, you will not always receive prime water conditions. Fortunately, resources such as Magic Moss provide hourly water reports as well as daily forecast levels to help you more easily plan your water adventure.

But even if you aren’t up for some time on the water, you can still sit back and watch others who want a thrill. There are several areas near this Missoula wave where you can take a seat and watch all of the action. You can also take a walk along the Caras Park Trail. This is a short, 0.6-mile, out-and-back trail that is quite easy and takes you along the river's edge. This is one of our favorite ways to enjoy views of the man-made river wave.

Adventure and excitement doesn’t have to cost a fortune and you don’t have to travel far for a day of surfing. Brennan’s Wave in downtown Missoula is a true gem. It’s just one more thing to love about Missoula.

Have you ever spent time on Brennan’s Wave in Missoula? What was your experience like? What are some of your favorite free attractions in Montana? Let me know! And if you want to learn more about Caras Park and Brennan’s Wave, visit the Downtown Missoula Partnership website.

Of course, if you need any gear for some time in the water or even for a picnic in the park, head to REI or Backcountry for all of your must-have accessories.