Gates of the Mountains, Inc. | Top Marina in Helena, MT Skip to content

Gates of the Mountains, Inc.

3131 Gates of the Mountains Rd, Helena, MT 59601
Services
Dockage, Fuel & Pump-out
Pricing
Contact for Rates

About

Twenty miles north of Helena, Montana, Gates of the Mountains, Inc. operates a membership marina on the south end of Holter Lake. This marina near Helena pairs 150 private boat slips with a public boat ramp, providing access to the Missouri River canyon. Dockage is reserved for members, who may occupy or lease a dock, and seasonal membership space is limited. The setting is reached from Interstate 15 at the Gates of the Mountains exit and lies in the Rocky Mountain foothills.

Amenities include close parking, members-only bathrooms and showers, overnight parking, and a fuel dock with pump-out pumps. Private docks range from 20 to 30 feet, with wings on both sides for easier protected mooring, and an on-site manager provides security. The operation also runs open-air boat tours through limestone canyon scenery and wildlife habitat. Contact the marina about membership, dock availability, or launching.

Features

  • Member dock leasing
  • Public boat launching
  • Canyon boat tours
  • Protected slip mooring

Amenities

  • Slips & Dockage
  • Fuel
  • Pump-Out & Waste
  • Parking
  • Restrooms & Showers
  • Security

Why book with us

  • Launch from the marina’s public boat ramp
  • Moor with wings on both sides
  • Explore the canyon from a covered open-air boat
  • Rely on an on-site manager for security

Frequently Asked Questions

How old do you have to be to rent a boat in Montana?

Montana sets no rental age in law; the rental company sets its own. What the state sets is who may operate. Children 12 or younger may not operate a motorboat or a personal watercraft powered by a motor rated at more than 10 horsepower unless accompanied by someone 18 or older. Youths of 13 and 14 may not operate those vessels without a valid Montana motorboat operator's safety certificate or evidence of completing an approved boating safety course. So 13 is the youngest an unsupervised operator can be, and only with that certificate. Confirm the rental company's own minimum when booking.

Source: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (fwp.mt.gov)

Do you need a boating license in Montana?

Montana does not require a boating license or education card for most adult recreational operators. For motorboats and personal watercraft over 10 horsepower, children 12 or younger may operate only when accompanied by someone 18 or older. Operators ages 13 and 14 must have a Montana motorboat operator’s safety certificate or proof of an approved boating safety course, unless accompanied by someone 18 or older.

A person must be at least 18 to rent one of these vessels, so rental customers are not subject to the youth certificate rule or a temporary renter certificate requirement. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks administers boating education.

Source: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (fwp.mt.gov)

What are the best places to go boating in Montana?

Montana’s best boating choices span northwest mountain lakes, northeastern prairie reservoirs, central Missouri River impoundments and long river corridors. Flathead Lake offers expansive natural water for powerboats and sailboats, while the nearby Thompson Chain of Lakes provides 18 connected-region lakes suited to boating and paddling. Fort Peck Lake is the state’s largest lake by surface area and offers big-reservoir cruising in northeastern Montana. Near Helena, the 25-mile Canyon Ferry Reservoir is a notable sailing destination. For river boating, the Yellowstone River near Billings has slow, wide stretches suited to relaxed canoe trips.

Source: Montana Office of Tourism (visitmt.com)

What are the most popular boating destinations in Montana?

Top Montana boating destinations include Flathead Lake near Bigfork and Polson, with extensive shoreline, state park access and boat access to Wild Horse Island; Whitefish Lake, popular for boating, water skiing, fishing and mountain views; Canyon Ferry Reservoir near Helena, with 25 miles of water to explore by sailboat; Holter Lake north of Helena, known for leisurely flatwater paddling; and Fort Peck Lake, Montana’s largest lake by surface area and a prime destination for longer boating and fishing trips.

Source: Montana Office of Tourism (visitmt.com)

Location

3131 Gates of the Mountains Rd, Helena, MT 59601

Disclaimer

This listing was created using artificial intelligence and publicly available data. The information presented may be inaccurate, outdated, incomplete, or incorrect. Slipstream does not verify, endorse, or guarantee the accuracy of any listing content, including but not limited to contact information, pricing, services offered, hours of operation, or business status.

All content is provided “as is” and without warranties of any kind, express or implied. Slipstream expressly disclaims all liability for any loss, damage, or reliance arising from the use of this information. Users are solely responsible for independently verifying all details directly with the business.

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