It first flows west, then north through the mountains of southwestern Montana to join the Jefferson and the Gallatin rivers at Three Forks.

Downstream from Ennis, the Madison flows through Bear Trap Canyon, known for its class IV-V whitewater.

[4] The Bear Trap Canyon section is part of the Lee Metcalf Wilderness area.

The central fork of the three, it was named for U.S. Secretary of State James Madison, who later succeeded Thomas Jefferson as President in 1809.

[9] Grizzly bears and wolves reintroduced to Yellowstone National Park roam the river valley.