Basics
- River:
- Flathead River
Description
The Wild & Scenic Middle Fork of the Flathead’s headwaters sit deep in the Great Bear Wilderness Area, part of the larger Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex. One of the premier whitewater rivers in the nation, the Middle Fork’s watershed flows through over 30 miles of pure wilderness before entering civilization at its conjunction with Route 2. Once it leaves the wilderness area, the Middle Fork of the Flathead becomes the southeastern boundary to Glacier National Park and continues to be flanked by Forest Service and very little development along the opposite bank. This lack of development allows for true, remote feeling river experience.
Wildlife commonly seen along the banks of the Middle Fork of the Flathead includes deer, elk, moose, mountain goat, osprey and eagle and occasional sightings of black bears, mountain lions and grizzly bears. Thick larch and pine forest line the Middle Fork’s banks and its cold, emerald green waters surge over pastel colored rocks and gravels.
The Middle Fork of the Flathead features four different sections that are commercially rafted throughout the spring and summer months. Whitewater difficulty ranges from the daring Upper Middle Fork-Great Bear wilderness stretch to the playful family whitewater of John Stevens Canyon to the scenic beauty of the Lower Middle Fork.
Due to its snow-fed nature, the Middle Fork of the Flathead’s upper runs are only commercially run from mid-spring to mid-summer, though lower runs are floated through early fall. Commercially run trips on the Middle Fork of the Flathead range from ½ day to 7 days in length and offer an excellent way to explore the beauty of the Great Bear Wilderness and Glacier National Park.
Upper Middle Fork-Great Bear Wilderness Run
Trips along the Great Bear section of the Middle Fork of the Flathead originate deep within the Great Bear Wilderness, either at Schaffer Meadows, a remote airstrip accessed by small Cessna aircraft, or by ½ day hike or horseback ride into Granite Creek. Needless to say, with such remote access, the Middle Fork of the Flathead offers a whitewater experience like none other.
The rapids along the Upper Middle Fork start quickly and pack a major punch with plenty of intermediate to advanced level whitewater to thrill any visitor. Large holes, tricky boulder choked drops and big ferocious waves dominate the rapids of the Upper Middle Fork. The severity of the rapids paired with the remote nature of this run makes it suitable for teen and adult travelers with previous whitewater experience.
Between rapids, travelers to the Upper Middle Fork will be treated to spectacular river canyon scenery, fantastic side hikes, excellent fishing and great wildlife viewing. Very few people a year make a trip down the Upper Middle Fork, making this a very special experience. Trips on the Upper Middle Fork range from 3-4 days in length and the boatable season ranges from late spring to mid-summer.
Bear Creek to Moccasin Creek
Flowing from out of the Great Bear Wilderness area, the Middle Fork of the Flathead River enters civilization at its confluence with Bear Creek and Route 2. Right away the Middle Fork becomes the southeastern boundary to Glacier National Park. With the park on one side and forest service scattered with a handful of privately held parcels of land on the other, a float down the Bear Creek to Moccasin Creek section of the Middle Fork of the Flathead has a remote, near-wilderness feel.
Fed by additional snowmelt from the Lewis Range and the Flathead Range, the Middle Fork of the Flathead continues to grow in size as it travels the thirty plus miles to Moccasin Creek. The river winds through a canyon studded with thick larch and pine forest, opening occasionally to reveal impressive views of the peaks in the park and wilderness areas.
Occasional intermediate level rapids and frequent rock gardens interrupt the emerald green waters of the Middle Fork through this stretch. Salt licks along the river’s edge attract deer and mountain goats and raptors are commonly sighted soaring above the river channel.
Trips along the Bear Creek to Moccasin Creek stretch of river typically last from 1-3 days and are often incorporated with the lower whitewater stretch through John Stevens Canyon to end the adventure with a bang!
John Stevens Canyon
Starting nine miles outside West Glacier, the main western park entrance to Glacier National Park, John Stevens Canyon of the Middle Fork of the Flathead is a very popular whitewater run with both locals and visitors alike.
Gorgeous views of Glacier National Park dominate the first section of the trip. Rapids start halfway into the trip, with excellent beginner-intermediate level whitewater around every turn. Deep emerald green pools are interspaced with the rapids allowing for moments of reflection between thrilling whitewater action. From mid spring to early fall half day and full day trips are commercially offered on the John Stevens Canyon section of the Middle Fork.
West Glacier to Blankenship
Once the Middle Fork of the Flathead reaches West Glacier it calms significantly and enters a six mile scenic stretch before joining with the North Fork of the Flathead at Blankenship. This peaceful stretch of water features Glacier National Park on one edge and predominantly forest service lands on the other.
Traveling through a micro-canyon, with deep emerald-green pools flanked by steep limestone walls that jut directly from its surface. One bubbly, beginner rapid breaks this stretch and the river quickly regains a calm demeanor for the remainder the section. Half day trips along this stretch are offered commercially from late spring through early fall.
