Flathead (Middle Fork)

Location: Northwestern Montana, along the southern boundary of Glacier National Park (about 140 miles northwest of Helena).

Length of trips: 25 miles in one to two days; 35 miles in two to four days.

Season: Late May through September. The water flow usually peaks between late May and mid-June.

Weather: Expect rain showers in May, with daytime temperatures from the upper 50s to the mid-60s (F). In June the weather becomes sunnier, with temperatures ranging from the mid-70s into the 80s during the day and dropping into the 50s and 60s at night. Mosquitoes are abundant in June and July, so bring insect repellent. In July and August the daytime temperatures average in the 80s and low 90s, dropping into the 50s at night. By September daytime temperatures are in the 70s and 80s, nighttime in the 40s.

Lodging: Scattered campsites in steep-walled canyons.

Boats: Kayaks, oar boats, paddle rafts.

Rapids: Class II and III, with a few Class IV. Clear, cold water (from the 40s in spring up to the mid-50s in August).

Special features:

  • U.S. 2 follows the Flathead from Bear Creek to West Glacier, providing easy access to the river.
  • Stunning views of broad alpine valleys and forested mountains.
  • Good fishing (cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, whitefish).
  • Numerous hiking trails.
  • Spectacular wildflowers in spring and summer.
  • Western larches turn yellow in autumn.
  • White-tailed deer, mule deer, moose, elk, mountain goats, grizzly bears, waterfowl, raptors.
  • Solitude.
  • Suitable for courageous first-time rafters, intermediate paddlers, and families. Check with your outfitter about age limits for children.

Nearby excursions:

  • Glacier National Park.
  • Flathead Lake.
  • National Bison Range.
  • Museum of the Plains Indian in Browning.

For a list of outfitters and more information:

  • Glacier Country Tourist Commission, 1507 First Avenue West, Kalispell, Montana 59901; +1 406 756 7128 or 800 338 5072, fax +1 406 756 1575. Try to book as far as a year in advance for trips within Glacier National Park; for overnight trips outside the park, try to book at least six months in advance. For half-day and day trips you need to book only two or three days ahead.

For more information:

  • Glacier National Park story in NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC TRAVELER, Summer 1987.
  • Flathead Country story in NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC TRAVELER, March/April 1994.

 
 
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