Glacier Region, Montana Whitewater Rafting Trips

From May through mid-September, you can enjoy the exciting whitewater and scenic float trips along three sections of the Flathead River, which marks the western and southern boundaries for Glacier National Park in northern Montana.  Many river running companies in the area offer guided trips as half day, full day, multi-day, w/dinner, and on ducky/kayak boats.

The Flathead River is part of the nationally protected Wild and Scenic River System. It is unique because it holds only free flowing waters which, unlike many other dam regulated rivers, makes it entirely dependable on snow melt. Because of this in the early summer, the river is colder and more exciting because of its high volume. Later in the summer the waters warm up a bit and provide a fantastic environment for class II-III rapids and scenic rafting trips.

Three forks, the Middle, Upper Middle, and North, of the Flathead River in northern Montana provide three very different and extremely enjoyable whitewater rafting experiences. The Middle Fork begins within the Bob Marshall Wilderness area and travels up to the southern border of Glacier National Park. This section is by far the most thrilling as you raft through nine major rapids including some named "Jaws" and "Bonecrusher." Water flow is at its peak in spring and early summer making class III-IV rapids. By July rapids are class II-III.

Rafting trips along the Upper Middle fork can only by accessed by horse, foot or air making this section one of the most remote and protected rivers in the lower 48s. The Upper Middle fork flows through the Great Bear Wilderness which connects Bob Marshall Wilderness with Glacier National Park. Enjoy this scenic ride as you ride past glacial valleys and bright green forests.

The North fork begins in Canada and runs south through northern Montana bordered by Glacier National Park to the east and Flathead National Forest to the west. This colder and more scenic trip provides for incredible views of the park and surrounding wilderness areas. As a mellower whitewater section, rapids range from class II to III.

As you whitewater raft along all three sections keep your eyes peeled for wildlife like deer, elk, bear, moose, and beaver, as well as birds like herons, osprey, hawks, and bald eagles. There are also many deep holes to pull over and drop a line in for a possible bite from a Westslope cutthroat, a fish native to the Flathead River.