Rivers We Run
The Flathead River system is a fragile environment of clear
mountain streams, vast forests and a variety of threatened and endangered
species. The river possesses such outstanding qualities that in 1976 Congress
added 219 miles of the Flathead to the nation's Wild and Scenic River System.
Glacier Raft Company is proud to offer guided trips on the Middle Fork
(including the Upper Middle Fork) and North Fork of the Flathead.
Middle Fork of the Flathead River
(Recreation Section)
The Middle Fork originates in the heart of the Great Bear
Wilderness and flows northwesterly to form the southern border of Glacier
National Park in northwest Montana. The Middle Fork offers a unique way to
experience the Park's majestic beauty. In the spring and early summer there is
good whitewater on the Middle Fork. At this time of year the whitewater is at
its peak with Class III-IV rapids. By late July the rapids have moderated to
fun-filled Class II-III.
The Middle Fork has excellent fishing with
the unique Westslope cutthroat trout (a native fish of the Flathead River
System) being the primary fish. The Flathead is one of the few fisheries for
this type of fish. There are also some rainbow trout, lake trout, and whitefish
in the rivers.
North Fork of the Flathead River
The North Fork originates in Canada, and as the river flows
southerly into Montana, Glacier National Park lies to the east and the Flathead
National Forest, state lands and private lands border the west side. The river
flows 58 miles through Montana before its confluence with the Middle Fork.
Floaters find the views scenic and the water cold. Peak water is in early June,
with low water by mid-August. Whitewater ratings range from I-II.
With its headwaters starting in Canada, the North Fork flows
south, forming the western boundary of Glacier National Park. The North Fork
provides prime habitat for the fish and invites you to drop your line in a
variety of water conditions, be it drifting a fly across a deep slow moving
pool or laying your line out along the tail of a fast moving riffle. The North
Fork has good fishing with the unique Westslope cutthroat trout (a native fish
of the Flathead River System) being the primary fish. The Flathead is one of
the few fisheries for this type of fish. There are also some rainbow trout,
lake trout, and whitefish in the rivers.
The North Fork is famous for its spectacular views, crystal
clear waters and an abundance and variety of wildlife and is an excellent place
to spot wildlife. Bald eagles and osprey are common and floaters often spot
black bear, moose, grizzly bear, elk and deer.
Upper Middle Fork of the Flathead River
(Wilderness Section)
In 1978, the Great Bear Wilderness Area was established as a
corridor linking the Bob Marshall Wilderness and Glacier National Park.
Combined, these wilderness areas total approximately 3 million acres, the
largest tract of wilderness lands in the lower contiguous United States.
Flowing for nearly 50 miles through the heart of this rugged and beautiful
landscape, the Upper Middle Fork of the Flathead River carves its way through
the glacial valleys and lush forests of Northwest Montana. Known as Montana's
mightiest river, this upper section of the river is one of the most protected
rivers in the United States. Years of hard fought conservation efforts have
kept this the most pristine river in the United States. While being renowned
for its exciting whitewater, the Middle Fork also boasts of excellent fishing,
spectacular beauty and abundant wildlife. Glacier Raft Company is proud to be
the only Montana outfitter permitted to operate float trips on this portion of
the Upper Middle Fork.
The Upper Middle Fork of the Flathead River is
accessible only by air, horse or foot. In a country where so many of our great
rivers are dammed and their flow regulated by government rather than nature,
there's a special magic about the Upper Middle Fork of the Flathead River, part
of the nation's Wild and Scenic River System, and all its natural free-flowing
splendor. |
