| Description: The Flathead River forms the southwest boundary with Glacier National Park. The headwaters of the North Fork are in Canada, & can be easily floated from the international boundary to Blankenship Bridge, a run of 70 miles with Class I & II waters. The South Fork run is between Big Prairie Ranger Station in the wilderness & Spotted Bear campground, a run of 50 miles with difficulties ranging from Class I - IV rapids. If you have concerns about getting a boat that 50 miles into the wilderness, there are plenty of outfitters who will pack you in or fly you in. The Middle Fork, often considered Montana`s wildest river, begins in the Great Bear Wilderness; but the runs snake along the boundary of Glacier National Park from Paola or West Moccasin to West Glacier, all or part of 60 breathtakingly gorgeous miles of Class I-IV rapids. The river runs for 219 miles altogether, of which 97.9 miles are wild, 40.7 miles are scenic, & 80.4 miles are recreational.
Location: Designated stretches:
North Fork: from the Canadian border to its confluence with the Middle Fork.
Middle Fork: from its origin in the Great Bear Wilderness to its confluence with the South Fork.
South Fork: from its origin in the Bob Marshall Wilderness to the Hungry Horse Reservoir.
Season: spring & summer are best times for floating.
Fee: no.
Reservations: not for private parties. |
Flathead River Campground Web Site
Driving Direction GPS Coordinates:
48.181951, -114.302599
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Campground: Flathead River in Kalispell Montana *