By Amanda May
Staff Writer
Canadian Rockies.net
Glacier National Park is home to the rushing Flathead River with all its forks. Trips down the river’s whitewater rapids are an exhilarating and fun way to spend your Montana vacation.
Stay in towns like Whitefish or Kalispell, Montana for great vacation rentals and lodging during your trip.
While the park’s rivers are also good for fishing, canoeing, and wildlife viewing, rafting is probably the most exciting. Read below for a brief explanation of the different forks of the Flathead and the companies that explore them! Let them organize a trip of a lifetime for you!
WHERE TO RAFT IN GLACIER NATIONAL PARK:
Upper Middle Fork of the Flathead River
Head into the middle of the 3 million acre Bob Marshall Wilderness for the trip of a lifetime. It is an amazing experience just getting to this area of Glacier National Park because it is only accessible by air, horseback or on foot. The area is also teeming with Montana wildlife. Don’t forget your camera!
Middle Fork of the Flathead River
The Middle Fork goes right along the southeastern edge of the park. The peaks are spectacular backdrops to every scene in this area of Glacier. Spring and early summer are peak season for whitewater, with Class III – IV rapids. Later in the season they slow down to Class II – III teeming with cutthroat trout.
North Fork of the Flathead River
This northern fork of the Flathead is mellow, with Class I – II rapids, but still worth the trip. This area of the park has pristine wilderness with elk, grizzly bears, eagles, and moose as permanent residents. Amazing peaks and diverse fishing can also be found in this part of Glacier. Catch a cutthroat, lake or rainbow trout or a delicious whitefish!
WHO TO RAFT WITH IN GLACIER NATIONAL PARK:
Glacier Raft Company
This tour company has been hosting visitors since 1976. Over the years it has seen more than 300,000 rafters down the Flathead. Accommodating to every skill level and interest! Visit Glacier Raft Company for more information.
Great Northern Rafting
This environmentally conscious company has been hosting rafters in Glacier National Park since 1983. Organize trips through their company no matter what your ability or energy level. They also organize fishing, kayaking and canoeing trips! Visit Great Northern Rafting for more information.
Montana Rafting
This rafting company is part of Glacier Guides, Inc., a travel and tourism company with extensive excursion options like horseback riding or BBQ trips in combination with rafting the Flathead River. Check them out at Glacier Guides Inc. / Montana Rafting.
