Middle Fork of the Flathead
Middle Fork of the Flathead
Middle Fork of the Flathead
4.5
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River that forms the southern border of Glacier National Park, and is an official "Wild and Scenic River" with Class III rapids.
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4.5
40 reviews
Excellent
30
Very good
7
Average
3
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Tom_Q_65203
Columbia98 contributions
July 2015 • Couples
We were based just outside Columbia Falls Montana on the Flathead river. Fishing was slow due to the 90Ëš F plus weather that had been there for several weeks. I was fortunate enough to stop in Arends Fly Shop and meet Bob Arends. Bob has an awesome store for fly tying, hand tied flies and fly fishing accessories. Bob suggested that we go to fish the Middle Flathead river near Essex and Paola access points. He described where to fish and what to use. The next day my wife and I took his advise and spent a few hours fishing there. I caught over a dozen cutthroat trout in less that 3 h. The water temp was noticeably cooler that the lower Flathead and the fish were much more active and feeding. The scenery was breath taking and the river crystal clear. Remember to bring bear spray. Thanks to Bod we had a successful day of fishing and learned about a new area. A store like Arends is gem and worth seeking out.
Written 14 July 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bradley_O_12727
Coaldale, Alberta, Canada3 contributions
Aug 2016 • Family
Great company. I noticed they try and put fewer people in the raft for a better experience. We only had 5 total so I really was involved in powering the boat. They have the blue rafts. I noticed the yellow rafts were packed with eight or more people. Very well organized and professionally run. The level of rapids depends on water levels so spring is faster. We went beginning of August and we had to paddle a lot but the river is a beautiful blue when its lower. We booked at Apgar at the Bear Spray rentals. The guy there is excellent.
Written 3 August 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jen N
Dallas, TX72 contributions
June 2015 • Friends
This river is great for white water rafting in the early part of the summer but slows down as the river recedes from the spring runoff. There is a nice little swimming hole and beach near the Walton Rangers Station by Essex. It is usually deserted and a great place to get away from the crowds.
Written 7 July 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hoss98057
Whitefish, MT116 contributions
July 2012
ALWAYS a great place to spend a day or more... We float this river as often as our schedule will allow. Wildlife and water...
Written 22 August 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ymackey
Kalispell, MT1 contribution
July 2016 • Friends
Took a half day white water rafting trip. It was amazing. Doc, our guide, is the best! He was obviously a highly qualified guide, very knowledgeable about the river conditions and shared lots of historical facts about the area. He obviously loves his job and takes the safety of the guests very seriously.
Written 16 July 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cheryl T
2 contributions
July 2015
We took a white water rafting trip on this river through Glacier rafting company and it was awesome! Our guide Jay was awesome and made the trip so much fun and very informative. So much beauty to take in. Will definitely return again!
Written 27 July 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Glacier Guides Montana Raft
Glacier National Park, MT220 contributions
July 2012
Whether you are floating on it, fishing it, or sitting by it, the Middle Fork offers something for everyone. It usually reaches it's highest in June. For whitewater enthusiasts, July is a great time. August and September are perfect for mellower float trips or whitewater trips in a smaller boat (inflatable kayak).
Written 19 September 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
fiesseld
Saskatchewan, Canada10 contributions
July 2018 • Couples
Took the half day wild river adventure which took two hours on the river and another hour travel and prep time. Our guide Andrew was very knowledgeable and made you feel at ease (even the none swimmer with us). They were very thorough checking that we had our life jackets and helmets on properly. 12 rapids with three class threes
Written 17 July 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jaybeeFL
Palm Harbor, FL3,425 contributions
June 2018 • Family
Took extended family on "scenic float " 8 mile raft trip--spent about 90 minutes on the water. Guide provided informative commentary on the area, the river, topology, river features, wildlife and recent devastating fires in the area. Totally relaxing. Grandkids loved it and said they are now ready for the "white water" experience!!!
Written 4 July 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hachaille
Fort Wayne, IN38 contributions
July 2017 • Family
I'd say it's a MUST DO to white water raft if you have the time. It's an amazing way to see the landscape and if you have a good guide you'll feel like a rockstar going through all the rapids. DO IT!
Written 23 September 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
How long is the rafting trip and what class rapids are there. What is the minimum age requirement?
Jim
Written 23 April 2017
Are there any outfitters that will guide you down the Middle Fork of the Flathead in a hard shell whitewater kayak?
Written 1 February 2015
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