Middle Fork of the Flathead River

The Middle Fork of the Flathead River is an extremely popular whitewater run that several of the West Glacier outfitters do several times per day. The river runs along the southern border of Glacier National Park and lies just outside the park boundary. There are a few spots that require a little technical ability to read and navigate around some submerged rocks, but generally this river has Class II rapids that are generously called Class II to III.

The put in is at Moccasin Creek on a narrow channel along the river. There is plenty of parking and an outhouse. The first 3 miles of this 6-mile run are flat with a few fun riffles. The views of the surrounding mountains are beautiful and the water is crystal clear. The rapids, and there are 10 named rapids, come in pretty rapid succession along the middle of the run. The last couple of miles before the take-out near the golf course in West Glacier are very flat and require some paddling. Watch for the old railroad bridge in West Glacier that is a favorite jumping spot.