WHITEWATER RAFTING

Wilderness Cabin Float

The North Fork of the Flathead is a favorite of the locals but a secret to most. All you need to show up with is your own clothing. Montana Raft Company takes care of all the details so you can just concentrate on the fun and beauty of the river.

Trip Details

Day 1:
You will meet at Montana Raft's office in West Glacier at 9:00am. Montana Raft Company will help you pack your gear for the trip, go over the details of the float, and drive to the river put-in on the North Fork of the Flathead, above Polebridge. You'll use the Ford Creek put-in unless the river is running high, in which case you could go all the way to the Canadian border. This is the most remote and least floated river section in the area. Wildlife sightings of Moose, Deer, Bear and Wolves are not uncommon on this stretch. You'll have lunch along the river's edge.

The first night will be spent at the Polebridge Palace. The town of Polebridge is a throwback to the days of old. This area is much like it was 100 years ago. There is a Mercantile and a Restaurant/Bar, which is located in a log cabin. Here at the Northern Lights Saloon is where you will dine and tell stories the first night.

Day 2:
You'll be floating from Polebridge to Big Creek on the second day through the middle section of the North Fork. Everything on river left is Glacier National Park and on the right is Flathead National Forest. Guests generally never encounter any other rafts on these first two days, a true wilderness experience. The second night is spent in the cabins at the Big Creek Ecology Center. You'll be the only ones staying at this center and the instructors will provide a presentation on the ecology of the area. Dinner and breakfast are provided at the Big Creek facilities.

Day 3:
The lower section of the North Fork flows through a beautiful canyon with some minor rapids along the way. There will some splashes, but no serious whitewater. Guests generally ride in paddle rafts so that everyone partakes in the action. Following the simple commands of the guide you'll actually become part of the crew maneuvering the raft. After you emerge from the canyon, Montana Raft's vehicles will meet you at the take-out for the short shuttle back to the West Glacier office.

Polebridge Palace
The Polebrige Palace has running water and regular kitchen and bathroom facilities with all modern necessities. It is powered by passive solar panels, batteries and a generator. There is a dining room and two living rooms (one upstairs and one downstairs) with comfy sofas and games. There are two bedrooms downstairs each with a double bed, and two bedrooms upstairs, each with two twin beds. Fresh linens are provided. There are two bathrooms, each with shower, toilet, sink, mirror and fresh towels.

Big Creek Ecology Center
The Big Creek Ecology Center is propane powered and has a main building with kitchen, dining area, bathroom and library/naturalist center. The bunkhouse style cabins are next door with community bathrooms, sink and shower. Towels are not provided. Each cabin has has one open room with three to four bunk beds. The beds have clean fitted sheets, pillows, and sleeping bags with clean liners are provided.