White water rafting in Glacier National Park offers an exhilarating way to experience the park’s stunning natural beauty.
3.5 Hours
Summer
$81 per Adult, $61 per Child
Overview
Taking a white water rafting trip down the Middle Fork of the Flathead River was the best way to see Glacier National Park from a completely different perspective. While the water was still chilly, we warmed up quickly and had a lot of fun out on the water. As a group of 8, we ended up with a raft with only our family and our awesome river guide. There are four options for rafting companies that operate from West Glacier Village and are official concessioners endorsed by the National Park Service, and we chose Glacier Raft Company.
Photo of our group at the strongest rapids
Photo of our group at the strongest rapids
White Water Rafting on the Middle Fork Plan
A few years ago, when we were staying in Gardiner, Montana, to go to Yellowstone National Park, we booked a scenic float trip down the Yellowstone River. We opted for the float trip, not white water, because we weren’t sure how the boys would like it. While out there, they asked our guide to hit every rapid she could so we knew they would be fine with a white water rapid tour.
When we started planning our trip to Glacier National Park, we saw a lot of people suggesting a white water trip down the Flathead River. Through all of our searching, we kept coming up with Glacier Raft Company and that’s who we went with. Their half-day and full-day trips are on the Middle Fork of the Flathead River. The only way to go on the North Fork of the Flathead River is on a multi-day trip and overnight trips, which was more than we wanted to do.
Other companies in the area that offer float trips are Glacier Guides, Montana Raft Company, Wild River Adventures, and Great Northern Resorts. These, along with Glacier Raft Company, are the companies suggested by Glacier Park and have permits through the National Park Service and US Forest Service to operate a raft trip through the Southern Border of Glacier National Park and through the Flathead National Forest.
Ryan and Tyler stepping in the cold water
Justin and Stephanie ready to go
Getting There
Location
Glacier National Park is in Northwestern Montana near the Canadian border. It’s called the “crown of the continent” due to its location and spectacular scenery. The closest towns to Glacier National Park are Kalispell, Whitefish, and West Glacier Village on the west side of the park. On the east side, the closest towns are St. Mary and Babb. The rafting tours for the Middle Fork start in West Glacier for most of the companies, which worked since we stayed at a rental home in Kalispell. The Glacier Park International Airport (FCA) in Kalispell is only about 30 minutes from the park’s west entrance.
Best Time to Go
The summer months are the best time for a Montana vacation, especially this far north in the state. July through September have the most mild weather without worrying about much snow or ice on the roads.
Our whole travel group and tour guide setting out on the river
White Water Rafting on the Middle Fork in Glacier National Park
Who Can Go?
A half-day or full-day white water rafting is open to visitors of almost any age. The river conditions and water levels determine the suggested minimum age for safety reasons. In June, when the river is flowing the fastest from snow melt, the minimum age is 8-12 years old. In July, it’s recommended for children to be at least 6-8 years old and in August it’s recommended to be only 5-7 years at a minimum because the water is much slower at that time.
Glacier Raft Co. has a minimum weight requirement of 50 pounds. This is partly to make sure riders will stay safely in the raft and also so they will properly fit in the kids’ life jackets. Even strong swimmers must wear a life jacket and a helmet while on rafting trips.
In our experience, the kids were put at the back of the raft closest to our river guide. That way he could help them control their paddling and it was a bit safer back there as we got to the high water rapids. Since they were old enough, they helped with some of the paddling, but at times the guide told the boys to keep their paddles out of the water. All adults in the raft were expected to help paddle.
Each raft holds between 6 and 10 people plus your river guide. Our family was a group of 8 and we ended up with a raft to ourselves in addition to our guide. Most of the rafts also have room for a few non-paddlers sitting in the middle of the raft.
Justin and Stephanie
Ryan and Tyler
Ryan jumped in the river first!
Then Tyler jumped in as well
What You'll See
Flathead National Forest and private lands border the south bank, river left, and Glacier National Park borders the bank on the north, river right. The river actually forms the southern border of Glacier National Park.
Along the way, your river guide will point out many of the historic buildings including an old train tunnel. There’s a chance to see wildlife such as mountain goats, grizzly bears, deer, elk, moose, beavers, and otters. Depending on the river levels and the water flow, there are multiple places where natural waterfalls flow over the rocks and through the national park into the river creating spectacular scenery.
Middle Fork River in Glacier
Middle Fork River in Glacier
What to Bring & Wear
Dress for the season and the weather. As a rule, you will get wet, so don’t bring anything that can’t get wet on the trip.
- Wear a swimsuit with a protective shirt and shorts over it
- Make sure you have water shoes that stay on your feet (no flip-flops or Crocs)
- If you wear sunglasses (highly recommended) get a strap to make sure they don’t fall off
- Leave a dry change of clothes and a towel in your vehicle
- Get a waterproof case for your phone
- Bring bottled water, preferably in a bottle with a strap that you can attach to yourself so it isn’t lost in the water
Middle Fork River in Glacier
Middle Fork River in Glacier
Where to Go
Check-in for Glacier Raft Company is at their location in West Glacier Village just before the entrance to the national park near the intersection of U.S. HWY 2 and Going-to-the-Sun Road. You need to be there at least 30 minutes prior to your departure time to be fitted with a life jacket, helmet, and a paddle. Then you’ll board a bus that takes you to the drop point upriver. The tour takes you down to the departure point at the bridge in West Glacier where you take a small walk back to the other side of the bridge to the company building where your vehicle is parked.
Middle Fork River in Glacier
Middle Fork River in Glacier
How Long Does it Take?
The half-day white water rafting trip is a total length of about 8 miles of river which takes between 2 and 3.5 hours, depending on the flow of the river. A full-day trip is about 15 river miles and takes anywhere from 5 to 6 hours including a stop for lunch along the way.
Middle Fork River in Glacier
Middle Fork River in Glacier
Cost
The half-day white water rafting trip fees are based on the season. Peak season will cost more than off-peak season. Peak season is typically mid-June through mid-August. The entire rafting season is the beginning of May through late September.
Peak Season
Adults ages 12 and older: $81
Children up to age 12: $61
Non-Peak Season
Adults ages 23 and older: $75
Children up to age 12: $51
Middle Fork River in Glacier
Old train tunnel along the river
Tips for White Water Rafting in Glacier National Park
- The Scenic Middle Fork of the Flathead River starts as a calm scenic float but ends with rapids at class ii and class iii with one or two class iv rapids depending on the flow of the water. There are 9 named rapids on the half-day trip.
- Get a waterproof case for your phone with a wrist strap. Attach that wrist strap to a lanyard around your neck so you can drop it quickly if you need to start paddling. You can also purchase a floating strap (such as one for boat keys) in case you drop it in the water.
- When you check-in, leave your car keys at the check-in booth so you can lock your vehicle but don't lose your keys or ruin a key fob if it gets wet.
- Since the check-in area is located outside of the park boundary, you do not need a park pass to go on a rafting trip with Glacier Raft Company.