About
Flathead River, Montana BC — 1809 David Thompson, 1930 Kerr Dam, 1976 Wild/Scenic, CSKT Salish Kootenai. Wild & Scenic since 1976, the Middle Fork Flathead cuts 94 miles through some of the most remote country in the lower 48, forming the southern boundary of Glacier National Park and flowing through the Great Bear Wilderness. At 3,400 CFS average, with optimal flows between 2,000-8,000 CFS, this is big water through grizzly country — the 2023 bear density surveys confirm this drainage holds the highest concentration in the contiguous United States. The upper section from Schafer Meadows to Moccasin requires wilderness permits and multi-day commitment. Below Spruce Park, the gradient picks up through Class II-III drops, then builds to Class III-IV rapids on the lower stretch from Bear Creek to Columbia Falls. Commercial outfitters including Glacier Raft Company and Wild River Adventures run the more accessible sections, but the upper wilderness reaches demand self-sufficiency and bear protocols. USGS gauge 12358500 tracks the snowmelt pulse that drives peak season from late May through July.
River conditions are community-verified. CFS ranges, difficulty ratings, and access points may not reflect every flow level or seasonal change. Always check current conditions, scout unfamiliar rapids, and paddle within your skill level.