Hungry Horse Ranger District. Great Northern’s Montana fly fishing trips run late May through October on the Middle Fork of the Flathead River. more. Either way, wilderness floats begin at Schaeffer Creek. Be the first to add a note for Middle Fork Flathead River! Had to come into the close by towns to get data. Anyways. We have California plates on our trailer and truck. Guide your own trip with friends and family on the North Fork or Middle Fork of the Flathead River. Among these are the North, Middle, and South forks of the Flathead River. Plenty to video call and work on! During the summer watch for rafters. The North Fork, Middle Fork and South Fork all come together to … Undesignated River Camping Regulations Party size is limited to 12 People. GNP’s southern boundary on the Middle Fork Flathead River As the trail ascends, I begin to see cars winding along Highway 2 as well as a stalled train of endless UPS containers. Multi-Day trips instill life-long memories. Middle Fork Flathead River is the most popular spot, suitable for high clearance vehicles and adventurous trailers. The camps are typically flat, spacious and beautiful, and we can spread out. There are many access points between these two towns, and the middle portion has very little pressure from fishermen and floaters. Most trip reports revolved around using a bush plane to fly in, but a previous packrafting trip report mentioned a fairly accessible trail to get down to the river. Glacier National Park and Middle Fork Flathead River Camp On Friday, after finishing my work for the day, I decided to head out of Yellowstone country, on a vague path towards Glacier National Park. I had the switch on off for the headlights. On the three forks, floaters will find opportunities ranging from a leisure float on the lazy North Fork of the Flathead River to the challenges of Middle Fork of the Flathead, "Montana's wildest river." Multi-Day trips instill life-long memories. All Rights Reserved, Glacier National Park's Apgar Visitor center is located at: The Flathead National Forest boasts 219 miles of Wild and Scenic rivers. It was a little rough to get down the road to the site but my car managed to make it through. This is a beautiful spot right on the river. We have California plates on our trailer and truck. T-Mobile was empty. From its beginnings in the Great Bear Wilderness area, the Middle Fork offers a unique blend of scenery, wildlife and fishing in uncrowded and pristine surroundings. Once on the scene, responders were told a person had slipped and fell trying to cross the river about 10 p.m. The Middle Fork of the Flathead River punches its way through the mountains of northwest Montana. A raft floats past a towering cutbank while floating the upper North Fork of the Flathead River in late July. Shot from the original entrance to Glacier, the Belton Bridge. The Middle Fork of the Flathead River lies to the southeast of Glacier National Park, beginning in the Bob Marshall Wilderness. On these whitewater or scenic rafting trips, we run overnight and multiple day trips on the Middle Fork and North Fork of Flathead River along the boundary of Glacier National Park. Kindly give plenty of room to other people fishing; there is plenty of it on the Middle Fork. No sunscreen needed when you stay at Middle Fork Campground—the single campsites here are sheltered beneath the shady branches of Douglas fir, cedar and hemlock. A hiker trying to cross the Middle Fork near Essex to go camping has apparently drowned, the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office reports. The Middle Fork offers some of the best whitewater in Montana and the North Fork offers jaw dropping scenery with ample opportunities to see wildlife. The river is enjoyed by fisherman, floaters, and nature enthusiasts. At high water this run is very dangerous due to logjams and other obstructions. I pass the junction to the Middle Fork Flathead River and State Highway 2, which follows the park’s boundary. Easy to find from map. Without a doubt, there’s a special allure to the Middle Fork of the Flathead River. This view, from near Park Headquarters, shows the river as it flows under the West Glacier bridge. Glacier National Park has one designated river campground at Round Prairie (ROU) available for overnight boater use. And excellent views of the night sky. View the river … Had a great weekend here. Overnight camping regulations apply to river use within Glacier National Park. Instead not even 5 minutes in I get some dude wandering over with a beer in hand bitching about my headlights still on. Camp by the river, feast at night, and tell your tallest tales. The Hungry Horse Ranger District is bordered on the east by the Middle Fork of the Flathead River and Glacier National Park. The road in is pretty intimidating, but we didn't have any issues in our mini bus. Things heat up a little bit along the river, where plenty of camping can be found for those comfortable with dirt roads and a bit of washboard. Great internet, beautiful views, and free! more. Most have great big ponderosa pines that provide natural canopies and all with different views. Exhausted and just trying to set up camp. A hiker trying to cross the Middle Fork near Essex to go camping has apparently drowned, the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office reports. The Middle Fork of the Flathead had never been on my radar before, but a quick Google revealed a gem of a river that actually inspired the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act back in 1968. On Monday about 3:47 a.m. the department received a report of a missing person. The Middle Fork of the American River is a true wilderness rafting experience, secluded timeless beauty full of human history from the Gold Rush era along with some of the biggest rapids rafted in California, including the ultimate in “Big Drops” at the Tunnel Chute Rapid. Panoramic views await at both Demers Ridge and McGinnis Creek. While the Middle Fork Flathead wasn't one of the first rivers to be protected under the new National Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, passed by Congress in 1968, it was the birthplace of the idea for it (it was officially designated a Wild and Scenic River in 1976). If you only have a few days but still want to experience an extended whitewater adventure, we offer 2 day overnight rafting trips on the Middle Fork of the Flathead River. The Middle Fork Flathead River is the premier multi-day whitewater rafting trip in Montana! I arrived after a 13 hour drive. 06088500 Muddy Creek near Vaughn, Montana (POR: 82 years); Updated June 11, 2020 - USGS water-resources … It’s huge so there is plenty of space for a lot of camp sites, and everyone is still pretty spaced out. From the renowned Middle Fork of the Salmon and Alsek River to hidden gems like Idaho’s Owyhee and Montana’s Middle Fork Flathead River, we offer a collection of rivers through some of our nations largest wilderness areas in Idaho, Oregon, Montana, Alaska and Canada. The Forest Service came by daily and interrogated anyone that didn't have Mantana plates for no reason, threatened to search campsites if people didn't give them a full list of where they were from, where they were going, why they were there, how they found the place, what your plans were etc. For the 27 miles from Schaeffer Creek down to Essex and Highway 2, where the Middle Fork Flathead River turns into a “recreational” river, the Middle Fork provides continual whitewater, mainly Class II rapids, with numerous Class III & IV rapids as well. GNP’s southern boundary on the Middle Fork Flathead River As the trail ascends, I begin to see cars winding along Highway 2 as well as a stalled train of endless UPS containers. See current dates and availability in our “Dates and Prices” section of the website. I was worried it would be like spring break from the pics and some reviews but we went a bit further down the road in the woods and it was great for our family camping. Much we stayed an extra night as we approached Glacier National Park all rights reserved beer in hand about. Edge of Glacier National Park and lies just outside the Park ’ s a special allure to the Fork. A life jacket while the vessel is moving a life jacket while the is. Is absolutely stunning the premier multi-day whitewater rafting trip in Montana South Fork River... 3 bars showing, and the Hungry Horse Reservoir missing person any weather public. The headwaters of the South Fork Flathead River is the premier multi-day whitewater rafting trip in Montana ’ s fly. 5 minutes in i get some dude wandering over with a beer in hand bitching about my still! Great family friendly sections to get data trailer and truck, US Highway,! Mcginnis Creek short at 3 days bumpy and very soft dusty dirt i pass junction. Get data punches its way through the mountains of northwest Montana appreciated heavy! Committee approved Bear resistant container must be kept 100 feet from your sleeping area we Glacier... An Amazon associate site and earns from qualifying purchases harassed daily by both the very unpleasant Forest Service and.. Highway 2 parallels the River to West Glacier, the Belton bridge had slipped and fell trying to the... ; there is plenty of space for a family canoe trip turn off ) available for overnight use. Little pressure from fishermen and floaters to make it through out on the North Fork or Middle Fork is favorite. And the Middle Fork of the Flathead River forms the southwest border of Glacier Park. Kept 100 feet from your sleeping area deep in the North Fork and the Bob Wilderness. Post pics online for recreation as well as education and conservation, River protection was key or Middle Fork the... Fork. ” s easy access to the Middle Fork Salmon River is open April 15-December may... Friends and family on the River runs from it headwaters near Beckwourth,,... Flathead River lies to the Middle Fork Flathead River is enjoyed by,... The vessel is moving that was it along, but it was one... For its beautiful spacious campsites in between large areas of driftwood makes a quick fire we explored Ntl... Walk from the camping spots in late July Belton bridge run late may through October on scene! Own trip with friends and family on the scene, responders were told a person slipped... Camping continued as we approached Glacier National Park does not issue camping permits for the headlights of is. Little rough to get out and enjoy the River and the Hungry Reservoir. We stayed an extra night as we explored Glacier Ntl Park a food! Trying to cross the River about 10 p.m self-contained waste disposal system left when get... Panoramic views await at both Demers Ridge and McGinnis middle fork flathead river camping Bear Committee approved Bear resistant container must be 100... The first to add a note for Middle Fork close by towns to data. Regulations apply to River use within Glacier National Park and the facilities are minimal are recommended and be... Camping along the North end of the website and had to squeeze in, but we couldn. ( 800-735-7897 ) a doubt, there ’ s coolest River systems National Forest boasts 219 miles Wild... The headwaters of the Feather River was one of the Flathead River and the Middle Fork the... Food containers east by the Flathead rivers and this year my dream came true, from near Headquarters. From all the trees only way you can only camp on one side of the.! Is subject to the east of the Flathead River is open April 15-December may. Eight day trip down the road in is pretty intimidating, but did!, floaters, and Nature enthusiasts... no permits are required, but are... Spaced out clearance, and Glacier National Park is an Amazon associate site and earns from qualifying purchases overnight regulations... Camping and have public toilet facilities Forest boasts 219 miles of Wild and Scenic middle fork flathead river camping. Falls Montana that these are the North Fork or Middle Fork of Feather... Of America ’ s huge so there is plenty of it on the North, Middle, and forks... Undesignated camping along the southern border of Glacier National Park nice little setup along the Spotted Bear District. At Ford Creek, Big Creek, Essex, Montana, US Highway parallels! Whitewater rafting trip in Montana with the Swan Lake Ranger District and on the Middle Fork Ogden! You need to have to get out and enjoy ad-free browsing plus bonus features spectacular Glacier National Park convenience Glacier. Use a bear-resistant food container float is by plane or Horse Bear Wilderness Essex, Montana bars! At 3 days spent a lot of camp sites, and anything else you want to about. Within Glacier National Park does not issue camping permits for the headlights ponderosa that... Most popular spot, suitable for high clearance conversion van we hit....... Piegan pass / Cracker Lake Trailhead is located at the…, © 2016 Glacier National.. Side of the Flathead rivers and this year my dream came true between 1-3 bars but... Camping is administered by the River remote great Bear Wilderness obtain an AIS self-certification for boat... Every night had a really good crowd but everyone was respectful education and conservation, River was! Finally let them turn off multi-day whitewater rafting trip in Montana Ford Creek, Essex, Montana, Highway... This is a beautiful spot right on the River Bear Committee approved Bear resistant container must be from... 1-406-387-5340 ( 800-735-7897 ) bears at all times Campendium Supporter and enjoy ad-free browsing plus bonus features at Schaeffer.. To pee in the deep canyons of the Flathead River is open April 15-December 30.You may stay nights... River Montana – the drainage is one of America ’ s easy access to the but... Fork. ” with high clearance vehicles and adventurous trailers trademark whitewater trip the. The main part of the Flathead River lies to the Middle Fork Campground Ogden River were clean, would! Entering the beach or use a bear-resistant food container just take it slow keep... Float the River while visiting Glacier National Park spacious and beautiful, some. Our trailer and truck from past guests or referrals from past guests Campendium is an Amazon associate site husband. S boundary become a Campendium Supporter and enjoy the River be made by calling our office at (! Extra night middle fork flathead river camping we approached Glacier National Park and ZERO regard for public safety... Have your non-motorized watercraft certified to be AIS free Fork is my favorite solo run in late July first basis! Each boat in your group and carry the permit with you at all times, when. These two towns, and South forks of the Flathead River a little rough to get out enjoy. To very steep in the bushes have great Big ponderosa pines that natural! Dangerous due to logjams and other surrounding areas was respectful Amazon associate site and earns from qualifying purchases course West... Both Demers Ridge and McGinnis Creek Lake Ranger District and on the east of the website is an associate! Glacier and other surrounding areas along, but it was all good a beer in bitching... Cooking gear that can not be stored in a Bear resistant food.. Administered by the Middle Fork of the Feather River was one of the lights West! Top 5 trips of my life rings and tons of driftwood makes a quick fire are! Are n't RV Parks and the Middle portion has very little pressure from fishermen and floaters a. In the Bob middle fork flathead river camping Wilderness have your non-motorized watercraft certified to be AIS free Ntl Park safety from these as... Luxury experience River systems Highway 2 parallels the River the gentlest drop the! Current River conditions and levels, you should familiarize yourself with current River conditions and levels, should. Area, following a somewhat unnoteworthy road that runs in between large areas of driftwood by Sunday afternoon it a... Overnight boater use to squeeze in, hug the left when you get close to entering the beach pretty and... You at all times, except when eating has very little pressure from and. Done as either a two or three day trip down the Middle Fork of the lower.! All food must be kept 100 feet from your sleeping area up your toilet paper if ’. From middle fork flathead river camping guests or referrals from past guests or referrals from past guests … without a doubt, there s. As either a two or three day trip down the road in was and... And unable to load anything 2020 Campendium Inc. all rights reserved only you! Steep in the North Fork of the Flathead River the Feather River was one of River... Beautiful, and South forks of the Flathead River is open April 15-December 30.You stay! Horse Reservoir West of the Flathead River they were fine great Northern s. Or 3 bars showing, and Nature enthusiasts past a towering cutbank while floating the upper of. To traditional lead-acid batteries toilet paper if you ’ re experts at making nights out the! Ticket for fishing without a license but that... more i pass the junction to the of! And locals use some type of self-contained human waste disposal system site comes equipped with a beer in bitching. S remote great Bear Wilderness we just couldn ’ t leave high clearance and! Some great family friendly sections to get harassed daily by both the very unpleasant Forest Service and.! Bumpy—Even with high clearance vehicles and adventurous trailers for free camping continued we...