The South Fork of the Flathead is one of the premier west slope cutthroat fisheries in the world. It also just happens to have one of the most unique and exciting Montana whitewater runs you will ever experience. Add to this 4 days of spectacular hiking through the Scapegoat and Bob Marshall Wilderness Areas and you get one of the best all around trips anywhere in the world! Since the only access is by foot or horse, this beautiful drainage has a real backcountry feel. No wonder its a guide favorite!

Your 8 days on the South Fork will begin with four days of hiking to reach the river. You have the option of being a real do-it -yourselfer and backpacking, or letting the horses carry your gear so you can travel light. We will cover 6 to 10 miles a day through some very beautiful country. On most routes in there is only one day of uphill climbing.

Just when you feet are getting trail weary, we reach the cool clean waters of the South Fork. The horses will drop off the boating gear and in the morning we will begin our float. For the first two days the river will meander lazily through a broad valley. We will have lots of time to stop and fish for the abundant cutthroat (on one trip last summer three people fishing the same hole caught 20 fish each in under an hour!). We will also take the opportunity to explore some of the beautiful Ponderosa parks that line the river. These flat benches have majestic Ponderosa Pines scattered across grassy fields that are often full of wildflowers.

On the third day of the float, we enter Meadow Creek Gorge and the character of the river will change dramatically. For six miles the river crashes through a limestone gorge that creates a series of class III to V rapids that are a little different from most whitewater rafting. Its only one day of whitewater, buts its enough adrenaline for the whole trip! The gorge is so narrow that we use only paddle boats on this river.

That night we will celebrate our adventures around the campfire. The next morning we will have a casual float out with some good fishing from the boats. We will take out mid-afternoon and drive back to Kalispell.

2008 South Fork of the Flathead Trip Schedules and Prices 8 day trip Price:     $2,000.00-Hike, Raft, Backpack, River Combination     $2,400.00 Horse supported Hike, River Combination. Use of sleeping gear and tent is included in the price, or bring your own gear and receive a $40 discount. Dates: June 15-22, June 29-July 6 Additional fees: 3% Forest Service Land Use Fee. This trip begins and ends in Kalispell, Montana. We recommend the West Coast Kalispell Center for lodging the night before your trip and the night your trip ends.

Sample itinerary and Logistical Information on the South Fork of the Flathead River

Suggested Gear List for the South Fork of the Flathead River

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