We like to keep our trips flexible, so this itinerary could change due to group interests, weather, or water levels.

Day before the trip: Arrive in Kalispell, MT. In the evening we’ll get together to hand out gear and answer any last minute questions.

Day 1: We’ll get an early start for our drive to the Holland Lake trailhead. The first day is mostly uphill, and we will cover 4-6 miles, camping near Upper Holland Lake. The lake can be good fishing in the evening.

Day 2-3: Hike the fairly steep climb over Gordon Pass (approx. 6,500 feet in elevation). If the group is up for it, we’ll drop our packs and take off for the nearest snow-clad peak for a great view! From the pass, the trail leads downhill through lush mountain meadows and thick woods. We’ll be following Gordon Creek and camping along its shores.

Day 4: Hike 4-5 miles, dropping into the broad valley of the South Fork. We’ll meet the pack string with our rafts and cool our feet in the clear waters of the river. We’ll camp hear tonight and get the rafts ready for the next day.

Day 5-6: We’ll be rafting the calm and beautiful upper South Fork, floating around lazy corners and casting along undercut banks. There will be plenty of opportunities to try out the superb fishing, and we’ll take some time to wander through the beautiful Ponderosa Parks, possibly seeing elk grazing in the evening light.

Day 7: We reach Meadow Creek Gorge and the easy-going South Fork becomes very narrow and fast. The whitewater is thrilling and the gorge itself is very beautiful. The run through the gorge is dependent on the river level and the gorge being clear of logjams.

Day 8: A fairly quite and beautiful float to our take out. We’ll have lunch on the river and take-out by mid-afternoon. The drive back to Kalispell is about 21/2 hours.

General Information

Included in the cost is transportation from Kalispell to the trailhead and from the end of the trip back to Kalispell, meals beginning with lunch on the first day and ending with lunch on the last day, wetsuits, dry bags for your personal gear, and use of our sleeping bags, pads, and tents (or bring your own gear and receive a $40 discount)

Air: Delta and Horizon offer flights into Glacier International Airport.

Cars: If you wish to explore Glacier Park and the beautiful country around Kalispell, rental cars are available at the airport.

Hotel: Please make hotel reservations at the West Coast Hotel Kalispell Center for the evening before the trip and the evening your trip ends. If you wish to make other arrangements (staying in the Park after your trip for example), please give us a call and we will be happy to assist you.

Return to the South Fork of the Flathead River