Lake McDonald

Enjoy an exciting half-day Glacier National Park whitewater rafting trip on the middle fork section of the Flathead River. Manoeuvre the raft through 9 different rapids by following the simple paddle commands of the guide. The trip winds about 8 miles through the John F. Stevens Canyon. The rapids are rated class 2 and 3, making for a fun and splashy family-friendly whitewater rafting adventure. Arrive 30 minutes prior to departure and check-in at the office before meeting your friendly river guides. Leave your belongings in your car and your car keys for you at the front desk. Next, take a short 10-minute bus ride to the river. Your guide will launch the boat there, give you safety instructions, and you'll begin floating down the beautiful river. The journey starts on a 4-mile mellow section of the river, giving you plenty of time to learn to paddle and to adjust to being on the water. The rapids come on the second 4 miles of the trip and photographs of each boat are taken in the rapid named Bonecrusher. The raft will stop periodically to let you jump in and experience a dip in glacial water if you choose. You'll float under Glacier National Park's historic Belton Bridge towards the end of the trip. At the end of the trip, it's a short walk back from the river to the local partner's office in the village of West Glacier. The length of the trip depends on the river flow. In June through early July, it lasts about 2.5 hours, from mid-July to early August, about 3 hours, and from mid-August through the end of the season, approximately 3.5 hours. Safety and fun are the top priorities. Guides undergo training in river rescue techniques, first aid, and more. Many guides return year after year. If conditions call for wetsuits, fleece, and river shoes, or if you would prefer to wear splash gear, it is always available at no extra cost. Helmets and life jackets are mandatory and provided.

Soak in the picturesque surroundings while you splash your way through the Glacier National Park accompanied by a guide. We require all guests to arrive 30 minutes before their trip launches. From our office check-in guests will ride a bus 5 minutes to the river. From there, you will pass through a steep, walled canyon and admire stunning views of Glacier National Park. Arrive at the path where the middle and north forks of the Flathead River converge to form the southern tip of Glacier National Park. Learn about the flora, fauna, and history of the area while escorting you down one of the most pristine rivers in the world. You may get the chance to see eagles, osprey, deer, and maybe even an elusive bear or moose. Your guide will take the raft out of the water near the Blankenship Bridge. Get immersed in the spectacular beauty of the area during the scenic rafting tour.  Finally, take a 15-minute bus ride back to your base where you can take pictures.

Immerse yourself in nature by hiking in the stunning Glacier National Park. Meet your guide, who will do a quick orientation, check your gear, and go over last minute details. Next, enjoy the van ride to breathtaking Glacier National Park's Lake McDonald Valley, via the West Glacier entrance. Don't forget your park pass! Once in Glacier, you will walk about 1-mile round trip through the Lake McDonald Valley. This area is characterized by lodgepole pine forest left from a 1927 fire. Delight in seeing the aquamarine waters that flow from Lake McDonald. Next, load up in the van and continue the adventure by driving the short distance to Glacier’s North Fork Valley. Along the way, stop at several scenic viewpoints, such as McGee Meadows and McDonald Creek. Don’t forget your camera! Finally, arrive at the Wild and Scenic North Fork of the Flathead River. Here, you’ll take another short, easy walk, also about 1 mile round trip. This loop weaves in and out of new growth lodgepole pine and aspen forest. This area burned in 1967 and again in the 2001 Moose Creek Fire. There are beautiful views and fantastic opportunities for interpretation along this loop. Learn about a variety of tree and plant species, fire impacts, and wildlife inhabitants along the river corridor. Views include Glacier National Park, the North Fork of the Flathead River, and the Flathead National Forest. This nature walk in Glacier is easy but not completely flat. After we’re done walking, we’ll return along the same route by van to the Glacier Guides and Montana Raft office. As we drive, be sure to ask your guide any remaining questions that you might have. Our guides are passionate and have encyclopedic knowledge about Glacier National Park — no matter your level of hiking experience, we promise they’ll teach you something new. You’ll end the day knowing more about Glacier National Park than you ever expected! Typically, return to the meeting point no later than 1:30 PM.