GLACIER OUTDOOR CENTER
Rentals & Retail

Frequently asked questions...

1. Why choose Glacier Raft Company?
   Over 30 years of experience on Montana's Flathead Rivers, professional river guides well-trained in safety and first aid, high quality self-bailing rafts and inflatable kayaks, and many trip options make Glacier Raft Company one of the leading whitewater rafting outfitters in Montana. To raft with the best, choose Glacier Raft Company! Glacier Raft Company offers a variety of trip options on the Flathead Rivers, including the rush of Class II to IV rapids on our ½ and full day adventures, a scenic float trip through a quiet secluded canyon, and a variety of multi-day options.
   
   We provide all of our guests with U.S. Coast Guard approved Type V personal flotation devices (lifejackets) for your safety and protection. Clean, comfortable wetsuits, booties, fleece and splash gear are available for your added comfort.
   
2. Who can go on a rafting trip? Is there an age limit?
   Just about everyone can go whitewater rafting. No experience is necessary, although most of our trips require some paddling and you will probably get wet! Glacier Raft Company welcomes rafters young and old, with minimum age restrictions dependent on weather and water conditions. In general, during summertime flows, children as young as 6 may participate in our various raft trips. Springtime trips require an older minimum age as the level of difficulty increases, while late season water conditions may allow younger children. During high water, our 4-day wilderness trip requires a minimum age of 16. With advance notice, we can accommodate special needs. Just let us know!
   
3. What's the best time of year to go rafting?
   Glacier Raft Company offers whitewater rafting adventures 7 days a week from early May through mid-September, depending on weather and water conditions. The Flathead Rivers are free flowing, dependent on snow pack melt for their water flow. As a result, the water level and flow peak in early June with Class II-IV whitewater; the river gradually recedes and slows to solid Class II whitewater as the summer progresses. The high water adventure of early season rafting usually requires wetsuits, while warmer summer air and water temperatures let us raft in T-shirts and shorts.
   
4. How cold is the river and what if it rains?
   Since the Flathead Rivers are dependent on snow pack melt, the water temperature early in the season can be cold (45°), requiring the use of wetsuits by all rafters. As the summer progresses, the river warms up considerably and many of our rafters enjoy a refreshing swim in some of the calmer stretches of the river.
   From early May to mid-September, we offer rafting trips rain or shine! Since you'll get wet anyway, rafting can be a great way to spend a rainy or cloudy day! Splash jackets and pants are provided.
   
5. How are rapids classified?
   Whitewater is rated on a difficulty scale between I and VI. The Middle Fork of the Flathead River is classified Class II-IV and is considered exciting family whitewater!
   · Class I Very Easy: Small, regular waves, few obstacles, little maneuvering required
   · Class II Easy: Easy rapids, eddies and bends, some maneuvering required
   · Class III Medium: Numerous waves, narrow passages, maneuvering required, may require scouting
   · Class IV Difficult: Difficult rapids, abrupt bends, narrow passages, scouting often necessary, precise maneuvering required
   · Class V Very Difficult: Long rapids with wild turbulence and extremely congested routs, complex maneuvering, scouting is difficult
   · Class VI Limits of Navigation: Nearly impossible and very dangerous, a definite hazard to life.
   
6. How much of the trip is whitewater?
   The majority of the whitewater on the Middle Fork of the Flathead is within 5 miles of West Glacier, with 9 major rapids, all of which are included with Glacier Raft Company's daily whitewater adventures.
   
7. How long is the trip?
   Glacier Raft Company's ½ day whitewater trip is 8 river miles. Depending on river flow, this trip will take 2 ½ to 4 hours, including a short bus shuttle to the river and instruction and safety information.
   
   Glacier Raft Company's full day whitewater trip is 13 river miles. Including a bus shuttle to the river, instruction and safety information, and lunch along the river, this trip usually takes 5 to 6 hours.
   
8. When and how do I make a reservation and what is your cancellation policy?
   Our staff of rafting specialists is available to assist you with questions and advice, as well as take your reservation over the phone during our business hours. For real-time availability, please feel free to call our office staff at 1-800-235-6781 or Email us at: grc@glacierraftco.com
   
   However, if you prefer to conduct your business on-line, use our On-Line Reservations Form to request a reservation by credit card through our secure server.
   
   A 50% per person deposit will confirm your reservation. Full payment is due 45 days prior to trip departure. If a reservation is made less than 45 days prior to departure, payment must be made in full.
   If you find it necessary to cancel your reservation, please notify us immediately. For daily adventures, cancellations made more than 24 hours prior to trip departure will receive a full refund; cancellations within 24 hours are non-refundable, but the deposit may be applied to another trip during the same season. For multi-day trips and cabin reservations, cancellations made more than 45 days prior to trip departure or cabin rental will receive a refund less 25% of the total; cancellations within 45 days are non-refundable but 75% of total may be applied to a trip/cabin stay within the following year.
   
9. Where is the departure point for trips?
   Glacier Raft Company's daily adventures depart from our office in the village of West Glacier, located at #6 Going-to-the-Sun Road between the Alberta Visitors Center and the MRC Gas Station. Glacier Raft Company provides transportation to the put-in and your trip will end at West Glacier, a short walk from our office.
   
   Our multi-day, fishing and self-guided adventures depart from Glacier Outdoor Center, located under the giant log arch on the south side of US Highway 2, ½ mile west of West Glacier. Glacier Raft Company provides transportation to and from the river.
   
10. Does each raft have a guide and how many people fit in a raft?
    Every raft (with the exception of self-guided trips) has a professional river guide, most of who have worked with Glacier Raft Company for many seasons.
    
    Glacier Raft Company uses only self-bailing rafts, 16 feet in length, designed for 10 paddlers plus a guide. In addition, there is room for a couple of non-paddlers in each raft.
    
11. How much do I participate?
    Glacier Raft Company uses paddle rafts, with active participation by rafters through the rapids and flatter stretches of the river. Paddling is not continuous. Each raft has room for up to 4 non-paddlers for those who cannot or prefer not to paddle. Although paddling is preferred, with advance notice oar rafts may be available. Multi-day trips utilize a combination of paddle rafts and oar rafts (which haul gear and some people).
    
12. What should I wear and what can I bring?
    Dress according to weather and water conditions. Complimentary splash gear (pullover tops and pants) is available on all daily trips. On a warm, sunny day, wear a swimming suit or shorts, a T-shirt and hat, along with shoes you don't mind getting wet.
    
    Early season or on cooler days, wetsuits, wool or fleece shirts and hats, and neoprene booties along with splash gear will make your rafting adventure more enjoyable. Wetsuits are provided at no extra charge when required due to temperature or water levels. Wetsuits, booties and fleece are all available for rent from Glacier Raft Company.
    
    As a general rule, don't take anything with you on the raft that can't get wet. If you wear eyeglasses or sunglasses, be sure to bring along a retainer to hold them on (disposable cameras and eyeglass retainers are available for purchase in our store). Bottled water is good on hot days, although a drink before the trip is good for 3 hours.
    
    Bring along a towel and dry clothing to change into after the trip but lock it all in your vehicle and leave your car keys in the office for safekeeping.
    
    Suggested packing lists are provided for our multi-day adventures.
    
13. Can I take my camera?
    As a general rule, don't take anything with you on the raft that can't get wet. If you want to bring a camera, we recommend only a disposable, waterproof camera (available for purchase in our office).
    
    Watch for Glacier Raft Photography as you come around the bend at Bonecrusher! You can check out your photos after your trip and order lasting memories of your adventure with Glacier Raft Company.
    
14. Can I rent equipment?
    Glacier Raft Company offers a complete line of rental clothing and equipment including rafts, inflatable kayaks, wetsuits and booties, life jackets, fleece, fishing equipment (including rods, reels, waders, float tubes - just about anything a serious or novice angler needs), sleeping bags and pads and other camping equipment, and anything else you might need for a successful river adventure.
    
15. May I request a specific guide?
    Glacier Raft Company will make every effort to meet special requests. Let us know in advance if you would like a particular guide and we will do our best to match the guide's schedule with yours.
    
16. Should I tip my guide?
    Many of our guests ask if it's okay to tip their guide. Although not expected, if you feel the service you receive from your guide is exceptional, a tip is always appreciated. Guide gratuity envelopes are available in our offices.