GLACIER RAFT COMPANY
Whitewater Rafting Trip Itinerary

4 Day Great Bear Wilderness Whitewater

Whitewater Adventure Of A Lifetime!
Day 1: Until about July 10 (this date can vary by several weeks depending on the previous winter's snowpack), this trip begins with a panoramic flight by small plane over the Great Bear Wilderness to a remote airstrip along the headwaters of the flathead river at Schafer Meadows. As the summer season progresses and the river recedes near the headwaters, we access the Great Bear Wilderness and the river at a point where it is navigable via an easy trail. This 2-hour scenic hike takes you through the beautiful Granite Creek valley. If you prefer not to hike in, we can make arrangements to have a horse take you to the river for an additional fee of $100. Pack up the rafts and head down river for magnificent scenery, fly-fishing at its best, gourmet meals and tall tales around the campfire before crawling into your tent alongside the river.

Days 2, 3, 4: The next 3½ days will be spent paddle rafting and camping along the Upper Middle Fork before reaching the take-out at Bear Creek. You'll experience exciting whitewater and great fishing. The rapids of Three Forks, 25-Mile Creek, Lunch Creek and Spruce Park Gorge make this a real adventure. The lower water trips (after July 10) are especially good for the avid fisherman. The whitewater is still exciting though more moderate and technical, and we use smaller rafts with everyone paddling.

The Upper Middle Fork has a bounty of native Westslope cutthroat trout, as do the high mountain lakes in this area. We may incorporate a short hike into one of these mountain-cradled, crystal blue lakes. The emphasis on this trip is the overall experience--camping, rafting, hiking, fishing and enjoying the great outdoors. The agenda is subject to change due to trail conditions, weather, water levels and group interests. This trip combines the best in outdoor excitement and we think you'll enjoy this wilderness adventure.

You'll love the adventure and excitement of the rapids, you'll appreciate the quiet of the calm stretches and you'll feel better having spent four days with Mother Nature in all her natural splendor. It should not be forgotten that this is a "wild" river, and, as the classification of this river implies, it should not be taken lightly. We recommend you be in good physical condition for this trip and be prepared for excitement in this natural setting. Due to the constraints involved with wilderness travel, we ask that you limit your baggage to 40 pounds per person. You must be in good physical condition.

General trip information links:
map & directions
general information
packing list