“It is hereby declared to be the policy of the United States that certain selected rivers of the Nation which, with their immediate environments, possess outstandingly remarkable scenic, recreational, geologic, fish and wildlife, historic, cultural or other similar values, shall be preserved in free-flowing condition, and that they and their immediate environments shall be protected for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations.” (Wild & Scenic Rivers Act, October 2, 1968)
To be wild, to be truly wild, you must visit Montana’s northwest corner, where the North Fork of the Flathead River winds it way along the western flank of Glacier National Park, through pristine valleys and soaring peaks, to join the Middle Fork of the Flathead River. These two rivers are protected as “Wild and Scenic Rivers” for their important biological functions and their sheer beauty. Many biologists believe the North Fork is the wildest place in America, where bears, wolverines, lynx, and mountain lions behave naturally, unencumbered and unmodified by adaptations to human encroachment. The North Fork is also home to distinct native fish species that evolved during the last ice age, including the endangered bull trout.
The North Fork begins in the Flathead Valley of British Columbia and quickly crosses the border into Montana. The river occupies a vast tidal plain, which can be a turbulent array of whitecap waves during the spring run-off, when the river furiously hauls logs and snow melt to the main section of the Flathead. The rest of the year it is a Class 1-2 river, adhering to a peaceful meandering course that is beloved by the rafters and fishermen who dangle their feet or their spinners into the cool water. Hundreds of snow capped peaks form a sharp contrast to the well worn stones along the river bank.
The North Fork flows through a unique region in the lower 48 states where the ecosystem is still connected to the Canadian wilderness. Bears and wolves travel freely from the U.S. to Canada finding abundant food sources along the river plains, such as huckleberries and prey species. Driving to the river put-ins along the North Fork Road is strikingly remote—the influence of roads or buildings is virtually non-existent, yet you are two hours from an airport.
The North Fork eventually reaches the confluence where it combines with another “Wild and Scenic” river the Middle Fork of the Flathead. Not only is the Middle Fork scenic, it provides a healthy dose of adventure. Beginner and intermediate rafters, including kids, enjoy 38 miles of Class 2-3 rafting right along the edge of Glacier National Park. The river descends through a canyon past colossal boulders, remnants of the glaciers that covered the area. Heavily forested mountains tower alongside the river and cutthroat trout can be seen eddying in deep blue pools. Red and green argillite stones make this one of the most colorful river in the U.S.
Once the Middle Fork reaches West Glacier, the entrance to Glacier National Park, it strikes a mellow repose and enters what rafters call the scenic section. Here rafters rest, relax and watch for bears coming to the river to drink clear, clean water. Both the North Fork and the Middle Fork have never been dammed and they flow through 3 million acres of protected land that form Glacier National Park, the Bob Marshall and Great Bear Wildernesses. These rivers provide access to true backcountry, where roads cannot go.
Caeli Quinn
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