Whitewater Rafting West Glacier: Class II–III Rapids & Lunch

Five to six hours on the Middle Fork Flathead: float, eat, hit nine named rapids, float out beneath Old Belton Bridge.

Full-day whitewater rafting on the Middle Fork Flathead River, which forms Glacier National Park's southwestern boundary, with a live interpretive guide, lunch, and all gear included. The day splits into three parts: a relaxing float, a secluded lunch with locally sourced food, then nine class II and III rapids through John F. Stevens Canyon. Minimum age is 5. No rafting experience is required. Trips run rain or shine, and a short bus ride returns you to the West Glacier campus at the end.

Step-by-step itinerary

Glacier National Park rafting adventure

• Meet at 9:15am
• Depart at 9:45am
• Float relaxing river stretch
• Enjoy buffet style lunch
• Raft through 9 named rapids
• Float beneath Old Belton Bridge
• Bus ride back to campus

The experience

The Middle Fork Flathead is a Wild and Scenic river, and the trip meets at 9:15am with a 9:45am departure. You'll start with a relaxing float to ease into the water, then your guide picks a secluded spot for lunch: the kitchen sources locally and organically, and the difference shows in what lands on the plate. After eating, the rapids begin: nine named ones, typically class II and III, wind through John F. Stevens Canyon. Bonecrusher is a favorite. The water is glacially fed and cold, and the ride is splashy and fun for families, couples, friends and solo travelers alike.

The final stretch floats you beneath Glacier's historic Old Belton Bridge before the river trip ends. From there, a five-minute bus ride takes you back to the West Glacier campus. Wet suits, splash gear and river shoes are free if you need them. You must be able to buckle a 58-inch chest life jacket. Minimum weight is 50 pounds, though minimums may be higher in spring when river levels rise. Trips depart rain or shine.

What’s included

• All fees and taxes.
• lunch with locally sourced and organic ingredients.
• wet suits, splash gear and river shoes if you need them.
• a live interpretive guide.
• and a return shuttle to West Glacier.

Information

Lasts 5h–6h, from US$ 164 per person, with a live guide in English and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesNext departure: 10 Jun 20276 departing soon ›

GroupUp to 24 · max 9 per booking5 private ›

Live guideEnglishOther languages ›

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.1 with pickup ›

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (5 to 12 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Glacier Guides and Montana Raft

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English and narrates the river and the park as you float and paddle, so anyone from age 5 who can buckle a life jacket can follow the day and enjoy it: no prior rafting skill needed.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 12 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What are the rapids like on the Middle Fork Flathead?

The nine named rapids are typically rated class II and III, winding through John F. Stevens Canyon. Bonecrusher is one of the favorites. The water is glacially fed, and the ride is splashy and fun for all skill levels.

Is rafting experience required?

No experience is necessary. The day starts with a relaxing float to get comfortable on the water, and your live guide leads you through the rapids and explains the river and the park along the way.

What's included in the lunch?

Lunch is a buffet-style meal served at a secluded spot on the river. The kitchen sources locally and organically whenever possible, so the food reflects the region.

How long is the full day on the water?

The trip runs five to six hours total, including the relaxing float, lunch, and the nine rapids through the canyon. A five-minute bus ride returns you to West Glacier at the end.

What happens if the weather is bad?

Trips depart rain or shine, so the rafting runs regardless of weather conditions.