Middle Fork Flathead River

For the next 30 miles, we will be traveling in an area little changed since the 1890s. The scenery along the Middle Fork of the Flathead River appears pretty much as it would have had your grandparents or great-grandparents traveled the route of the Empire Builder. Enjoy the natural beauty of the river, the geology of the rocks, and the forest. We may spot some birds and animals. We will pass through six tunnels on the way to our next stop at Essex.

The Middle Fork of the Flathead River starts in Bob Marshall Wilderness, offering primitive recreation. From the headwaters to Schafer Meadows, it's unsuitable for floating due to narrow channels and log jams. Most trips start at Schafer Meadows, accessible by trail or aircraft. The float season is mid-May to mid-July, with peak runoff in late May, featuring Class four and five rapids. The lower section offers more accessible recreation, extending the float season to early September, with Class II to IV rapids. During the spring runoff, the Middle Fork of the Flathead River is often murky. During the summer, it is very clear with a slight bluish-green cast caused by glacial flour. Glacial flour is one of the many direct results of active glaciers. As glaciers scour the rock, the resulting sediment flows out of the bottom of the glacier and into rivers and lakes. The sediment is so fine that it neither floats at the top nor sinks; but remains suspended in the water. We may see some kayaking, whitewater rafting and fishermen along the river.

1) US Department of Agriculture. (n.d.). Title of the document [PDF file]. Retrieved May 8, 2024, from https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprd3842663.pdf