The Middle Fork The Middle Fork of the Flathead River originates in the heart of the Bob Marshall Wilderness. The upper section of the river offers primitive recreation in a wilderness setting. From the headwaters to Schafer Meadows, a narrow channel and log jams make the river generally unsuitable for floating. Most trips start from Schafer Meadows, which can be reached by trail or by aircraft. The float season normally lasts from mid-May through mid-July, with peak runoff in late May. Numerous Class IV and V rapids can make the trip extremely difficult during peak flows. Be prepared for periods of cold wet weather. The lower section of the river offers more accessible recreation in a more developed setting. Flathead National Forest and private lands border the south bank, river left, and Glacier National Park borders the bank on the north, river right. Please respect private landowners’ rights. The float season on the lower Middle Fork extends from mid-May to early September. Numerous rapids ranging from Class II to Class IV make for a challenging trip during high water. Several public access sites provide many options for day floats.

Please Remember:

• The party size in the Great Bear Wilderness is 15 people per party. • Store all attractants in a bear resistant manner, in an approved container, in your vehicle, or suspend in a tree at least 10 feet up and 4 feet out. • The Middle Fork’s water is incredibly pure, please help keep it that way for the west slope cutthroat and bull trout.

//2

"

"

!

!!

!

!

!

!

!TEAKETTLE

&

Columbia Falls

BEAR CREEK

PAOLA

WEST GLACIER

SCHAFER

MOCCASIN CR

CASCADILLA

BLANKENSHIP BRIDGE

¬206

¬35

¬83

1 - RIVER MAP NUMBER

- DIRECTION OF FLOAT

12

3

4

5

6789

Access Dist(Mi) Time(H) Class

AVERAGE JULY FLOAT

TEAKETTLE

BLANKENSHIP BRIDGE

WEST GLACIER

MOCCASIN CREEK

CASCADILLA

PAOLA

TO

TO

TO

TO

TO

15 3.5 II

5.5 2.5 III

9 2.5 II-IV

7 3 LOGJAMS

12 3 III-IV

BEAR CREEKTO 10.5 3.25 III-IV

&

¯

Was

te R

e-

quir

emen

t

Cam

pfir

e A

llow

ed

Stay

Lim

it

Cam

ping

A

llow

ed

Mot

or

Boa

ts10

h.p

.

Schafer to Bear Creek

Castle Creek Site

Bear Creek River Access

Essex Dispersed Site

Middle Fork

Paola River Access

Cascadilla River Access

Mocassin River Access

West Glacier River Access

Blankenship NW

Y* R Y 16 N

Y R Y SeeDates N

N -- Y 3 N

N R Y 3 Y

N -- Y 3 Y

N -- Y 3 Y

N N Y 3 Y

N N N Day UseOnly Y

N N N Day UseOnly Y

Y R Y 3 YBlankenship SW

RegulationsPursuant to 36 CFR 261

These regulations apply within the Wild and Scenic Rivercorridor, which is approximately 1/4 mile each side of theriver, except as noted.

Other dispersed sites along the river, outside of wilder-ness, not listed above are available for overnight use. Campers in overnight dispersed sites must pack out solid human waste, a fire pan/blanket is required, and the camping stay limit is 16 days.

Boundaries Between Federal Agencies Glacier National Park is on river right and Flathead National Forest is on river left, with the boundary being the average high-water line on river right. Rules and regulations are different between the Park and the Forest. If you plan to go ashore in Glacier National Park contact the park about specific regulations.

Special Regulations: No camping in the Bear Creek to Essex section; and no stopping within ¼ mile above or below the Goat Lick Viewpoint for the protection of the mountain goats in the area. (58(a)(z))

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

(5)

(1) WASTE DISPOSAL - (58(z))Y - Solid human waste must be self-contained and packed out to an approved disposal site during overnight stays at locations without public toilet facilities. This applies whether you are part of a traditional float party or vehicle supported party. Self-contained means,(1) using a washable, leak-proof, reusable toilet system - the contents must be disposed of at a proper waste facility such as an RV dump station, OR (2) a disposable biode-gradable bag toilet system that is approved for landfill disposal. Bags must be self-contained within a leak or spill proof container until they are properly disposed of. The system must be adequate for the size of the group and length of trip. Dumping solid human waste on National Forest System lands or into a vault toilet is prohibited.Y* - Solid human waste containment required within 200 feet of river’s edge.N - Sites with public toilet facilities. (2) CAMPFIRE ALLOWED - (52(a)) R - Required metal fire pan or blanket. Ash may be disposed of on site within the river corridor.N - Campfires prohibited. ** - Campfires are prohibited in the parking lots at the river access sites but they are permissible below the high water line. (3) CAMPING ALLOWED - (58(a)) Y - Camping allowed.N - Camping prohibited. If vehicle supported, contact the Hungry Horse/Glacier View Ranger District for informa-tion about motorized use in the river corridor.(4) STAY LIMIT - (58(a)(l)) Stay Limit in number of days.Day use hours are from sunrise to sunset.Castle Creek Site - One night maximum stay limit April 1 - July 31; two night maximum stay limit August 1 - October 31; sixteen day stay limit from November 1 - March 31. Stock containment is prohibited at the Castle River Campsite.(5) MOTOR BOATS - (58(n)) Y - Motor boats allowed, 10 horse power or less. N - Motor boats prohibited.

DISPERSED SITE - A site without developed facilities such as toilets or fire rings.

RM 74.5: Miner Creek Trail #81 - A short two mile hike leads to Scott Lake. In another two miles is Flotilla Lake, an alpine lake with good fishing. At the mouth of Morrison Creek is the site of the original ranger station built around 1906. Few remnants of the original station remain.

RM 77.8: Lodgepole Mountain Trail #337 - The mountain is the site of a former fire lookout. There are stunning views of the Middle Fork drainage and Glacier National Park.

Schafer Meadows Landing Strip, in the Great Bear Wilderness, is the only open airstrip in the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex. Used as a trailhead for wilderness users, it is also the most popular access for floaters on the upper Middle Fork Flathead River. If you access Schafer Meadows by air, please limit your total flights to reduce your impact on other wilderness visitors.

RM 80: Schafer Work Center - The historic Schafer Work Center is a piece of living history built between 1926 and 1928. Here, Forest Service workers still use hand tools to maintain trails and facilities, treat noxious weeds and support fire management. Despite being located on the airstrip, all food and supplies for workers stationed here are delivered by Forest Service packers and pack stock. Stop in at the work center for current river and trail information.

Dolly

Vard

enCr

Cr

Schafer

Porter Cr

Cr

Lake

Bradley Cr

Cr

Brus

hsha

ck

Morrison

Creek

SCHAFERMEADOWS

Thre

e Fo

rks

Serie

s IV

201

154

81214

337

155

327

173

WildhorseMtn

HelmetPoint

Schafer Meadows

Landing Strip

SCHAFER

WILD

UnionMtn

74

72

73

74

75

76

77

78

79

80

81

82

73

73

11

05

17

01

29

20

32

34

32

25

08

35

22

15

27

24

36

01

03

23

26

36

14

04

13

12

24

28

33

10

13

25

21

33

09

06

12

30

18

31

19

31

19

07

18

30

16

113°21'0"W

113°13'30"W 113°12'0"W

48°7

'30"

N

48°6

'0"N

48°6

'0"N

48°4

'30"

N48

°3'0

"N

R 14 W

R 13 W

T 28 N

T 27 N

R 13 W

R 12 W

155

!}

ScottLake

LODGEPOLE

MOUNTAIN

¯

76012317

E

56191713

72572212

11

RM 68: Castle Creek Campsite - The campsite has two distinct camp areas. Each site is limited to one night per party from April 1 to July 30 and two nights from August 1 to October 31. Overnight stock containment is not permitted in these campsites for resource protection. Campfires are not allowed in a fire ring; fires only permitted with the use of a fire pan or blanket.

RM 68.8: Granite Cabin - One of many cabins used by Forest Serviceemployees and volunteers as a place to stay while doing wilderness and river patrols and trail work.

RM 69.3: Granite Creek Trail #156 -The trail provides access to the upper Middle Fork. Kayakers hauling craft to the river, please use caution. This is a main stock trail. Mules and horses are easily spooked by kayaks, paddles, and other gear. When you encounter groups riding or leading livestock, step well off the trail on the downhill side and stand quietly until they pass.

!

Vinegar Creek

CreekLunch

Moose Cr

Dryad

Creek

Creek

Castle

CastleLake

Cy C

reek

Cabin

Cree

k

Twentyfive MileCr

Bradley Cr

Lunc

h C

reek

Serie

s Il

- III

Twentyfive Mile Rapids IV

155

332

260

159

323155

209

155

201

Trinity

Granite Cabin

T 28 N

T 27 N

R 15 W

R 14 W

!!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

#

63

62

63

64

65

66

67

68

69

70

71

72

E

"

MountBradley

156

113°28'30"W113°30'0"W

113°22'30"W 113°21'0"W

48°1

0'30

"N

48°9

'0"N

48°9

'0"N

48°7

'30"

N48

°6'0

"N

¯

11

11

01

02

01

26

13

02

03

35

13

14

14

24

36

03

27

34

34

25

22

35

13

22

12

26

36

23

12

15

27

15

14

10

10

28

04

21

33

15

09

33

04

28

21

16

09

06

31

23

24

22

21

23

29

12

32

76562242

E75892313

Mtn

Granite

CrHungry Horse Ranger District

Spotted Bear Ranger District

22

Big River Trail #155 is the spine of the Middle Fork Trail system. Vinegar Mountain, Dirtyface, and Edna are a few of the secondary trails that lead away from the river further into the Great Bear Wilderness Area.

RM 54-53: Bear Creek River Access & Trailhead -The trailhead is popular for floaters and stock users.

RM 59-57: Spruce Park Series - These rapids are a series of plunge pools with high canyon walls known for its challenging hydraulics.

The Middle Fork has flooded many times, the most notable in 1964. The river washed away Spruce Park Cabin, a Forest Service administrative site. The cabin was rebuilt on higher ground and is used today by Forest Service work crews.

The mountains and river valleys that provide the scenic backdrop for your float took millions of years to create. Two million years ago, tectonic pressure caused buckling, uplifting, volcanic activity and earthquakes, creating the area’s mountain ranges. After the mountain building, stream and glacial erosion carved out many of landforms you see today.

The river’s greenish hue comes from the small amount of iron found within the rock walls surrounding the river corridor.

113°36'0"W113°37'30"W

113°30'0"W 113°28'30"W

48°1

5'0"

N48

°13'

30"N

48°1

2'0"

N

48°1

2'0"

N

48°1

0'30

"N48

°9'0

"N

¯

!}

&

&

&

11

05

15

17

03

36

20

29

22

25

27

15

30

08

32

10

36

35

1004

25

13

27

32

1424

31

14

22

06

01

02

23

23

26

19

12

30

31

07

04

28

16

33

21

09

18

!

!

!

!

!

!!

!

!

!

# 54

42

53

54

55

>>

5657

58

59

60

61

62

RECREATIONALWILD Rapids lllBEAR CREEK

Nimrod

E

31

30

T 29 N

T 28 N

R 16 W

R 15 W

Great Bear Wilderness

Spruce Park

VinegarMtn

152

254

155

62

155

489

158

152

155

166

330

260

260

323

155

Staircase Rapids III - IV

Spruce Park Series IV-V

JavaCreek

EdnaC

r

Vinegar

Creek

Creek

Lunch

Moose

Cr

Spruce

Creek

Creek

Dirtyface

Elk

Cr

//2

71312174

Spruce Park Cabin"

33

RM 49-48: Essex River Access - The river access is rustic with a native surface for launching.

Essex is a small railroad town that supports a busy rail yard. The Izaak Walton Inn was built in 1939 to house rail workers. The inn and Walton Ranger Station were named after Izaak Walton, the 17th century author.

RM 49: Walton Ranger Station - The National Park ranger station features the rustic designs of National Park Service stations built in the 1930s. Built for function and strategically located, the station remains active today.

RM 51: Goat Lick Overlook - Mountain goats and other animals visit the exposed riverbank to lick the mineral-rich cliffs. No camping in the Bear Creek to Essex section; and no stopping within ¼ mile above or below the Goat Lick Overlook for the protection of the mountain goats in the area.

The lower Middle Fork runs between US Highway 2 and the Burlington Northern Railroad for most of its course down the canyon; roads to the tracks are closed to public motor-vehicle use.This stretch of river features open flats and deep canyon walls, providing white water rafting and a native cutthroat trout catch-and-release fishery.

Permits are required for all overnight backcountry camping in Glacier National Park - river right above the high water line. Permits are available at the Backcountry Permit Center in Apgar.

11

14

02

25

15

30

24

36

35

29

26

32

31

13

06

01

22

23

02

36

19

18

20

12

01

35

10

07

03

04

09

33

11

113°36'0"W113°37'30"W113°39'0"W

113°34'30"W 113°33'0"W 113°31'30"W

48°1

9'30

"N

48°1

8'0"

N

48°1

8'0"

N

48°1

6'30

"N

48°1

6'30

"N

48°1

5'0"

N

48°1

5'0"

N

48°1

3'30

"N

¯

!}

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

#

46

44

45

46

47

48

49

50

51

52

53

54

>>

?!?

BearCreek

BEAR CREEKRapids III RECREATIONAL

WILD

Nimrod

!55

T 30 NT 29 N

T 29 NT 28 N

R 16

WR

15 W

T 30 NT 29 N

Goat Lick Overlook

WALTON

Bear

152

254

62

155

489Boundary

Trail

158

Goatlick Rapids III - IV

Staircase Rapids III - IV

Park

Creek

Dickey Creek

CrEssex

McDonaldCr

Cr

Sheep

Java Creek

Gulch

Snowslide

OleCreek

EdnaCr

&

&

&

Great

Wilderness

//2

//2

E

ScalplockMtn69192109

ESSEX

1640

1639

50624

Essex

44

Tips for Catch & Release Fishing: • Use barbless hooks, • Land the fish as carefully and quickly as possible, • Keep the fish in the water, • If you need to handle the fish, use wet hands, • Use forceps and other release tools to avoid disturbing the mucous membrane (slime on the fish) and • Gently hold fish facing upstream to revive, and release.

The lower Middle Fork provides prime Westslope cutthroat trout habitat. The native trout sport dark spots on a light background. Cutthroat are named for the red slashes near their lower jaw. The marks distinguish them from other trout species.

RM 42: Paola River Access - A popular put in and take out for anglers along this stretch of river. Both the creek and access were named after a Burlington Northern Railroad contractor.

Just downstream from the access site, river right, was the former Glacier National Park Paola Creek Ranger Station. The station was active from 1913 to 1932.

!

CrStanton

Paola

Creek

Pinnacle

Cre

ek

Pinnacle

TunnelCree

k

Muir Creek

CreekDisbrow

Hid

den

Creek

PAOLA

Browns HoleRapids III - IV

146

NO

RTH

ERN

BUR

LING

TON

339

117

Pinnacle

T 30 NT 29 N

T 31 NT 30 N

R 17

WR

16 W

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

34

35

36

3738

39

40

41

42

43

44

StantonLake

TunnelNo. 2

TunnelNo. 3

!}

//2

&

&

17

29

20

27

15

13

22

32

34

32

28

08

16

21

09

33

36

26

12

35

18

19

07

31

04

11

05

06

01

02

113°40'30"W113°42'0"W113°43'30"W

113°37'30"W 113°36'0"W

48°2

4'0"

N

48°2

2'30

"N

48°2

2'30

"N

48°2

1'0"

N

48°2

1'0"

N

48°1

9'30

"N48

°18'

0"N

¯

5

11128

11124

1638

1637

11124

RM 26: Loneman Lookout - Notice the lookout, river right on top of Loneman Mountain. Built in 1930 as part of a network of fire lookouts, it is no longer in use today.

One of the original railroad stations was located in this area. The Delaware Indian word “Nyack” means corner or point. Historians speculate that Delaware Indians accompanied trappers and mountain men into the Rocky Mountain region.

For decades researchers from the University of Montana, Flathead Lake Biological Station have conducted world renowned water quality research in this area. Please do not disturb research devices.

River right, notice the patchwork patterns that the 2003 Rampage Fire left behind. The fire created a mix of burned and unburned mosaic areas on the landscape.

RM 29-22: Nyack Flats - Braided channels and numerous log jams characterize this stretch of river. The water depth can change from year to year in the different channels. Grizzly bears regularly swim across this open section of river. In the spring, bears eat the first green plants found growing along the river’s gravel bars.

RM 31: Cascadilla River Access - Keep your eyes open for the ramp. Campfires are not allowed in the parking lot or on the gravel bars below the high water mark.

Creek

HalfmoonLake

Great Bear Cr

Skiumah

Cr

CrCascade

CrRescue

Wah

oo C

r

Cascadilla Cr

Crystal Cr

CrStanton

Coal Cr

Nyack Cr

CASCADILLA

145

Boundary

Trail

328

326

204

75

146

BUR

LIN

GTO

N

NO

RTH

ERN

//2

//2

R 18 W

R 17 W

T 32 NT 31 N

T 31 NT 30 N

R 17 W

R 16 W

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

15

25

26

27

28

29

30

31

32

33

Nya

ck

Fla

ts

Log

J

ams

Deerlick

Creek

StantonLake

!}

498

499A

499

&

&

! 34

17

20

12

21 15

05

09

33

34

22

35

36

27

18

24

13

26

29

23

28 14

07

25

06

19

16

32

11

03

02

113°49'30"W113°51'0"W

113°43'30"W 113°42'0"W

48°2

8'30

"N

48°2

7'0"

N

48°2

7'0"

N

48°2

5'30

"N

48°2

5'30

"N

48°2

4'0"

N

¯

Nyack

LonemanMtn

6

243

9802

10151

11119

10151

RM 16.5: Belton Bridge - The original access to Glacier National Park was over this historic bridge. During the 1964 flood the bridge was completely covered with water. The flood washed away the structure, but the concrete arch remained. The bridge was temporarily resurfaced and used until the destroyed West Glacier bridge was rebuilt. Today the bridge is open to foot, bicycle and horse traffic.

RM 19.5-16.5: Whitewater - This section is acombination of deep canyons, steep walls, large rock features, amazing glacier-green water and powerful hydraulics especially at high flows. The series is a combination of plunge pools, channel dividing boulders, standing waves, and deep holes. The river drops over 60 feet of elevation through this section. Be aware of newly accumulated runoff debris (root wads and logs). If you are not familiar with this series, scout first.

RM 24-23: Moccasin Creek Access - Located on Moccasin Creek, this is the most popular launch on the lower Middle Fork. It is the closest launch to the major white water section of the river. There is no take-out. You will encounter the highest volume of commercially guided public enjoying the waves.

belton bridge - 1964 flood

belton bridge - present

9

3

2

4

1

5

6

11

29

36

28

30

27

35

26

25

12

10

36

14

33

32

17

13

31

34

18

21

20

19

35

7

!

!

!

!

!!

!

Moccasin Creek

PyramidCreek

Ousel Creek

Creek

Kootenai

LincolnCr

MOCCASIN CREEK(no takeout)

Jaws IV

Pin Ball IVCBTRapids III

Bonecrusher III

Tunnel Rapids III

Pumphouse II

Repeater Rapids IIThe Notch III

Big Squeeze III

Washboard II

dary

Trail

Boun

145

331

10367

R 19 W

R 18 W

T 32 N

T 31 N

R 18 W

R 17 W

à !!?

!

!

!

!!

!

!

!

!

!

16

1718

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

WestGlacier

Park HeadquartersN

yack Flats Log JamsDeerlick

Creek

!}

&

&

&

//2

//2

OuzelPeak 7157

2182

E

Tunnel

BELTON HILLS

àBelton Bridge

113°57'0"W113°58'30"W

113°51'0"W 113°49'30"W

48°3

1'30

"N48

°30'

0"N

48°2

8'30

"N48

°27'

0"N

¯

7

BLANKENSHIP RIVER ACCESS BELOW BLANKENSHIP BRIDGE

RM 9.5: Blankenship Bridge River Access - The bridge is located below the confluence of the North Fork and Middle Fork. On river left this site is managed by Flathead County. The area below the bridge, river right, is managed by Flathead National Forest. Overnight use is limited to three nights, overnight users must be self contained for solid human waste and firepans or blankets arerecommended.

RM 10-9: North Fork of the Flathead River -The North Fork enters from the north, river right.

As the river level drops later in the summer, the gravel bar becomes quite large.

Fires in 1929 burned a large portion of this area. Dead trees were removed and facilities rebuilt by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. In 2003, the Robert Fire burned through this same area.

RM 16.5: West Glacier River Access - Overnight camping and fires are not allowed. Private property adjoins this area. Please respecttheir rights.

21

21

28

10

02

27

33

28

15

04

0332

34

09

05

16

20

16

22

08

17

18

07

19

35

26

23

24

25

HalfmoonLake

Lake Five

Lake West

McD

onaldC

reek

WEST GLACIER

Devil's Elbow III

GLA

ROUTEO

NE

CIER

BURL

ING

TON

NORTHERN

42

GolfCourse

APGARLOOKOUT

T 31 N

T 32 N

R 19 W

6

98

7

BLANKENSHIP BRIDGE

à

!!?

!

!

!

!

!!

11

10

13

1415

16 !}

!}

Rapids ll

!

!

!

12

à

&

&

&

//2

//2!

!

ParkHeadquarters

See North Fork

Map 6

52361596

APGAR

MO

UN

TAINSWest

Glacier

114°4'30"W114°3'0"W

114°1'30"W114°0'0"W113°58'30"W

48°2

5'30

"N

48°2

7'0"

N

48°2

7'0"

N

48°2

8'30

"N

48°2

8'30

"N

48°3

0'0"

N

48°3

0'0"

N

48°3

1'30

"N11

4°3'

0"W

114°

0'0"

W

48°31'30"N

¯

8

Teakettle River Access - A Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks site located river right below the Teakettle Bridge. A part of the “Oakes” steamboat is on display at the site.

House of Mystery River Access - This day-use site is located just outside the canyon. The up canyon winds challenge boaters to crest the white caps. Overnight camping is not allowed.

Berne Memorial Park, located in Badrock Canyon, is marked by a plaque along US Highway 2 above the rock outcropping, on river left. Mike Berne homesteaded lands in the North Fork and his brother homesteaded the west end of Bad Rock Canyon. He was best known for helping to build the “Oakes”, a 75-foot steamboat for use on the North Fork of the Flathead. The 1892 maiden voyage ended near the mouth of Canyon Creek on the North Fork. There the steamboat ran aground. Parts of the “Oakes” were found all along the lower reaches of the Main Flathead.

RM 0: South Fork of the Flathead River - The South Fork flows into and joins the Middle Fork from the south. All three river forks are now joined and form the main stem of the Flathead River.

This last stretch of river offers some of the valley’s finest trout fisheries. As summer temperatures rise, and fish become more stressed, limit the play on your ‘catch’.

The river runs through several stretches of private land. The Flathead National Forest purchased Wild and Scenic River easements to protect and preserve the river’s natural course, visual integrity, and water quality. Please respect private land to ensure continued access to Montana rivers.

!

!

!

11

14

02

35

21

05

10

04

33

12

03

25

09

15

08

32

36

16

34

01

20

29

04

05

31

30

07

06

22

T 30

NT

31 N

R 20 WR 19 W

Cedar

Cr

Flathead

TEAKETTLEAb

bot C

r

HOUSE OFMYSTERY

Rapids II

Rapids II

Rapids II

NO

RTH

FORK

ROAD

¬«206

//2

//2

&

&

&

Columbia Falls

ColumbiaMtn

Badrock

Can

yon

Berne MemorialPark

RECREATIONAL

Hungry HorseRanger Station

MartinCity Coram

Hungry Horse

Columbia Falls

!

!

!

!

!

>

!?

1

2

3

45

!}

River

SouthFork

51

!

0

!1

See South ForkMap 8

!}

9

114°12'0"W114°10'30"W

114°3'0"W114°1'30"W

48°2

2'30

"N48

°21'

0"N

48°2

4'0"

N48

°25'

30"N

114°

12'0

"W11

4°9'

0"W

114°

7'30

"W

114°

7'30

"W

114°

6'0"

W

114°

4'30

"W

114°

3'0"

W11

4°1'

30"W

48°22'30"N

¯