Flathead, North Fork
1. Canadian Border to Blankenship Bridge
I first wrote about this stretch and the rapids. First to mention the 'pour over' that should be named the 'Ledge' it is changed somewhat this season. The river forces you to go right above the ledge as the gravel bar stretches that way. Alert floaters will move back left as soon as they can. It is not very visible from upriver. It as runnable (at 2000 CFS) if you pick a soft spot and keep your boat straight. It was just run by a friend in a whitewater canoe.
The polebridge takeout has changed configuration with the flow into the takeout. The takeout is very difficult at this time with this flow. Many people in oar'd rafts are missing the take out and some are flipping. Small crafts do much better. Missing will require a moderately hard portage. Scout the take out before putting on. Also, launching here in a raft (>14') is a challenge.
Mar 4, 2026
The Flathead National Forest has released their Draft Comprehensive River Management Plan for the Wild and Scenic forks of the Flathead River, and is now seeking public comment. Little has […]
Aug 23, 2019
Wild and Scenic Rivers get the benefit of a Comprehensive River Management Plan that ensures the managing agency protects the rivers’ special values on behalf of the public. These plans […]
Oct 10, 2017
We are saddened to report the passing of Oz Hawksley last month at the age of 97. One of American Whitewater’s original co-founders and co-chair of our organization’s first Conservation […]
Mar 10, 2010
After several years of international diplomacy, last month the Governor of Montana and the Premier of British Columbia signed an agreement permanently halting proposed mining and petroleum extraction in the […]
