Rafting in the Ice Age
By Mike Marino

Whitewater rafting and kayaking in Montana's Glacier National Park is pure adrenalin pumping action. The rivers rage when the snow melt begins to flow, but, an added bonus is the fuel injected rush from the early summer melt of the 7,000 year old Alpine glaciers left over from the ice age. Now that's a rush!! The rivers swell for some of best action around in a wilderness setting that would make Jack London green with envy. Yet, there are also calm, placid crystal clear glacial lakes for peaceful canoeing, paddle boarding and wind powered pleasure., and you won't run into any giant ice age woolly mastodons or man eating saber tooth tigers.

Glacier National Parks Flathead River system is a fragile Eco-system of clear mountain rivers and vast tracts of mountain wilderness. The best rafting opportunities are from Mid -May through September, but early June is where the real river action kicks into full tilt boogie gear when the rapids go rapidly anywhere from Class II to Class IV. During the heat of late summer as the water levels lower, the rapids slow to a steady Class II pace.

Spring and early summer finds the Middle Fork section of the river peaking with Class III rapids. Then there is the North Fork. It begins it's journey southward from our neighbors in Canada, taking rafters on a 60 mile whitewater journey through unparalleled wilderness beauty surrounded by majestic mountain scenery.

The Upper Middle Fork of the Flathead River is a rustic rendezvous with nature and is only accessible by air, horseback or on foot. It's a true protected treasure and part of the nations Wild and Scenic River System without dams to impede it's flow. It's known as "Montana's Mightiest River" originating in the Bob Marshall Wilderness region and forms the southern border of Glacier National Park. Spring and early summer sees this section of river at it's peak with Class III rapids. In 1978, the Great Bear Wilderness Area was established as a corridor linking the Bob Marshall Wilderness and Glacier National Park comprising a total of 3 million acres. Flowing for nearly 50 miles through the heart of this rugged and beautiful landscape, the Upper Middle Fork of the Flathead River carves its way through the glacial valleys and lush forests of Northwest Montana. Known as Montana's mightiest river, this upper section of the river is one of the most protected rivers in the United States.

You can also turn up the adrenalin amps by combining your outdoor adventures with raft trips that include backpacking and horseback riding. You can cowboy up by beginning your morning with a two hour horseback ride, then hit the rapids for a half day rafting adventure with lunch included. For a true outdoor experience try the hike and raft program that includes overnight camping along the river. Campfires blazing at night with a sky full of stars to add to the camaraderie of you and your companions after a day of challenging action through some of the most spectacular scenery in the country. It's a surreal setting as you relax nestled in the forest surrounded by mountains and glaciers and the warmth of a fire and friends.

Kayaking and canoeing opportunities are abundant, on the many lakes. including Lake McDonald the largest lake in the park. If traveling on Swiftcurrent Lake take along your camping and backpacking gear as it provides access to the many trail heads that will lead you on a climb to see Grinnell Glacier. There is also a hotel located on the lake that can be your base of operations with a launch site located on the beach. The lakes offer a placid excursion but if you're looking for a real rush, kayak the Flathead River for kayaking Class II and IV rapids on some sections outside of the park.

If canoeing or kayaking on McDonald Lake beware of the winds. They can pick up and kick up the waves to a height of six feet and always at any time of the year in the park be alert for the symptoms of hypothermia on all the lakes and rivers as they are extremely cold. These are glacial waters after all you are challenging to a duel. You can rent a kayak or canoe for a nominal fee, and if you use your own craft, be it a canoe, kayak, raft, or wind propelled boat or board there are no fees nor does it have to be registered with the state of Montana during your visit.

Many lodging options exist available from the simple knotty pine forest cabin to luxury lodges. Many of the lodges have cabins in addition to comfortable rooms, and most of the cabins come with a campfire pit. The park also has some camp stores for gear and groceries Less expensive lodging options, restaurants and some nightlife is available in nearby Kalispell and Whitefish located just a few miles from the park. If camping is in your blood, there are 13 campgrounds with over 1,000 rustic sites to pitch a tent.

For information on rafting adventures contact The Glacier Raft Company at www.glacierraftco.com, or for the big picture go keyboard kayaking to the website of Glacier National Park at http://www.nps.gov/glac/index.htm

Glacier National Park is more than rapids and raging rivers. It's also a hikers and bikers paradise with 740 miles of trails for hikers, backpackers, horseback riding and mountain bikes. In winter it becomes a snowshoe and cross country ski winter wonderland. No matter what season of the year you go, Glacier National Park is pure adventure with attitude for the outdoor enthusiast who craves a little Ice Age excitement riding the rapids of ancient glaciers from the forgotten past.