Glacier National Park's Lake McDonald.

Glacier National Park is one of Montana’s top tourism destination spots. Here you’ll find some of the best sightseeing, wildlife watching, hiking, fly fishing, camping and rafting Montana has to offer. Below you can find some of the basic info you’ll need for visiting Glacier National Park, a Montana vacation must-see. We also have info on Montana hotels.

Glacier Basics:

Glacier National Park was created by president Taft in 1910. It encompasses more than 1,500 square miles, and has 700 miles of hiking trails. It is home more than 60 mammal species, including grizzly bears, elk, moose and the rare mongoose.

Phone: (406) 888-7800

The Glacier National Park entrance fee is $25 per vehicle in the summer, $15 Nov. – April. On foot or bicycle, entrance is $12 in the summer, $10 Nov. – April.

Glacier Travel:

Enter Glacier National Park by road on the northwest side in Polegbridge, the Southwest side in West Glacier, the Southeast side from East Glacier Park (this is known as the Two-Medicine area) the West central side from St. Mary, and the Northwest side from Babb (this is the Many Glacier area). The two most popular entrance points are West Glacier and St. Mary, as these entrances take you to the popular, not-to-miss Going-to-the-Sun Road.

Free Glacier Shuttle: Since 2007 Glacier National Park has offered a free shuttle service that starts on either end of Going-to-the-Sun Road and offers many convenient stops along the way. The road offers spectacular views of Glacier, and oftentimes you’ll see great wildlife along the way, so the free shuttle is a great way to get the most out of your Sun Road experience, while helping to cut park traffic and emissions. Buses run from July 1 to Labor Day, from 6:45 am to 11:45 pm.

Glacier National Park Backcountry Info:

Want to do some backcountry camping in Glacier National Park? You’ll need to check in with Glacier rangers, watch a video on bear safety, and pay a couple fees. Don’t worry, when you get out into the heart of Glacier’s beauty, you’ll think the hassle was totally worth it.

Glacier Backcountry Info and Reservations Phone: (406) 888-7857

Glacier Backcountry Fees: $5 per person/per night, $2.50 for kids age 8 to 15.

Glacier Backcountry Campground Reservations: For any of the more popular backcountry camping trips, you’ll want to make reservations in advance, as only a certain amount of campers are allowed at each site. Reservations can be made beginning April 16 by calling (406) 888-7857. There is a $30 reservation fee.

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Glacier country, the northwestern portion of Montana, is great for vacations, partly because of all the rivers here that allow for excellent Montana fishing, rafting and other activities. The water here, whether it is flowing through Glacier National Park, or the miles of state forest in this part of Montana, is clean and pristine, just what you’d expect from Montana. Below you’ll find info on the main rivers in this part of the state. Access these areas from Kalispell, Whitefish, or Columbia Falls.

Visit Montana's amazing pristine rivers in Glacier Country.

Flathead River

The Flathead River is a pristine glacial river with three different branches: the North, South, and Middle Forks. These rivers combine to form the Flathead River. Originating from glacial run-off, the rivers run extremely cold, especially the South and Middle Forks.

North Fork of the Flathead River

The North Fork gets its start just north of Glacier National Park, in Canada, then flows southward along the western border of the park, right past the town of Polebridge. This medium size river is clear and cold, great for floating and fly fishing. There are special regulations that apply to this river, so check in with local authorities.

South Fork of Flathead River

Originating from deep in the Bob Marshall Wilderness, Glacier National Park’s twin to the south, the South Fork of the Flathead River is one of the most pristine rivers in Montana. Because it starts so deep in the wilderness, 40 miles to be exact, you’ll need to backpack, fly or ride in by horseback. Guides for fishing or rafting this river are recommended.

Middle Fork of Flathead River

This river also originates in the Bob Marshall (Great Bear section) Wilderness flowing approximately 60 miles northwest. When it exits the wilderness it forms the southwest boundary of Glacier National Park. What better place for a river to be?

Rafting here can be very exciting. The Middle Fork is one of the most challenging, and sometimes dangerous of the Flathead’s three forks with rapids classified from 3 to 5. Guides are highly recommenced here due to tight turns, crashing and tumbling white water, and several dangerous chutes. Although it may seem too much to bother with, it is one of the most popular of the three forks for both fisherman and adventure seekers. The Middle Fork like the North Fork — is very beautiful and runs clear with outstanding scenery. Special Regulations and Wilderness Regulations apply to this river.

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Spend part of your Montana Vacation in Glacier’s winter wonder land

One of the best times of year to see Glacier National Park is in the winter. The park is very quiet this time of year, and affords chances to see some wildlife that are otherwise fairly reclusive. Nearby, you’ll find plenty of great Glacier National Park hotels to get cozy after a day in the park.

The Glacier Outdoor center offers winter trips into Glacier National Park.

You’ll find the landscape of Glacier to be magical this time of year, with frozen waterfalls, majestic white peaks, and excellent snow. Some of the most popular winter activities here are cross-country skiing, backcountry down hill skiing and snowboarding and snowshoeing.

Weather in Glacier National Park is always a little unpredictable, and especially so in the winter. For this reason, and because the park is just so big, we highly advise starting your winter visit to Glacier National Park with a guided tour. Below are a few companies that can help you out.

Glacier Park Ski Tours: From late November through May 1st, Glacier Park Ski Tours open to putting together ski or snowshoe tours customized for the interests and skill level of your group. Day trips and multi-day trips (sleeping igloos or snowcaves!) are available. All guides are certified members of the professional ski instructors association, Nordic ski patrol or both, and are skilled in winter mountaineering, avalanche safety and fist aid. Call 877-735-9514.

Glacier Outdoor Center: Check out interpretive half day or full day tour of Glacier National Park. Their guides will take you to best of the mountains and vistas of Glacier Park’s peaks and share their accumulated knowledge about the region. Glacier Outdoor Center’s Guides are highly trained, and are active patrolers with the Flathead Nordic Ski Patrol and Professional Ski Instructors Association. Call 800-235-6781.

Winter Signs Snowshoe Program: The popular “Winter Signs” snowshoe program is offered twice daily on Saturdays and Sundays in Glacier National Park. These tours are free to the public. They are two-hour, ranger-led snowshoe excursions into Glacier National Park that show how the park’s wildlife survive the cold and harsh months of winter. Excursions begin at 10:30 a.m. and at 1:30 p.m. each weekend day. Call 406-888-7939 for more info.

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Glacier National Park Celebrates 100 years

Glacier National Park was welcomed in to the National Park System back on May 11, 1910 and since then has become on of the country’s most popular parks, and a major Montana vacation destination.

Run wild at Glacier National Park's centennial.

Plans for a huge celebration of Glacier National Park have been made, and it’s sure to make a visit to Glacier this year even more fun and exciting than usual. Nearby, you’ll find plenty of hotels and lodging in the nearby towns of Whitefish and Kalispell to base yourself in during the festivities. Here are a few of the many great events they’ll be having:

• Whitefish Winter Carnival: February 5 to 7. This year the theme at Whitefish, Montana‘s will be “Going-to-the-Sun” in comemoration of the famous road that wends its way through the park. There will be many activities, including skijoring competitions, a “polar plunge” in Whitefish Lake, a disco party and a huge parade with lots of costumed characters. Carnival events continue throughout February.
• Glacier National Park Rededication: Join in the rededication of Glacier National Park on its 100th anniversary. The event kicks with a speech by the Park Superintendent Chas Cartwright. There will also be live music and tours of Glacier’s historic points. May 11 from 10 am to 4 pm at the Glacier Community Center. Ask at any entrance for directions.
• Glacier Centennial Plein Air Paint Out:  Watch plein air artists work live painting the beauty of Glacier National Park. Artists will be painting for three days within the park, at various locations from June 22 to June 24. Maps available at park entrances or ranger stations. Reception held afterward at the Hockaday Mueseum in Kalispell, Montana.
• Centennial Poetry Reading at the Belton: Live poetry all day. See it on June 25 at the Belton Chalet, just across from the entrance to West Glacier.
• Glacier Centennial Symphony: Come check out the the Glacier Symphony summer pops concert at the Rebecca Farm at 1385 Farm to Market Road Kalispell from 6 to 10 pm on July 10.
• Centennial Heritage Days: Columbia Falls (just a few miles from West Glacier) does its traditional summer celebration, with centennial theme this year. There’ll be races, a parade and dancing in the streets (literally) from July 22 to 25, all day long.
• Centennial Hootenanny: Music lovers, come celebrate the centennial with 10 different folk/ singing groups will perform from 8 am to 4 pm on July 30, August 2 and 3 from 5 to 8 pm.
• Centennial Huckleberry Days: Come to Whitefish and celebrate the amazing local huckleberry, similar to a blueberry, but with more zing. The celebration is all about trying this delicious berry in as many ways as possible, whether that be ice cream, beer or anything in between. All day August 13 to 15 in downtown Whitefish.

Come back for updates as we get more info on Glacier National Park centennial events!

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Boating information in Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park has many places to go boating that offer a wide that offer unique opportunities. If you need a boat launch ramp, you’ll find them on St. Mary and Two Medicine Lakes on Glacier National Park’s east side and at Bowman and McDonald Lakes the park’s west side.

Lake McDonald, a boater's dream (NPS staff photo).

If you didn’t bring your own boat, no worries. Glacier National Park boat rentals are available at Many Glacier, Apgar, Lake McDonald Lodge, Rising Sun, and Two Medicine.

For the many smaller lakes that dot Glacier National Park, you can bring your own canoes and rafts. Also, the Flathead River on the the south and west sides of Glacier have opportunities for white water rafting.

You’ve been warned

Rivers and lakes in this Glacier National Park freezing cold much of the year. Anyone entering the water in Glacier National Park should know that there is a risk of hypothermia year round.

Boat Registration

All sail and motor boats 12 feet or longer in Glacier National Park have to be numbered and registered by State of Montana regulations. Boats from other states or countries may be used on a temporary basis without Montana registration. Canoes and other human-propelled watercraft are exempt.

Be here. St. Mary's Lake in Glacier. (NPS staff photo).

• Stay to the right in Glacier channels (when safe, use common sense).
• When approaching other vessels in Glacier head-on, stay to the right.
• Motor boats must stay clear of vessels propelled by oars, paddles, or sails.
• Yield right-of-way to vessels on to your right in crossing situations.
• Give right-of-way to vessels that you pass.

Where boats are permitted in Glacier National Park

Human-propelled vessels (canoes, kayaks, etc.) are allowed on all Glacier National Park water bodies, with the exception of a section of Upper McDonald Creek. This area of Upper McDonald Creek between Mineral Creek and Lake McDonald is closed to all watercraft for the protection of nesting Harlequin ducks.

Private motorboats are only allowed in the following areas: Lake McDonald, Sherburne Lake, St. Mary Lake, Two Medicine Lake, and the Waterton Lakes (no boat launch ramps exist on Sherburne Lake; only hand carried motor vessels are allowed).

Motorboats and motor vessels are allowed on Bowman and Two Medicine Lakes but are limited to ten (10) horsepower or less.

Shoreline Closures

Boating may be restricted in any area for safety or the protection of sensitive wildlife habitat. Signing and/or marker bouys will be placed to designate closures.

For the safety of the general public using beaches for swimming and other similar activities, the segments of the south shoreline of Lake McDonald described below are closed to the beaching of any motorized watercraft.

The section of shoreline beginning at the outlet of the lake and extending eastward approximately 60 yards west of the existing concession boat docking facility. The section of shoreline beginning at the Apgar Amphitheater and extending eastward to the point the shoreline meets the Going-to-the-Sun Road. Furthermore, motorized watercraft are prohibited within an area extending into the water 300 feet perpendicular to the shoreline.

Required Gear

• All people aboard a water vessel must have a wearable personal floatation device, Type I, II, III, or V.
• Throwable (Type IV) floatation devices, such as a cushions, are no longer allowed as a substitute.
• A flame arrestor (approved by the USCG) must be on each carburetor on inboard gasoline engines.
• You must have fire extinguishers (B-1 type) or a fixed fire extinguisher system for all outboard engines with enclosed fuel compartments and all inboard engines.
• A horn or other sound producing device for is required for motorboats 16 feet or longer.
• Navigation lights for motorboats and sailboats must be used between sunset and sunrise.

Absolutely prohibited in Glacier National Park:

• Reckless or negligent boat handling that endangers or is likely to endanger the lives of others.
• Boat handling by anyone under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Overloading vessels.
• Installation of any obstruction in the water.
• “Airboats”
• “Para-sailing”
• Use of personal watercraft on any park waters.
• Operating a vessel in excess of 5 mph within 100 feet of a diver’s marker, downed water skier, or swimmer.
• Depositing trash, toilet waste, or debris of any kind in the water.
• Riding on transom, gunwales, or foredeck while boat is going more than 5 mph.
• Swimming from boat while underway.
• Interference with other vessels or with proper and free waterway navigation.
• Leaving a boat unattended for more than 24 hours without authority from the superintendent or his/her authorized representative.
• Using trailers to recover or launch vessels anywhere other than at a designated boat launch.
• Jet skis are currently prohibited.

In Case of Accidents

Any boating accident in Glacier National Park resulting in property damage, personal injury or death must be reported, by all boat operators involved, to a Glacier National Park ranger no later than 24 hours after the incident. Boaters should render assistance to all persons needing help.

Reports

Supply in writing the boat operator(s) address and name of the along with the identification information for the boat to any person injured or to the owner of any property damaged.

Water Skiing

Water skiing is permitted only on Lake McDonald and St. Mary Lake from sunrise to sunset.

While water skiing in Glacier National Park, you must have at least two competent persons in the towing boat, one of whom (other than the operator) constantly observing the person being towed.

Each person being towed must wear a lifesaving device. If device being worn is not approved by the USCG, an approved device must be readily available in towing boat. Anyone water skiing must wear personal floatation device – ski belts are not USCG approved and are no longer acceptable.

Towing skiers is prohibited within 100 feet of any person swimming or diving.

Noise

Federal regulation prohibits the use of watercraft that exceed 82 decibels of sound within Glacier National Park. Anyone operating high-powered vessels should check their engine decibel levels to be sure they are in compliance, as this rule is strictly enforced.

General Regulation

National Park Service boating regulations will be found in Title 36, Part 3, of the Code of Federal Regulations and are available at park headquarters and staffed ranger stations.

It is your responsibility to know and obey the U.S. Coast Guard and State of Montana regulations for boat operation & safety.

Park rangers may inspect or board any boat for the purpose of examining documents, licenses, and/or other permits relating to the operation of the boat and to inspect the boat to determine compliance with regulations.

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Find the best camping vacations in Glacier National Park

If you’re looking to do some camping on your Montana vacation, Glacier National Park offers some of the best possible. This is perhaps one of the most beautiful parks in the world, with majestic, glacier-carved peaks, brilliant blue lakes, and bright shining glaciers.

Camping in Glacier gives you a chance to live full time in the park for a bit, and enjoy the quiet of night, see amazing stars, roast some marshmallows, and do some picnicking in a relaxing natural environment. All campground are regulated by the National Park Service. Campers should check in with a ranger before pounding any stakes.

Below are some of our picks for favorite campgrounds around Glacier. When you’re done, head to nearby towns such as Whitefish for a cozy Montana hotel or lodge.

Avalanche Campground: Situated in one of the most popular sections of Glacier National Park in an old growth forest of cedar and hemlock trees, that keep the area cool during the summer months, and give it a magical sort of feeling. The campground allows both tent and RV campers, however only 50 sites can accommodate vehicle lengths up to 26 feet. Drinking water is available, as are restrooms. You’ll find a couple of popular day hikes leaving from the campground, and evening programs at the Avalanche Amphitheater. Sites are on a first-come, first-serve basis, stays limited to 7 days.

Bowman Lake campground:

View from the Bowman Lake campground.

In the North Fork area of Glacier National Park about 32 miles from the west entrance. The campground is located close to the lake shore with camp sites are in the trees for shade. It’s a great place for peace, quiet and fishing, but be sure to bring some bug repellent (all those trout have to be eating something). Drinkable water is available through spigots on site, with pit toilets nearby. There is a picnic area here, and plenty of opportunities for day hiking, canoeing and kayaking. Motorized boats are allowed here, but are limited to 10 horsepower or less. Sites are on a first-come, first-serve basis. Stays limited to 7 days.

Many Glacier Campground: This is one of Glacier’s most popular campgrounds for a reason: it has access to many of the park’s best hikes, and is located in one of the areas with the best wildlife viewing. The campground nestled in the trees for tent and RV campers. Drinking water is accessible as are restroom facilities with flush toilets and sinks with running water. Besides all the hiking opportunities, Glaciers rangers nightly programs here. Please a ranger activity schedule for more info. Stays limited to 7 days. Camp sites are first come, first serve, and due to the popularity of this campground, it is suggested you arrive early.

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Missoula offers access to some of Montana’s finest rivers and guides

Missoula, Montana is a great city, that offers many opportunities for adventure and outdoors activities, as well as a terrific selection of restaurants, hotels and lodging. Missoula sits in the middle of several of Montana’s great rivers, that offer opportunities for fly fishing and rafting.

Take an unforgettable Montana rafting vacation in Missoula.

Here are a few of the rivers you may want to raft, followed by info on some local guides that can ensure you get the most out of a Montana rafting trip.

Rafting the Blackfoot River: This is a classic river for rafting trips near Missoula, Montana. In late May and June, when the waters peak, the Blackfoot features big class II and III whitewater. Moving toward summer, the Blackfoot’s rocks poke their head up turning the river into a class II whitewater run. This is also a well-known trout fishing river, and was the river in the film A River Runs Through It.

Rafting the Bitterroot River: The Bitterrroot is a more mellow river, that offers great Montana fishing and the opportunity to see incredible wildlife, including deer, elk, moose and bears. It’s also great for bird watching, with eagles, hawks and mergansers present. The fly fishing here is also top-notch.

Rafting the Clark Fork River: The Clark Fork, with its famous Alberton Gorge, offers terrific class II, III and even powerful class IV rafting, with a powerful volume of water pushing through it, and plenty of exciting and challenging rapids. Also a great place for seeing Montana’s scenic beauty, wildlife, trout fishing and bird watching.

• Bearpaw River Expeditions: Provides guided rafting trips on Montana’s Blackfoot, Clark Fork and Bitterroot Rivers. All Bearpaw guests get all the gear necessary to keep warm, comfortable and safe, so your trip will be enjoyable. Trips include hot, invigorating meals. Single and multi-day trips available. Call 406-543-0988.
• Montana River Guides : This Montana company offers opportunities for guided whitewater rafting, scenic raft trips and even riverboarding around Missoula. Montana River Guides offers a variety of daily departure tims, at 9 am, 2 pm, 4 pm and 6 pm. Ride Class II, III and IV rapids, see absolutely stunning canyon scenery and wildlife, including eagles, osprey, kingfishers, moose, deer, bear and mountain lions. Call 406-777-4837.
• 10,000 Waves-Raft & Kayak Adventures: This Missoula, Montana company offers relaxing scenic and wild whitewater rafting, kayak adventures, instruction and a guide school on Montana’s most famous rivers. Take trips ranging from a half day to five days. Call 406-549-6670.

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Experience Montana’s Glacier National Park on horse back

Perhaps one of the most unique and best ways to see the vast paradise that is Glacier National Park and the excellent wilderness areas that surround it is on horseback. Travel over vast terrain, visit hard to reach places, see amazing views, and enjoy yourself while exploring Montana on horseback. Here are a few outfitters we would recommend in the area around Glacier National Park for your Montana vacation.

• Swan Mountain Outfitters:
  

  Swan Mountain Outfitters provides the unique opportunity to see Glacier by horse.

  Is the officially sanctioned provider of trail rides in Glacier National Park, operationg out of three corrals in the Apgar, Lake McDonald and Many Glacier regions. Guests can choose rides ranging from an hour up to full day. They also provide ride/pack services to Sperry and Granite Chalets. Reservations recommended, call (406) 888-5010.

• Glacier Gateway Trailrides: Glacier Gateway provides guided horseback tours on the western border of Glacier National Park, in the heart of Blackfoot Country. Native American guides will guide along excellent trails through spectacular mountains. See wildlife such as bear, moose, elk and deer. Get away from cars, trucks, buses and the stress of modern transportation with an awesome Glacier country horse back ride. Call (406) 338-5560.
• Flying Eagle Ranch: Get off the beaten path with a professionally guided horseback ride into the Flathead National Forest. This amazing National Forest features landscapes, wildlife, and outdoor opportunities like it’s neighbor, Glacier National Park, but with far fewer people. Flying Eagle offers 1-hour, 2-hour, half-day and full-day trail rides.
• High Country Trails:
  

  A High Country Trails tour with Flathead Lake in the background.

  This horseback riding vacation company offers tours of the scenic Flathead Valley, ringed by the peaks of Glacier National Park, the Jewel Basin Wilderness, graced with the amazing Flathead Lake. Trail rides range from one and 1/2 hours to all day on a private 800-acre family ranch. The ranch has amazing wildlife, wildflowers, and inspiring views all around Flathead Valley. Some highlights include a two-hour tour of the ranch with saddlebag lunch or evening rides with an old west steak cookout. Take private or group lessons pro. Call 406-755-1283.

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Our guide to fishing Montana in and around Glacier National Park

On your Montana vacation, among the many not to miss activities you’ll want to try is fishing Montana. Montana contains some of the best trout fishing in the country, and Glacier National Park provides an awesome backdrop to some of the greatest trout fishing Montana offers, whether you enjoy fly fishing or spincast.

Montana offers excellent fly fishing opportunities.

Nearby, you’ll find the best in hotels Montana offers, as well as vacation rentals and Montana lodges.

Here’s our top five fishing spots in and around Glacier National Park.

1. The North Fork of the Flathead River: Besides being one of the most pristine places in Montana, with some of the best chances for seeing wildlife, this river has a strong population of Montana trout, including lake, cutthroat and rainbow trout.
2. Elizabeth Lake: Beautiful lake below Ptarmigan Tunnel, also accessible from the Chief Mountain ranger station. Awesome for rainbow trout fishing, it also contains one of the few remaining fishable populations of arctic grayling in the state.
3. Middle Fork of the Flathead River: The Middle Fork has great views of the south eastern and south side of Glacier National Park, and excellent fishing for westslope cutthroat trout.
4. Logging Lake: Logging Lake, on the North Fork side of the park, offers easy fishing for cutthroat trout, and some excellent views of this secluded side of Glacier National Park.
5. Two Medicine Lake: Fishing in Two Medicine Lake can be a bit of a challenge, but the views of the surrounding peaks are amazing, and it’s one of the best places in the area to catch brook trout.

If you want to get the most out of your fishing vacation, you’ll probably want to check in with a Montana fishing guide. Here’s two we’d recommend.

Wild River Adventures offers trips up the Middle Fork of the Flathead River, where you’ll get the chance to fish for westslope cutthroat while seeing some of the best scenery Montana has to offer. Wild River has been guiding in this area for more than 20 years.

Glacier Guides Inc. goes to the Middle Fork of the Flathead, the Smith River, and the North Fork of the Flathead, offering a wide range of opportunities for fishing Montana. Glacier Guides has been operating in this area since 1983.

Swan Mountain Outfitters can set you up with fly fishing trips just a bit south and west of Glacier National Park, on the Swan River and in the Bob Marshall Wilderness. Swan Mountain does guided wilderness fishing trips, day and half day trips, and fly fishing lessons.

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Our guide to best Montana rafting trips around Glacier National Park

Excellent whitewater rafting can be found all around Glacier National Park, mostly thanks to the Flathead river and its various branches. These trips are great not just for the whitewater, for experiencing the great fishing Montana has to offer, seeing wildlife, and some spectacular views of the park. Nearby towns of Whitefish and Kalispell offer great Montana hotels, Montana vacation rentals and lodging.

Since you probably won’t be lugging a raft along on your flight, here’s a few of the best Montana rafting companies to get you set up for your trip.

Glacier Raft Company: Been around since 1976, hosted more than 300,000 rafters, and guide for a variety of abilities, vacations and interests.

Glacier Guides: Started in 1983, does a variety of Glacier National Park rafting trips, and boasts of being environmentally conscious.

Great Northern Rafting: Does several types of trips in the various forks of the Flathead River that surround Glacier National Park, and has been doing it for 30 year. Trips tailored to various types of Montana vacations.

And now, without further ado… our guide to the best Glacier rafting:

1. Upper Middle Fork of the Flathead River: This trip offers a truly one-of-a-kind experience, starting deep in the 3 million acre Bob Marshall Wilderness. This trip is only accessible by air, horse or foot, making the experience of getting there almost as spectacular as this trip through the Montana wilderness. This area is teeming with Montana wildlife.
2. Middle Fork of the Flathead River: This river carries you right along the south eastern edge of Glacier National Park, offering a chance to see some of the most beautiful peaks the park offers. In the spring and early summer you can get a good shot of adrenaline too, on Class III-IV rapids. Later in the season, there’ Class II-III rapids that’ll give you some of the best cutthroat trout fishing Montana offers.
3. North Fork of the Flathead River: This mellower river offers waters that range from class I-II, but that doesn’t mean it won’t be an exciting trip. The North Fork area of Glacier National Park is some of the most pristine wilderness in the world. Elk, grizzly bears, eagles, elk and moose about along the banks of this river, set against some of Glacier’s most amazing peaks. This river offers some of the best and most diverse fishing Montana has, with cutthroat trout, lake trout, rainbow trout and whitefish bountiful.

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