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West Glacier Nature & adventure

Our most recommended West Glacier Nature & adventure

West Glacier: Glacier National Park Scenic Raft Trip

1. West Glacier: Glacier National Park Scenic Raft Trip

Feel the excitement of this adrenaline-fuelled river rafting trip on the Flathead River. Soak in the picturesque surroundings while you splash your way through the Glacier National Park accompanied by a guide. Start your trip with a 5-minute bus ride down to the West Glacier. From there, you will pass through a steep, walled canyon and admire stunning views of Glacier National Park. Arrive at the path where the middle and north forks of the Flathead River converge to form the southern tip of Glacier National Park. Learn about the flora, fauna, and history of the area while escorting you down one of the most pristine rivers in the world. You may get the chance to see eagles, osprey, deer, and maybe even an elusive bear or moose. Your guide will take the raft out of the water near the Blankenship Bridge. Get immersed in the spectacular beauty of the area during the scenic rafting tour.  Finally, take a 15-minute bus ride back to your base where you can take pictures.

Montana: Glacier National Park Whitewater Rafting Trip

2. Montana: Glacier National Park Whitewater Rafting Trip

Enjoy an exciting half-day Glacier National Park whitewater rafting trip on the middle fork section of the Flathead River. Manoeuvre the raft through 9 different rapids by following the simple paddle commands of the guide. The trip winds about 8 miles through the John F. Stevens Canyon. The rapids are rated class 2 and 3, making for a fun and splashy family-friendly whitewater rafting adventure. Arrive 30 minutes prior to departure and check-in at the office before meeting your friendly river guides. Leave your belongings in your car and your car keys for you at the front desk. Next, take a short 10-minute bus ride to the river. Your guide will launch the boat there, give you safety instructions, and you'll begin floating down the beautiful river. The journey starts on a 4-mile mellow section of the river, giving you plenty of time to learn to paddle and to adjust to being on the water. The rapids come on the second 4 miles of the trip and photographs of each boat are taken in the rapid named Bonecrusher. The raft will stop periodically to let you jump in and experience a dip in glacial water if you choose. You'll float under Glacier National Park's historic Belton Bridge towards the end of the trip. At the end of the trip, it's a short walk back from the river to the local partner's office in the village of West Glacier. The length of the trip depends on the river flow. In June through early July, it lasts about 2.5 hours, from mid-July to early August, about 3 hours, and from mid-August through the end of the season, approximately 3.5 hours. Safety and fun are the top priorities. Guides undergo training in river rescue techniques, first aid, and more. Many guides return year after year. If conditions call for wetsuits, fleece, and river shoes, or if you would prefer to wear splash gear, it is always available at no extra cost. Helmets and life jackets are mandatory and provided.

Glacier National Park: Whitewater Rafting with Dinner

3. Glacier National Park: Whitewater Rafting with Dinner

Discover your adventurous side and go on a whitewater rafting trip as you enjoy views of Glacier National Park. Check-in at the Village of West Glacier half an hour prior to trip departure.   Get a healthy dose of fresh mountain air and enjoy a perfect summer afternoon. Swim in one of the cleanest rivers in the world and go on a thrilling whitewater rafting trip that combines calm floating with class II-III whitewater rapids.  Once you have worked up an appetite, enjoy a delicious riverside barbecue dinner of steak, chicken, or veggie burger. Munch on fresh sides, salads, and dessert to go along with your meal.  End your trip at the bridge in West Glacier and go for a short walk back to the original meeting point. Make your memories last forever with an opportunity to purchase trip photos and souvenirs.

Glacier National Park: Full-Day Whitewater Rafting Trip

4. Glacier National Park: Full-Day Whitewater Rafting Trip

Begin your whitewater rafting trip by meeting in West Glacier. Enjoy a 20-minute bus ride, then spend the next 5 to 6 hours floating down the Middle Fork of the Flathead. The first half of the day is on a calmer section of the river with beautiful views into Glacier National Park. Your friendly river guide will share lots of good information on the flora and the fauna as you go.  Midway through the journey, stop along the riverbank to enjoy a barbeque lunch of steak, chicken, or veggie burger cooked to order. Enjoy fresh salads and sides to go with your lunch.  After, get ready to tackle the whitewater of John Stevens Canyon. During the whitewater stretch, class II-III rapids such as Tunnel, Bone Crusher, and Jaws will quench your thirst for adventure and leave you full of memories that will last a lifetime.

Frequently asked questions about West Glacier Nature & adventure

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Other Sightseeing Options in West Glacier

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What people are saying about West Glacier

Overall rating

4.8 / 5

based on 36 reviews

I signed up for the 2 1/2 hour scenic float. There were five people in our raft plus the guide. We rarely had to paddle. The river was low because it was the end of the season, so a couple times we scraped bottom. The whole trip felt very safe and calm. There were a couple of rapids, but we navigated them easily. I wore a helmet but did not need to. Rafting was a wonderful way to see nature at the glacier area!

We had the best guide, a very knowledgeable young women that was so good about engaging 7 strangers. The views were great and the trip was very relaxing. It was shallow at times but we got through just fine.

The tour was organized very well and our guide (Vance) was patient and helpful with my mom (who has some mobility issues).

Was a fun trip with conversation, relaxation and beautiful scenery. Attended with my adult son (option not given below).

Everyone was great -pleasant and easygoing. Definitely recommend them. Izzy was our guide - a true 10