[6], The Flathead River rises in forks in the Rocky Mountains of northwestern Montana. Available data for this site Click to hide station-specific text (About shift-adjusted ratings). There is a proposal to protect one-third of British Columbia's Flathead River by adding it to the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park. While the road is nearby, the river frequently flows down in a steep canyon, making road access difficult. Only about three percent of Earth’s water is freshwater. It is part of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. While an inflatable raft or inflatable kayak should have absolutely no problems, inexperienced canoeists may run into problems. This cold, clear water flows into the North, South and Middle forks of the Flathead, which merge together near Columbia Falls to begin a southward journey. The Reclusive Moose is the best in Montana Cabins. These holes make wonderful fishing holes for the intrepid angler who can reach them. North Fork Homesteaders in 1910 -NPS. The main part of the Flathead River begins where the North Fork and the Middle Fork meet near West Glacier. This north-northwest trending river is about 98 miles (158 km) long, making it the second longest tributary of the Flathead River. Forming the western and southern borders of Glacier National Park, the Flathead River is a hidden gem of Montana with spectacular scenery, unsurpassed fishing and excellent wildlife viewing. Irrigation agriculture began in the 1880s.[11]. The North Fork Flathead River begins in British Columbia, and travels for 47 miles before spilling over into Montana. Available data for this site Click to hide station-specific text (About shift-adjusted ratings). Here at Glacier Anglers, we fish both the Middle and North Forks. Another longer float is between Polebridge and Big Creek – just be prepared for a long, bumpy ride up to Polebridge, as the road is not paved for much of its length and not very well maintained. With a drainage basin extending over 8,795 square miles (22,780 km2) and an average discharge of 11,380 cubic feet per second (322 m3/s), the Flathead is the largest tributary of the Clark Fork and constitutes over half of its flow. Taking a Break on the North Fork Flathead River. North Fork Flathead River Enabling legislation for Glacier National Park established the northwestern park boundary as the middle channel of the North Fork of the Flathead River. Throughout it’s length in Montana, it forms the western boundary of Glacier National Park. Reaches designated wild and scenic include the entire North Fork south of the Canada–US border, the entire Middle Fork, and the South Fork above Hungry Horse Reservoir.[13]. DISTANCES: The North Fork of the Flathead from the Canadian/U.S Border to Blankenship Bridge is 58 miles. Boating - Non-Motorized Recreation areas with activity Boating - Non-Motorized: Map of the Flathead River, its tributary forks and downriver connection to the Columbia River via Clark Fork and the Pend Oreille River. After the river leaves the canyon it flows into the broad Flathead Valley and arcs southwest, passing Columbia Falls and Kalispell, before it is joined by the Stillwater River and its Whitefish River tributary, and then empties into Flathead Lake, where the Swan River joins. The North Fork of the Flathead River is mostly Class I-II with a few Class III rapids. USGS 12355500 N F Flathead River nr Columbia Falls MT. The river is part of the Columbia River drainage basin, as the Clark Fork is a tributary of the Pend Oreille River, a Columbia River tributary. However, the Cline Mining Corporation still intends to start a mountaintop-removal coal mining project. North Fork Flathead River is a river in Glacier National Park, Flathead National Forest, MT. The North Fork Flathead River originates 50 miles across the border in British Columbia, Canada. Related : Photographs of the North Fork Flathead River. Need a Flathead River Shuttle? These fish, which travel up from Flathead Lake on a somewhat unpredictable basis to spawn in the north fork tributaries, aren’t picky eaters. The river is part of the Columbia River drainage basin, as the Clark Fork is a tributary of the Pend Oreille River, a Columbia River tributary. By the time the Great Northern Railway passed through Glacier National Park in 1893, the North Fork region was already being settled. Typically, we start fishing both rivers … North Fork Flathead River Boat Ramps Canada Border – A fair number of folks put-in here and run the entire 60 miles down to Blankenship Bridge at the confluence with the main-stem. One excellent float is between Big Creek and Glacier Rim, a float of about 13 miles. 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