Meadow Creek Gorge on the South Fork of the Flathead River in the Bob Marshall Wilderness area in Montana USA. All rights reserved. So forget those imported browns and rainbows, and come prepared to battle a native Montanan, the westslope cutthroat trout, in the solitude of the Bob Marshall Wilderness. It is also very remote. Acclaimed as one of Montana’s most pristine and remote rivers, the Wild and Scenic South Fork of the Flathead River originates in the south end of the flows northward to Hungry Horse Reservoir. Very much a feast or famine float environment. Meadow Creek gorge is pretty fun packrafting at low water, and the silver lining of 2015 is that it’s in good runnable shape right now, and should remain so all summer. Two of these waterways, the Middle Fork and North Fork of the Flathead River, provide excellent white water conditions. The Middle Fork of the Flathead won't have much water in it this time of year. A buddy and I are planning on a low-water trip to the South Fork Flathead in mid-August. Your email and your recipient's email will NOT be shared with anyone. Deer, Elk, Moose, Eagles, Osprey and Bear are all commonly seen during a trip down the South Fork of the Flathead. Bob Marshall Wilderness and. It is very scenic. Contact Information. Searchable listings of Flathead Lake hotels, motels, resorts, bed & breakfast, and more. With this modificationt, the dam now releases water that has the same temperature as the Flathead River five miles downstream. Download high-quality Meadow Creek Gorge on South Fork Flathead River images, illustrations and vectors perfectly priced to fit your projects budget. The deep green water and the canyons make for some great pictures. There are 3 main reasons for this as I see it: 1. … Rapids range from beginner to advanced expert in difficulty along the South Fork, with a class V-V+ finale through incredible Meadow Creek Gorge. It is very scenic. 2. This video is unavailable. The South Fork Flathead River is unique in that, with few exceptions, it supports an intact native fish assemblage. Float the south fork of the flathead. Photo about charred, flathead, 2017, hike, burn, confluence - 104966297 Top. These photos were taken when the river was running about 900cfs at the gauge near Spotted Bear. Meadow Creek gorge bears caution and a helmet, but at low water isn’t as formidable as is commonly portrayed. This cold water pretty much killed off the fishing in the South Fork below the dam during the summer, and greatly affected the aquatic hatches on the main stem of the Flathead as well. Canyon Tributary of the South Fork Flathead River The South Fork Flathead River drainage contains 355 lakes and nearly 2,000 miles of stream habitat. It's a rapid leading into a slot between two cliffs. Searchable listings of Flathead Lake RV parks and campgrounds. The South Fork Flathead is one of the most beautiful and productive trout streams in North America. You get glimpses of Meadow Creek Gorge on the way out. You can send yourself an email as well. All Rights Reserved and. One day of the South Fork’s whitewater is enough adrenaline for the whole trip! Historical Weather. Due to its remote nature and severe whitewater, the South Fork of the Flathead is recommended only for hearty adult visitors with previous intermediate to advanced level whitewater experience. Re: Meadow Creek Gorge. It was a steep downhill slide to the pool, but if I had learned anything about backcountry fishing, it was that pools like this are worth fishing. Rapids range from beginner to advanced expert in difficulty along the South Fork, with a class V-V+ finale through incredible Meadow Creek Gorge. The primary advocate for the preservation and protection of whitewater rivers throughout the United States and connects the interests of human-powered recreational river users with ecological and science-based data to achieve goals within our mission. The bridge was a good spot for Jared White to pose for … In 1976, Congress added 219 miles of the Flathead River to the nation’s Wild and Scenic River Systems , so they will remain in their pristine, free-flowing state for … South Fork Flathead River Access. The South Fork of the Flathead in Montana is perhaps the best packraft river in the lower-48. Floating the South Fork out of the Bob Marshall is pretty much out of the question with Meadow Creek Gorge making the last several miles impassible. Watch Queue Queue Our two riverside camps were adjacent to stunning river rock formations. Beyond the slot, the river is calm and serene. Download high-quality Sunset over confluence South Fork Flathead River images, illustrations and vectors perfectly priced to fit your projects budget. The South Fork of the Flatheads headwaters are located deep within the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex, one of the largest Wilderness areas in the country. Most of it is pleasant looking, and most of the rapids look pretty runnable. Travel articles related to Flathead Lake…. Requiring a multi-day backpack or horsepack to reach the put in, the South Fork is about as remote a river trip can get in the United States. The South Fork of the Flatheads headwaters are located deep within the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex, one of the largest Wilderness areas in the country. We also have visitor guides available in states highlighted in blue below. Watch Queue Queue. The South Fork of the Flathead, located in the heart of the Bob Marshall Wilderness, is a horsepack in/float out trip of 5-7 days, putting you over feisty Cutthroats to 22″ and “Bull Trout” to 15 pounds. Middle Fork of the Flathead River - This 5-day river trip is accessible only by air, horse, or foot. The Middle Fork and North Fork form the southern and western boundary of Glacier National Park. Especially toward the end of the trip, going into Meadow Creek Gorge. We want to run Meadow Creek Gorge if doable. There are 3 main reasons for this as I see it: 1. We offer a compact version of Go-Montana for mobile users, allowing you to access just the information you need on the road. Flathead Lake weather report, historic temperatures and climate info,…. Boats and supplies are generally packed in on mules or horses over mountain passes to reach the headwa- ters and then packed again from the take-out just above … The entrance to Meadow Creek Gorge is the take out for normal floats down the wilderness section of the South Fork. Only a handful of visitors run this stretch of river a year, and wildlife are sighted than other people during an average trip. 2. For the first few days of the trip, the water meanders lazily through a sweeping glacial valley and grand Ponderosa Pines. On the third day of the float, we enter Meadow Creek Gorge and the character of the river changes dramatically. Wilderness River Outfitters offers hiking and rafting wilderness trips on the South Fork and Middle Fork of the the Flathead Rivers. The narrow, limestone gorge allows only paddleboats on this section of the river and for six miles the water crashes through a series of class III to V rapids (this section is optional). In addition to guided fly fishing, we offer drop float trips on the South Fork of the Flathead River. And there are some places where it looks like you can get out. Bob Marshall Wilderness and Great Bear Wilderness. Copyright © 1997 - 2020 The Go Travel Sites. See our full. You can go in from Holland Lake or reach Young’s Creek from Ovando area trailheads. Complete the form below to email this page to a friend or family member's email. We dedicate our river time on this trip to fishing for one of the purest strains of Westslope Cutthroat trout in the world. Click on any additional guides you would like to receive. ). The deep green water and the canyons make for some great pictures. Full information on Flathead Lake Tourist Attractions, Scenic Drives and other easy vacation activities…. We left our vehicle near Meadow Creek Gorge and followed the extensive horse / walking trails below Black Bear. The South Fork of the Flathead River is one of the three main forks of the Flathead River and begins at the confluence of Danaher Creek and Youngs Creek. Far below a pack bridge, the South Fork of the Flathead River courses through a narrow gorge. Transportation companies, driving directions and more for Flathead Lake. Normal July packraft trips in the Bob often involve hiking into and floating either Youngs or Danaher Creek down into the South Fork. An open Meadow with Creek near McCall, Idaho, Sawtooth Range Reflection, Meadow Creek, Stanley, ID, Deep Green Pool of still water in Meadow Creek Gorge in the Bob Marshall Wilderness area in Montana USA, Icelandic mountains and green lush meadow and creek and blue sky, Meadow Creek - Wild Mountain Trout Stream, Wooden Bridge over Meadow Creek Gorge for hiking and horseback packing trail in the Bob Marshall Wilderness area in Montana USA, Meadow Creek Gorge on the South Fork of the Flathead River in the Bob Marshall Wilderness area in Montana USA, Sunset over the South Fork of the Flathead River at Meadow Creek Gorge in the Bob Marshall Wilderness complex - Montana USA, Wooden Bridge over Meadow Creek Gorge for hiking and horseback packing trail in the Bob Marshall Wilderness complex Montana, Meadow Creek Gorge on the South Fork of the Flathead River in the Bob Marshall Wilderness area during the 2017 fall fires in Montana United States. For nearly 40 miles the river flows freely north-northwest, meandering through a forested and undeveloped roadless valley that forms the core of the 1.5 million acre Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex. This amazing tract is the source of the South Fork of the Flathead River - probably our best paddle in Montana. In this final wilderness stretch the South Fork equals is not exceeds anything on the Middle Fork in depth and profundity, and forms a truly impressive valley with rapids, huge pools, hanging gardens, and some fantastic campsites. There just isn't a trail and it wouldn't be very pleasant. Meadow Creek Gorge on the South Fork of the Flathead River in the Bob Marshall Wilderness area during the 2017 fall fires in Montana United States Request these additional visitor guides selected below. The South Fork of the Flathead in Montana is perhaps the most popular packraft rivers in the lower-48. The wilderness mountain settings, clear waters, campfires, wilderness lakes and streams, and superb fishing will wash away worldly cares. Meadow Creek Gorge on the South Fork of the Flathead River in the Bob Marshall Wilderness area in Montana USA. The South Fork. During the final miles of the trip adventurous visitors tackle Meadow Creek Gorge, an expert level steep limestone sluice featuring big hydraulics, large undercuts and a pinch where the entire river piles through a channel only five feet wide! Wilderness access – You will need to hike or horse pack a good 25+ miles regardless of trailhead choice here. ChadL Posts: 9 Joined: Tue Jun 12, 2012 7:31 pm. Especially toward the end of the trip, going into Meadow Creek Gorge. The gorge below this is insane. Click on any state to see what's available. The takeout on the South Fork of the Flathead River above Meadow Creek Gorge and a warning sign on the rocks above. 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