Polebridge to Big Creek
Montana – US
- Class
- II to III-
- Length
- 20 Mile(s)
- Put-in elevation
- 3,542 Feet
- Take-out elevation
- 3,328 Feet
- Typical season
- March to October
Current Flow
3,810 CFS
Gauge height: 4.13 FT
Reading from Jul 10, 2026 9:45 PM
▼ -1.67/hr (12h) ▼ -0.83/hr (24h)
Hit some laps
- Primary gauge
- N F Flathead River nr Columbia Falls MT Gauge detail & alternatives Live gauge ↗ NOAA river forecast ↗
Recommended levels
| Minimum | 1,000 |
| Average | 7,500 |
| Maximum | 11,000 |
Recommended use
- Kayaking
- Rafting
- Canoeing
- SUP
- Packrafting
- Fishing
Struck-through craft are not recommended for this run.
Flow history — last 6 days
No gauge history recorded in the last 6 days.
Photos
Description
Another class I to II+ section similar to above polebridge. This section is worth floating if you are doing a multi-day trip. There are not a lot of rapids here but plenty of class V scenery. Watch for wood hazards and shallow sections at lower flows. At higher flows expect lots of swift water and very few eddy's.
Camping is restricted on river left since this is Glacier National Park. All camp and cooking practices should adhere to Grizzly country standards. Rangers patrol this section and will ticket those not complying with the rules. If you do want to camp on river left inquire at GNP backcountry office in Apgar village and prepare to spend some time watching a bear video and paying for a back country permit.
The time I've spent here has had weather similar to Seatle. High's in summer can be around 80 with the possibility of snow at any time. The continental divide is just to the east of this run and as the air rises over the mountains this area see's it's fair share of rain. Just plan on foul weather and you will be pleasantly surprised on sunny days.
Rapids
| # | Rapid | Class | Recommended flow | Description | Scout |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Log jam | II to III- | —–— | This is not a rapid it is a hazard there is a big logjam down river from Coal Creek. The main channel heads into the log jam so be sure to go right. The gps coordinates are for channel you should take (right) to bypass the log jam. Update June 2017 there is much more wood that has drifted into the channel that heads into the log jam if you take the right hand channel at the waypoint you will easily bypass the log jam. The GPS coordinate is for the correct channel, go right. If you miss the first right hand channel there is a second one. |
Access
| Type | Name | Elevation | Camping | Water | Boat ramp | Vehicle access | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Put-In | Polebridge Bridge | 3,542 Feet | No | No | No | All Vehicles | See access description here for more info. |
| Take-Out | Big Creek Access | 3,328 Feet | Yes | No | Yes | All Vehicles | At Big Creek on the North Fork road there is a nice access area with a makeshift dirt boat ramp. This area has a pit toilet and lot's of camping options. You may find rafting companies overnighting here with clients so don't expect lots of solitude in the busy summer months. |
Camps
No river camps added yet.
Permit
No permit is required, or permit info hasn't been added yet.
Fishing
No fish species have been associated with this run yet.
External Links & Resources
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Community Run Notes
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