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RiverBrain

Flathead, North Fork

Glacier RIm to Blankenship Bridge and Confluence

Montana – US

Class
II
Length
5 Mile(s)
Put-in elevation
3,173 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)

Running

Hit some laps

Primary gauge
N F Flathead River nr Columbia Falls MT Gauge detail & alternatives Live gauge ↗ NOAA river forecast ↗

Recommended levels

Minimum1,000
Average7,500
Maximum11,000

Recommended use

  • Kayaking
  • Rafting
  • Canoeing
  • SUP
  • Packrafting
  • Fishing

Struck-through craft are not recommended for this run.

Flow history — last 6 days

Photos

No photos added for this run yet.

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Description

The North Fork leaves the canyon after passing Glacier Rim and it opens up into a small wooded valley.  If you've come this far you might as well finish off the river at the confluence with the middle fork of the flathead.  

This is a good fishing stretch with not a lot of whitewater action.  Always keep an eye out for wood and logjams.  The banks of the river become populated with homes and private property in this valley so be respectful of land owners.  In case you want to shoot an animal from your raft this area is a no hunting zone because of residences in the area.

Rapids

No rapids added yet.

Access

Type Name Elevation Camping Water Boat ramp Vehicle access Description
Put-In Glacier Rim Access 3,173 Feet Yes No Yes All Vehicles

See the Glacier Rim access info here.

Take-Out Blankenship Bridge No No Yes All Vehicles

See access description and info here.

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.

Community Run Notes

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