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Flathead River Half-Day Whitewater Rafting Trip

Guided ·
4.8
(196)
Kid Friendly
Locally Owned
Shuttle Included
Beginner Friendly
Free Cancellation
Instant Book
Duration: 4 hours

Pricing

Adult

Ages 13+

$75
Child

Ages 7-12

$65

Description

Middle Fork Flathead River Half-Day Whitewater Rafting

This half-day whitewater rafting trip is a perfect summer adventure, offering an exciting but approachable introduction to Montana whitewater. The trip covers just under 8 miles of river below the SKQ Dam, flowing through the Buffalo Rapids section, which is known for some of the warmest and most consistent whitewater in western Montana.
You'll navigate a series of Class II–III rapids interspersed with calm recovery pools, making the experience thrilling without being overwhelming. Guests can choose between a paddle raft, where everyone actively paddles under guide instruction, or an oar raft, where the guide rows and guests sit back and enjoy the ride. Each trip begins with a safety briefing and paddling instruction before entering the rapids.

Duration

  1. On-water time: Approximately 1.5–2 hours
  2. Total trip time: 3.5–4 hours round trip
  3. Departures: 10:00 AM & 2:00 PM
  4. River Miles: 8

Location / Where to Meet

Flathead Raft Company
Please arrive 30 minutes before departure for check-in, waivers, and gear fitting. There is a 15-minute shuttle to the river put-in and a 30-minute shuttle back after the trip
Polson is about 1 hour from Missoula and Kalispell, and 1 hour and 20 minutes from Whitefish. 

Ages & Requirements

  1. Ages 7+
  2. Must be ability to sit securely in a raft and follow guide instructions
  3. No rafting experience needed

What’s Included

  1. Professional river guide
  2. Coast Guard–approved life jacket (PFD)
  3. Transportation to and from the river
  4. Choice of paddle raft or oar raft
  5. Soft-sided cooler available (no glass)

Not Included

  1. Transportation to the meeting location
  2. Personal snacks and drinks (allowed on the river)
  3. Gratuities (optional)

What to Bring / Wear

  1. Clothing and footwear that can get wet and stay wet
  2. Non-cotton layers recommended
  3. Secure river shoes or sandals
  4. Sun protection (hat, sunscreen)
  5. Snacks and drinks (no glass containers)

ADVENTURE PROVIDED BY Flathead Raft Company

FAQs

Is this trip suitable for first-time rafters?

Yes. The rapids are fun but manageable, and guides provide safety instruction and coaching before you hit the river. There’s a mix of Class II–III rapids and calm “drop pools” for recovery.

What’s the difference between an oar raft and a paddle raft?

Paddle raft: Guests actively paddle together, following guide commands. More interactive and energetic.

Oar raft: Guests sit back and hold on while the guide steers with a central oar. Less physically demanding.

Is it physically demanding?

Paddle rafts require moderate effort; oar rafts are mostly seated. Guests should be comfortable in moving water and wearing a life jacket.

Cancellation Policy

Cancelations more than 24 hours before the Departure time can get a full refund. Less than 24 hour notice can get an 80% refund and we will keep 20%

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Availability

April 2026

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Reviews

4.8
(196)
4.8 (196)

Location

Address

50362 HWY 93

Polson, MT, 59860

US

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