The Middle Fork Flathead, one of the little known jewels of whitewater, is a beautiful 35-mile river journey through the Great Bear Wilderness. The Great Bear, Bob Marshall, and Scapegoat Wilderness areas make up the third largest wilderness complex in the lower 48. A spectacular backcountry flight into this whitewater rafting adventure, more wildlife than people, and emerald blue water beckon from Montana’s Big Sky country. Thanks to simple logistics and only one other commercial outfitter, the Middle Fork Flathead is our most affordable and pristine wilderness river trip. Largely unimpeded by human tinkering, wildlife is plentiful, including grizzly bears, lynx, wolverine, moose, and mountain goats. The journey begins with a breathtaking flight into Schafer Meadows, a backcountry airstrip nestled in the middle of the wilderness. After several miles of scenic floating we enter the first rapid series, Three Forks. While earlier trips offer exciting whitewater thrills between quiet pools, later dates provide better fishing opportunities as the water drops and turns to a magnificent aqua green. The Middle Fork has an average gradient of about 35 feet per mile, which translates to punchy Class III-IV rapids on earlier trips and boulder garden rapids during lower flows. We bring oar boats, paddleboats, and at lower water, inflatable kayaks. Five days and 35 miles means plenty of time to hike, fish the fat and feisty Cutthroat trout at Castle Lake, view wildlife, or simply relax. We even offer the chance to rock climb and rappel, a trip highlight for many. Accessible only by plane and trail, the Middle Fork Flathead is a true wilderness experience.