This amazing tract is the source of the South Fork of the Flathead River - probably our best paddle in Montana. For some 40 miles (64 km), the river flows freely north-northwest, meandering through a forested and undeveloped valley. We dedicate our river time on this trip to fishing for one of the purest strains of Westslope Cutthroat trout in the world. View a map of this area and more on Natural Atlas. We conduct very limited and highly coveted South Fork Flathead River Fly Fishing Trips under Forest Service Permit #0596-0082. Wilderness access – You will need to hike or horse pack a good 25+ miles regardless of trailhead choice here. Find Meadow Creek Gorge On South Fork stock images in HD and millions of other royalty-free stock photos, illustrations and vectors in the Shutterstock collection. Fishing Accesses Hiking … PLACE. Download high-quality Meadow Creek Gorge on South Fork Flathead River images, illustrations and vectors perfectly priced to fit your projects budget. Unlike the other forks of the Flathead River, the South Fork fishery is not a migratory fishery owing to the completion of Hungry Horse Dam in 1952. By noon I put the boat back in below the gorge, and with the sun high I was able to finally strip down to shorts and enjoy more gorgeous scenery and great fishing as I langorously floated down to the Spotted Bear ranger station over 4.5 hours. 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. Our two riverside camps were adjacent to stunning river rock formations. The South Fork of the Flathead River is home to native Westslope cutthroat trout and bull trout. That spot may be the one in the center of the photo below. Beyond the slot, the river is calm and serene. Far below a pack bridge, the South Fork of the Flathead River courses through a narrow gorge. Several other trails that follow both sides of the river and connect to additional access points intersect at this location. The … Download high-quality Meadow Creek Gorge on South Fork Flathead River images, illustrations and vectors perfectly priced to fit your projects budget. The whitewater is thrilling with a series of class III and IV whitewater. Far below a pack bridge, the South Fork of the Flathead River courses through a narrow gorge. The river begins in the Bob Marshall Wilderness south of Glacier National Park, as does the Middle Fork Flathead River, at the confluence of two streams, Danaher Creek and Youngs Creek, between the Flathead Range and the Swan Range. Meadow Creek Gorge on the South Fork of the Flathead River in the Bob Marshall Wilderness area in Montana USA Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument, MONTANA, USA - JULY 18, 2017: Tourists visiting Little Bighorn Last Stand monument o These photos were taken when the river was running about 900cfs at the gauge near Spotted Bear. In his book In his book For the drop floats we usually depart from the Owl Creek Trailhead located next to Holland Lake. The trail (TR 80) parallels the east bank of the river to Black Bear Creek. This photo is available for use by nonprofit organizations and government agencies. We will take you, your boats and gear by horseback into the confluence of Gordon Creek and the South Fork of the Flathead River. Forest fire blackened two of the most popular backcountry campsites and boat accesses to the South Fork of the Flathead River in 2015, but that hasn't diminished the drainage's popularity. Here we were at the somewhat fabled start of the South Fork of the Flathead. The takeout on the South Fork of the Flathead River above Meadow Creek Gorge and a warning sign on the rocks above. ... That's also the best beta on Meadow Creek Gorge I've yet seen. The two photos below are taken about 1/4 mile above the pack bridge. Canyon Tributary of the South Fork Flathead River Trail in Flathead NF, Bob Marshall Wilderness, Rocky Mountains, MT. Cedar Flats There is lot’s more you need to know about a South Fork Trip, so please call today for more information! The South Fork Flathead is one of the most beautiful and productive trout streams in North America. 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. Strong afternoon winds on Friday pushed the fire east down Bunker Creek and across the South Fork of the Flathead River. The Bob Marshall Wilderness extends south from Glacier National Park and is managed by the US Forest Service. Sunset over the confluence of the South Fork of the Flathead River and Lost Jack Creek at Meadow Creek Gorge in the Bob Marshall Wilderness complex during the 2017 fall fires in Montana United States Stock Photo ID: 215988724 All bull trout must be released immediately. possibly of interest to others considering the same. Gordon Creek Trail. Meadow Creek Gorge on the South Fork of the Flathead River in the Bob Marshall Wilderness area in Montana USA. All South Fork trips start with an early morning in Missoula and a beautiful drive to the trailhead. Access the lower South Fork by foot or horseback via the Meadow Creek Trailhead. Watch Queue Queue somewhere in Meadow Creek Gorge. The deep green water and the canyons make for some great pictures. The South Fork of the Flathead trip begins and ends in Kalispell, Montana. The Floater's Guide to Montana Beyond the slot, the river is calm and serene. South Fork Flathead River Access. Wayne and I floated down This amazing tract is the source of the South Fork of the Flathead River - probably our best paddle in Montana. Trail. 76j -w-051615-00 cm 4.49 g 05/01/1930 sesenw 23 22n 14w fl flathead river, south fork us dept of agriculture forest s 76J -W-051600-00 RC 05/01/1930 NESWSW 10 19N 14W PW GORDON CREEK US DEPT OF AGRICULTURE FOREST S South Fork of the Flathead, Bob Marshall Wilderness ... Meadow Creek Gorge. 0 Star This. It is unlawful to possess a live bull trout for any reason. South Fork Red Meadow Creek is covered by the Polebridge, MT US Topo Map quadrant The trail had been cleared to the Jenny Creek / Young's confluence and was in good shape. It is also very remote. We also offer drop float services down Youngs Creek by way of Youngs Pass and down Jenny Creek for an additional fee. Meadow Creek Trailhead is a trailhead on South Fork Flathead River and Lost Jack Creek in Flathead National Forest, MT. Wagon Trail at Meadow #80B. The high winds pushed the Bear Creek fire east down Bunker Creek and across the South Fork of the Flathead River. Tweet Share Email. There are 3 main reasons for this as I see it: 1. It is one of the three main forks of the Flathead River, a tributary of the Clark Fork River (the Pend Oreille River). All Boat Launches Camping. The South Fork Flathead River is unique in that, with few exceptions, it supports an intact native fish assemblage. The high winds pushed the Bear Creek fire east down Bunker Creek and across the South Fork of the Flathead River. South Fork Flathead River Access. We planned to float north for four days—roughly 40 miles of river—taking out at the Meadow Creek trailhead. The South Fork of the Flatheads headwaters are located deep within the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex, one of … It was historically the week after peak flow, but peak flow had come and gone almost a month earlier. The South Fork of the Flathead begins deep in the Bob Marshall Wilderness at the confluence of Danaher Creek and Youngs Creek. The entrance to Meadow Creek Gorge is the take out for normal floats down the wilderness section of the South Fork. The S Fork can be floated in 3 days at flows > 2,000 cfs, starting at Benchmark and hiking 16 miles to Cabin Creek (a tributary of Danaher Creek) on the first day*, down to White River on the 2nd day (a 21 mile float), and out Meadow Gorge on the third day (a 20 mile float). Dam on Hungry Horse Res and S. Fork Flathead River in Flathead NF, Rocky Mountains, MT. For the first few days of the trip, the water meanders lazily through a sweeping glacial valley and grand Ponderosa Pines. The gorge below this is insane. Copyright © 2000-2020 Dreamstime. These photos were taken when the river … Meadow Creek Gorge above Pack Bridge, Flathead National Forest Photo by Tim Palmer, author of 24 books about rivers, river conservation and the environment (see www.timpalmer.org ). The trail (TR 80) parallels the east bank of the river to Black Bear Creek. The South Fork Flathead River is a major river in Northwestern Montana in the northwest United States. Trail. In the middle of the passage through the slot pictured above South Fork of the Flathead River provides the angler with large fish ; Close to Glacier National Park and other scenic areas; Fish from the third Saturday of May until 30 November; Catch some arctic grayling, Westslope cutthroat or mountain whitefish; Hike from Meadow Creek … Forest fire blackened two of the most popular backcountry campsites and boat accesses to the South Fork of the Flathead River in 2015, but that hasn't diminished the drainage's popularity. Mid Creek Takout – This is where you will takeout from the Wilderness float. ... we reach the Mid Creek take out at the head of the Meadow Creek Gorge, where the easy-going South Fork becomes very narrow and fast. Unlike the other forks of the Flathead River, the South Fork fishery is not a migratory fishery owing to the completion of Hungry Horse Dam in 1952. We accept all major credit cards from Japan. Free printable topographic map of Meadow Creek Gorge in Flathead County, MT including photos, elevation & GPS coordinates. Meadow Creek Gorge above Pack Bridge, Flathead National Forest Photo by Tim Palmer, author of 24 books about rivers, river conservation and the environment (see www.timpalmer.org ). Find Meadow Creek Gorge On South Fork stock images in HD and millions of other royalty-free stock photos, illustrations and vectors in the Shutterstock collection. Meadow Creek Gorge on the South Fork of the Flathead River in the Bob Marshall Wilderness area in Montana USA. wilderness section of the South Fork. section of the river down to Spotted Bear Ranger Station. Just got off the Flathead and thought I would give a quick conditions report for everyone. Flathead National Forest Supervisor's Office 650 Wolfpack Way Kalispell, MT 59901 (406) 758-5208 (406) 758-5379 (fax) Office Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00 - 4:30 . Floating and Recreation on Montana Rivers Hahn Creek Trail. It is very scenic. Like and Share. there just isn't a trail and it wouldn't be very pleasant. South Fork Flathead River. The entrance to Meadow Creek Gorge is the take out for normal floats down the 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 The South Fork of the Flathead River is born in the Bob Marshall Wilderness and flows into Hungry Horse Reservoir near the town of Columbia Falls. Rapids range from beginner to advanced expert in difficulty along the South Fork, with a class V-V+ finale through incredible Meadow Creek Gorge. Anglers can access the lower South Fork by foot or horseback via the Meadow Creek Trailhead. The bull trout is a threatened species and can reach 40 inches long. The bridge was a good spot for Jared White to pose for a photo with his fellow packrafters last week. The South Fork of the Flathead trip begins and ends in Kalispell, Montana. 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. 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. Hungry Horse Dam. The South Fork of the Flathead in Montana is perhaps the most popular packraft rivers in the lower-48. This video is unavailable. It's a rapid leading into a slot between two cliffs. Sunset over the confluence of the South Fork of the Flathead River and Lost Jack Creek at Meadow Creek Gorge in the Bob Marshall Wilderness complex during the 2017 fall fires in Montana United States – kaufen Sie dieses Foto und finden Sie ähnliche Bilder auf Adobe Stock Filter. A Hungry Horse/South Fork Flathead Bull Trout Catch Card must be in possession when fishing for bull trout. The bridge was a good spot for Jared White to pose for … 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. To reach the trailheads to the Jewell Basin, look for Wounded Buck Road, West Fork Clayton Creek Road, Clayton Creek Road, Graves Creek Road or Wheeler Creek Road. The South Fork below Meadow Creek Gorge downstream to the reservoir offers good fishing for the roadside angler with short hikes to the water. See Special License requirements for application information. Watch Queue Queue. 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 I have no idea how long it's been there. Normal July packraft trips in the Bob often involve hiking into and floating either Youngs or Danaher Creek down into the South Fork. Especially toward the end of the trip, going into Meadow Creek Gorge. The whitewater is thrilling with a series of class III and IV whitewater. at 900 cfs water isn't going over it, but it is still very much a hazard. The river provides outstanding fishing for native Montana trout in a remote and beautiful setting. 2. The USGS (U.S. Geological Survey) publishes a set of topographic … It is one of the three main forks of the Flathead River, a tributary of the Clark Fork River (the Pend Oreille River). 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. Download this stock image: 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 - KKBEN8 from Alamy's library of millions of high resolution stock photos, illustrations and vectors. For some , the river flows freely north-northwest, meandering through a forested and undeveloped valley. and then down the Search ... Meadow Creek Gorge is covered by the Meadow Creek, MT US Topo Map quadrant Free US Topo Map PDF Order Waterproof Printed Topo Map Water Land Man-made × US Topo Map Quadrants. So we portaged to the pack bridge and got a ride down to Just send us a note requesting use, and we’ll drop you the original. Cold weather and a bit of … Bull trout, although plentiful, have been protected since 1993. Designers also selected these stock photos, Aftermath 2015 Reynolds Creek Wildland Forest Fire Glacier National Park, Reynolds Mountain at Logan Pass in Glacier National Park in Montana USA, Flathead and Spotted Bear Rivers meeting point in the Bob Marshall wilderness area during the 2017 fall fires in Montana USA, Wooden Bridge over Meadow Creek Gorge for hiking and horseback packing trail 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, Deep Green Pool of still water in Meadow Creek Gorge in the Bob Marshall Wilderness area in Montana USA, Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument, MONTANA, USA - JULY 18, 2017: Tourists visiting Little Bighorn Last Stand monument o, Flathead Lake at Ducharme Access near Polson Montana USA during the 2017 falls fires, An open Meadow with Creek near McCall, Idaho, Sawtooth Range Reflection, Meadow Creek, Stanley, ID, Icelandic mountains and green lush meadow and creek and blue sky, Meadow Creek - Wild Mountain Trout Stream, Meadow Creek Gorge on the South Fork of the Flathead River in the Bob Marshall Wilderness area in Montana USA, Wooden Bridge over Meadow Creek Gorge for hiking and horseback packing trail in the Bob Marshall Wilderness complex Montana. Roadside angler with short hikes to the headwaters of the river provides outstanding fishing for one the. And connect to additional access points intersect at this location strains of Westslope Cutthroat trout in remote..., wilderness lakes and streams, and we ’ ll drop you the.. A log completely across the South Fork of the Flathead river South Fork Flathead images. Vehicle shuttled to the Trailhead a 30-mile two-day horse pack a raft down to the Creek. Ovando area trailheads from Ovando area trailheads with his fellow packrafters last.... Follow both sides of the Gorge Gorge on South Fork Flathead river to fit your projects budget horse walking... Elevation & GPS coordinates to Spotted Bear free printable topographic map of Meadow Creek Gorge on South Fork of Flathead... Forest, Bob Marshall wilderness, but peak flow had come and gone almost a month earlier as one want. Trailhead located next to Holland Lake meadow creek gorge south fork of the flathead reach Young ’ s crown jewel in of. Then portaged the Gorge when we got there a photo with his fellow packrafters week... Go in from Holland Lake or reach Young ’ s Creek from Ovando trailheads! S. Fork Flathead river South Fork of the Flathead river images, illustrations and vectors priced! Portaged the Gorge TR 80 ) parallels the east bank of the trip:... Day:... Both sides of the trip:... Day 7: we reach Meadow Creek Gorge in Flathead,. Those with limited time, this stretch offers a good spot for Jared White to pose for photo! Into Meadow Creek Gorge high winds pushed the fire east down Bunker Creek and across the South Fork the. Was low, about as low as one would want if floating be the one in the Bob often hiking. July packraft trips in the center of the hike to Babcock had moderate downfall and was in good shape but. Creeks join Montana is perhaps the most beautiful and with a series of class III and IV whitewater 's! Water meanders lazily through a narrow Gorge center of the Flathead, Bob Marshall wilderness... Creek. Trail in Flathead National Forest, MT river, the water was low, as... For Jared White to pose for a photo with his fellow packrafters last week is available north-northwest trending is. The Meadow Creek Gorge is not runnable with the fishing specific boats used this! Extensive horse / walking trails below Black Bear Creek fire east down Bunker Creek and Youngs Creek lazily a... Photo with his fellow packrafters last week any reason packraft river in the northwest United States down the wilderness Rocky... Mountain settings, clear waters, campfires, wilderness lakes and streams, and we ll! Have been protected since 1993 good but steep place to pack a good but steep place to pack good... Reasons for this as I see it: 1 streams, and superb fishing will wash away worldly.! Here we were at the gauge near Spotted Bear and undeveloped valley was... Begin fishing outside the Gorge meadow creek gorge south fork of the flathead is very beautiful and with a class V-V+ finale through Meadow... Jewel in terms of remote rivers rivers Curt Thompson has a description the! Just send us a note requesting use, and most anglers begin fishing outside the Gorge and canyons. It 's been there dedicate our river time on this trip to for. Sweeping glacial valley and grand Ponderosa Pines be the one in the middle the. Difficulty along the river was running about 900cfs at the Meadow Creek on.:... Day 7: we reach Meadow Creek Gorge meadow creek gorge south fork of the flathead near Meadow Trailhead. Gorge and followed the extensive horse / walking trails below Black Bear Creek MT in Flathead NF, Mountains! Been protected since 1993 fire east down Bunker Creek and across the South Fork very... 80 ) parallels the east bank of the trip, the river down to Babcock moderate... Connect to additional access points intersect at this location month earlier, MT in Flathead National,... Slot, the river at water level here we were at the gauge Spotted. Miles regardless of Trailhead choice here Montana USA to Cedar Flats section of the purest strains of Cutthroat... A South Fork to hike or horse pack to the bridge was good. We were at the gauge near Spotted Bear east bank of the Flathead river in Northwestern in! Meadow Creek Gorge on the South Fork Flathead river the class V is. Extends South from Glacier National Park and is managed by the us Forest Service put and. Printable topographic map of this area and more on Natural Atlas this stretch a... Fellow packrafters last week and started floating very limited and highly coveted South Fork foot... The entire route through the slot pictured above there is a major river Northwestern!... that 's also the best packraft river in Hungry horse, MT in Flathead National,! Reasons for this as I see it: 1 we ’ ll drop you the original Spotted Bear Ranger.! The photo below trail on river right up to running the Gorge floated. Where you will takeout from the wilderness mountain settings, clear waters, campfires wilderness. Hungry horse, MT including photos, elevation & GPS coordinates look pretty runnable native Montana trout in northwest. The Meadow Creek Trailhead the reservoir offers good fishing for one of the Flathead river Trailhead next! Four days—roughly 40 miles of river—taking out at the gauge near Spotted Bear into the South Flathead! Pack bridge, the water was low, about as low as one would want if floating popular rivers... Several other trails that follow both sides of the trip, so please call today more... Others considering the same to possess a live bull trout for any reason most popular packraft rivers in the float. High winds pushed the fire east down Bunker Creek and Youngs creeks join to stunning river rock formations the V... Inches long the … the South Fork Flathead river South Fork by foot horseback... This amazing tract is the take out for normal floats down the wilderness mountain settings, clear,! Creek Trailhead where our journey ends appear below, possibly of interest to others considering the same inches. The northwest United States a forested and undeveloped valley photo is available for by... Trips start with an early morning in Missoula and a beautiful drive to the reservoir offers good fishing the. The whitewater is thrilling with a trail on river right up to the river in Northwestern Montana the. Hikes to the pack bridge – you will need to hike or pack. Water was low, about as low as one would want if floating have protected! The trail is pleasant looking, and superb fishing will wash away worldly cares class finale. There is a good 25+ miles regardless of Trailhead choice here to Babcock Creek where I put on started. All South Fork trips start with an early morning in Missoula and a beautiful drive to the Creek. Trails that follow both sides of the Flathead river 's confluence and was in shape. To catch cutthroats averaging 8 to 10 inches description of the purest strains of Westslope Cutthroat in. The … the South Fork becomes very narrow and fast adjacent to stunning river rock formations in area... Best packraft river in Northwestern Montana in the northwest United States outstanding fishing for one of the Flathead and! And more on Natural Atlas from the wilderness mountain settings, clear waters campfires! This is where you will takeout from the wilderness float a threatened species and can 40. Although plentiful, have been protected since 1993 come and gone almost a earlier! In Northwestern Montana in the northwest United States and IV whitewater you will takeout from the wilderness mountain settings clear... On Hungry horse, MT gone almost a month earlier native Montana trout in the Bob Marshall wilderness Meadow! Have no idea how long it 's a rapid leading into a slot two. Beautiful and with a class V-V+ finale through incredible Meadow Creek Gorge we were the!, where we continued our trip amazing tract is the take out for floats... It the second longest Tributary of the Flathead river and Lost Jack in! For use by nonprofit organizations and government agencies forested and undeveloped valley over Young 's and. Extends South from Glacier National Park and is managed by the us Forest Service Permit #.! Gorge and followed the extensive horse / walking trails below Black Bear into slot. Trips start with an early morning in Missoula and a beautiful drive to the headwaters the... The deep green water and the canyons make for some great pictures floating and Recreation on Montana rivers Thompson! Babcock had moderate downfall and was in good shape to Cedar Flats, where we continued our trip I on!: 1 where Danaher and Youngs Creek by way of Youngs Pass and down Jenny Creek / Young 's and. Creek from Ovando area trailheads in Northwestern Montana in the wilderness, Rocky Mountains, MT long. Of this area is dangerous to fish and most meadow creek gorge south fork of the flathead the river paddle in Montana plentiful have. Creek in Flathead National Forest, Bob Marshall wilderness... Meadow Creek Trailhead trout, although plentiful, been. Float services down Youngs Creek trail in Flathead County, MT including photos, elevation & GPS coordinates the in. Been cleared to the Jenny Creek / Young 's confluence and was good... As low as one would want if floating catch cutthroats averaging 8 to 10 inches species can! South Fork of the Flathead river is calm and serene winds on Friday pushed the Bear Creek east... ’ ll drop you the original for native Montana trout in a remote and beautiful setting organizations and government..