Page 16 - Flathead Beacon // 6.3.15

16 / SUMMER 2015 JUNE 3, 2015 / FLATHEADBEACON.COM
FLOATERS’ PARADISE
Top sources of cool respite during the sizzling summer months
Kayakers paddle down the Swan River. GREG LINDSTROM
FLATHEAD BEACON
BDY DILLON TABISH OF THE BEACON
URING THE SIZZLING
months of summer, the big- gest challenge isn’t finding a source of cool respite in the
Flathead Valley, it’s choosing among the abundant supply.
There are more than 500 lakes in this corner of the state, including some of Montana’s most prominent and be- loved, and one of the most pristine riv- ers in the country. Whether it’s paddling a kayak or stand-up paddleboarding or revving up the motorboat, this area has scenic opportunities for everyone.
To ensure our revered waterways stay intact, all boaters must stop at in- spection stations. Montana law requires everyone using a boat, even a kayak or canoe, to stop and undergo a quick check for aquatic invasive species that could severely damage rivers and lakes.
Another reminder: all boaters must have proper safety gear, including life jackets.
Here’s a breakdown of some of the most popular and treasured sections of water in the valley:
SWAN RIVER
The Swan River meanders from its lake origins through Ferndale and Bigfork before spilling into Flathead Lake. The calm section of water near the mouth of Swan Lake attracts flocks of inner tubers and other floaters during the hot sum- mer months for a peaceful hour-long ride. The Swan River Fishing Access Site on Rainbow Drive in Ferndale is the top put-in spot and the most common take- out is near the Clay Cliffs across from a wide parking section off Montana High- way 83. For more skilled paddlers, the section of the Swan River known as the Wild Mile is a thrilling test near down- town Bigfork. It features continuous Class III and Class IV whitewater rapids between the dam and powerhouse.
TALLY LAKE
West of Whitefish about 10 miles, this idyllic spot has the distinction of being the deepest freshwater lake in Montana with a depth of 492 feet. It’s a favorite spot for boaters who enjoy the panoram- ic views and clear water. A campground around the lake offers 40 sites.
FLATHEAD LAKE
This is an obvious attraction but it shouldn’t be overlooked. The largest freshwater lake in the West boasts 188 square miles of open water. There are six state parks along the shoreline, offering public access to different points of the massive lake.
On the eastern shore, there is Fin- ley Point, a 28-acre secluded park in a mature conifer forest on the south end, Wayfarers, a popular 69-acre camp-
ground and beach in Bigfork; and Yellow Bay, a 15-acre natural park with a creek and wide beach.
On the west shore, there is Big Arm, a 217-acre park with 40 campsites, in- cluding seven rental tents and yurts, as well as a nice place to swim; West Shore, a 129-acre park with 32 forested camp- sites; and Wild Horse Island, the largest inland island on Flathead Lake (2,163 acres) that is best accessed by depart- ing from Big Arm. These campsites fill up quickly, so plan on arriving as early as possible to reserve a spot. Some sites can be reserved online at http://montana- stateparks.reserveamerica.com.
Volunteer Park in Lakeside is also a popular public access point with an ideal picnic setting.
LAKE MCDONALD
The biggest lake in Glacier National Park is 10 miles long and as deep as 472 feet. It is surrounded by breathtaking views and offers a peaceful setting for paddling on the west side of the park.
HOLLAND LAKE
This scenic destination down the Swan Highway offers a great escape into the mountains. About 74 miles south of Ka- lispell, the Holland Lake Forest Service campground offers 40 campsites in the quiet setting of the Swan Range.
LITTLE BITTERROOT LAKE
Tucked in the forested foothills behind Marion, this is a great escape from the crowds with roughly 2,969 acres of sur- face area and an average depth of 114
feet. It has an easy-access concrete boat ramp with a small public park with rest- rooms along the western shoreline.
FLATHEAD RIVER
This scenic waterway is one of only four Wild and Scenic Rivers in Montana and originates in the Canadian Rockies and runs south through Northwest Mon- tana, forming the western and southern borders of Glacier National Park before spilling into the massive pool of Flat- head Lake. From Kerr Dam, the river flows through a scenic canyon with fun rapids, including Buffalo Rapids, which can grow into Class IV whitewater. The river slows down as it approaches the Clark Fork. North of the lake, there are three primary forks.
The North Fork is the largest tribu- tary, running 58 miles. It offers an ideal section for rafting single- or multi-day trips with Class I-II rapids. There are commercial outfitters near West Glacier that offer guided trips, including Glacier Raft Company/Glacier Outdoor Center, Wild River, Montana Raft Company/ Glacier Guides and Great Northern Re- sort. There are multiple public access sites on the North Fork, including Blan- kenship bridge and Big Creek. Always take precaution on the water, and rafters should be especially aware of log jams and other debris. There is a wave above Glacier Rim that extends from the right shoreline into the middle of the river and consistently flips boats.
The Middle Fork tracks most of U.S. Highway 2 along the southern border of Glacier Park and offers more intense
whitewater. In John Stevens Canyon, there are five named Class II-III rapids — Bonecrusher, Jaws, Tunnel, Waterfall Narrows and C.B.T. (Could Be Trouble). Access points include Bear Creek, Es- sex, Paola Creek and Cascadilla Creek. Be sure to keep an eye out for wildlife, in- cluding the mountain goats at the Walton Goat Lick.
For those seeking an even wilder ad- venture, fly into Schafer Meadows with a pack raft and take the multi-day stretch of river that starts in the Bob Marshall Wilderness, passes through the Great Bear Wilderness and takes out at Bear Creek. This 26-mile trip is a once-in-a- lifetime experience.
Other popular floats include the stretch of Flathead River between Co- lumbia Falls and Tea Kettle Fishing Access Site and Old Steel Bridge in Ka- lispell. The nice and easy current makes for a peaceful day of floating.
WHITEFISH LAKE & RIVER
With a sandy beach, boat launch, pic- nic area and over 3,300 acres of surface area, Whitefish Lake offers an ideal out- door setting just minutes from down- town Whitefish. The lake stretches 7 miles long and has two state parks along its shorelines, Whitefish Lake State Park and Les Mason State Park. There is also City Beach, which attracts flocks of families in the summer for a fun day on the water. The 3-mile stretch of river from the lake’s origins to the bridge at JP Road have been set aside during sum- mer for non-motorized watercraft, such as kayaks and stand-up paddleboards. •