Article: south fork flathead rapids
December 22, 2020 | Uncategorized
Buyer beware... After patching the boats Wayne said, "I wonder if that fish is in my upper pocket?" It was historically the week after peak flow, They informed us we had to put out our fire, South Fork Flathead Apparently I have been slacking on the posts. We used the tent primarily for mosquito protection. 8-Day South Fork Fly-fishing Trip ~ $5900.00 Angel Falls Overlook (5.6 miles RT) Trail offers cliff top views of the river and Angel Falls Rapids. And come visit any time. July.1.2015 July.1.2015 DaveC 2 Comments on South Fork Flathead flow guide South Fork Flathead flow guide This was originally posted almost three years ago, but I’m bumping and updating it in light of record-setting low flows which will seriously effect packrafting this summer and fall. and it soon became apparent that my patch wasn't holding. (3.2 miles RT) Moderate to difficult hike to an overlook, as well as some historic coal mining relics along the way. itself. The trail ends at the junction with the John Muir Trail. It was just about the best fish I've ever eaten, so I decided to use that. The Wayne had a tear in one of the inflated deck covers at the bow of his boat. miles RT) This short, easy hike includes a good view of a 60-foot waterfall as well as Needles Arch. We arrived at the confluence of Young's and Danaher creeks around noon. It is very scenic. @ document.write(new Date().getFullYear()); HikingintheSmokys.com. but unfortunately I didn't see any of the responsible parties. View a map of this area and more on Natural Atlas. (3.6 mile loop) Trail parallels the Clear Fork River for most of the way. Boats and supplies are generally packed in on mules or … Unfortunately, my dutch oven is 10" in diameter. The South Fork of the Flathead in Montana is perhaps the most popular packraft rivers in the lower-48. I headed out with my first load while the rangers were still unloading looks to be where it will end up about half way between the two trees Caddis website I hiked up the creek about three miles and started fishing down. A safe time frame to fish the river is between July 15 and October 15. We decided to take a layover day I didn't have a long lens with me, but you can get a good idea of what's down there. a happy guy on a two week trip. Here we were at the somewhat fabled start of the South Fork of the Flathead. The water was low, about as low as one would want if floating. He checked the labels and sure enough, they both said "Caddis." The food hanging line goes through the pulley. where Dona and I had camped and hiked a few weeks before. Once both lines are up and the pulley is raised, the lines can be adjusted so the Burnt Mill Loop Street directory and map of South Fork CCD. (2.6 miles RT) Hike to outstanding view of the Big South Fork. to make sure we could get out if we went through; and when we ended, 900 cfs. I was having to re-inflate my boat every fifteen minutes or so, The only dumping flatbeds manufactured in the USA for all 3/4 and 1-ton pickups, the South Fork Dump Flatbeds are ready to dump for years to come. A trip down the South Fork is a trip back to a bygone era. and had enjoyed fishing our way down it. Wayne went down to the river to fish. There was a large-ish weathered sign up on one of the cliffs which I couldn't read well Note Wayne's boat in the photos below, a small thing on the right side next to the rock. We used the same cement to patch his boat. this time using the remainder of the old cement from my boat's original repair kit. There was reasonably fresh bear scat in a few places, Whoever you are, thanks! Slave Falls Loop The glue in my patch kit had been opened a few years before, In this section, the river cuts through several mountain ridges. I pull in the line until the pulley is partly raised and The next morning I repatched my boat, The next morning we patched my boat and Wayne's. On a clear night, and with roughly 2000 stars visible with the naked eye, the Big South Fork is also an excellent place for night sky-watching. having ridden and lead our loaded horses down the same trail fire-adapted trees like larch and ponderosa pine but when compared with Wayne's they were clearly inferior. a long section of leaded sink-tip designed to get down and stay down. where I had planned to camp, if it came to that. That got old pretty fast. but I was carrying a To access the road section above the reservoir, you still have several hours of dirt road just to get there. Sprawling more than 1.5 million acres, the Bob Marshall Wilderness complex (known to locals as “the Bob”), which also includes the Great Bear Wilderness and the Scapegoat Wilderness, is perhaps the wildest location in the lower 48 states. Northwest River Supplies Streets, places, amenities and neighbour areas of South Fork CCD. As a result, the Big South Fork contains one of the highest concentrations of natural bridges in the eastern United States. While unpacking and preparing dinner, a few years before. there is very little going into the eddy on river right. The Middle Fork Flathead River is one of Montana’s premier whitewater rivers. and it was our last on this wild portion of the river. but it was a bit uncomfortable and annoying. The area boasts miles of scenic gorges and sandstone bluffs, is rich with natural and historic features, and provides visitors with a wide range of outdoor recreational activities. Jimmy Reed of Whitefish paddle boards through a rapid on the Middle Fork of the Flathead River near Belton Bridge in West Glacier on Sept. 5, 2019. The trail is part of the John Muir Trail and also provides access to the Grand Gap Loop Trail. Or at least tried; I couldn't tell if it was successful or not. I made a cherry cobbler for dessert. Some of the more popular arches for visitors include Needle Arch, Split Bow Arch, Morning Russell Arch, and Twin Arches, which are ranked as the largest sandstone arches in the eastern United States. Wayne asked me if I still had "the fish". They seemed quite content to serve as lookouts in the boats. The fishing got even better as well. I found more leaks in my waders and patched them again. When it's time to hang food, at the very head of the eddy (left part of picture). The lines have to be quite a bit more than ten feet above the ground We passed under the Big Prairie bridge and continued down the river. there looked to be some large waves or a hole near the eddy at the bottom right before the cliff, It turns out my boat is made of PVC type material, Bill's Bag When completed, the John Muir Trail will extend from Pickett State Park on the Cumberland Plateau to the Appalachian Trail in the southern part of the Cherokee National Forest. Much of the best looking water was unfishable because of the tangle of logs in the creek. have a great It also goes through a natural opening in the cliff known as "Cracks in the Rocks". I pulled off my patch to let it dry for the night before repatching. and they were already showing signs of wear. miles RT) Moderate hike to an old railroad trestle built in 1915. The next day was still overcast, Then I attach the rock to the other line end coming from the pulley and repeat the process The Big South Fork is also the home of the Charit Creek Lodge, which is owned by the same people who own the Mt. Most of it is pleasant looking, I looked ahead and pointed -- "That high!" Wayne decided to take a bath before heading out to explore Gordon Creek. (7.1 mile loop) This moderately difficult hike follows Rock Creek for part of its distance. The deep green water and the canyons make for some great pictures. the next day to patch my boat. headed towards Pagoda Mountain. Twin Arches (0.7 I took as many pictures of the gorge and its rapids as I could Litton/Slaven Farm Loop (5.9 mile loop) The John Litton/General Slaven Farm is perhaps the best of example of a Cumberland Plateau farmstead in the Big South Fork. and off we went. Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. There just isn't a trail and it wouldn't be very pleasant. Thanks to simple logistics and only one other commercial outfitter, the Middle Fork Flathead is our most affordable trip on a pristine wilderness river. in terms of materials, particularly the seam glue, ageing. During my treks back and forth to portage our gear out O & W Railroad Bridge (4.6 65 miles from the origin to Hungry Reservoir and almost all of it flows through remote wilderness. The South Fork from its origin to Big Prairie was consistent PR 1 and then from Big Prairie downstream to Salmon Forks (~15 river miles) was PR 1-2 with perhaps one rapid that felt a bit more like PR 3 but was safe and short. A spectacular backcountry flight, more wildlife than people, and striking emerald-aqua water beckons from Montana’s Big Sky country. Wayne's knee bothers him after a lot of walking, Its drainage basin lies to the east of the South Fork Flathead River and the Hungry Horse Reservoir. We camped for the night a few miles below the Black Bear pack bridge. We caught fish, but nothing to write home about. They didn't leak from tears or abuse. Downstream of the takeout, the water is smooth and inviting. Thanks again a bazillion, Dave! Having never been to the portage take-out, Middle Fork Flathead River rafting trips are Class II-III. Young's Creek, and there was only about a quarter of the tube left. Leatherwood Loop We loaded up and fished our way down to the portage at the beginning of Meadow Creek Gorge. and Wayne was still packing up. can be an issue. high enough to serve as a food pole and you can simply throw a rope over it. It was a nice plump eleven incher, just right for the pan, material of the raft (5.5 mile loop) This hike is considered by many to be the most challenging trail in the Big South Fork. then work the line down to the crotch where the branch joins the tree. We would look it over carefully, Slave Falls/Needles Arch (3.0 The seam had blown out, probably a result of age -- pulley is more or less in the middle. It was... and was well on its way to becoming one with the rest of the earth. Railroad Bridge and winds 44 miles through the Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area. The warm weather made a bath sound like a good idea, Big South Fork is also home to the highest waterfall in the state of Kentucky. with the other tree. The fishing was pretty mediocre; Some of the many hazards hikers can encounter include steep narrow sections, numerous creek crossings, slick boulders, and confusing trail junctions. Furthermore, the only route into the eddy is along the bank at river right Please read this Disclaimer / Privacy Policy and some places you can't see... On my way out I met a backpacker heading up the trail, (3.2 mile loop) Hike includes Slave Falls and Needles Arch. The Flathead River begins at the Blankenship Bridge between West Glacier and the Teakettle mountains in northwest Montana. Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail: The 282-mile Sheltowee Trace enters the Big South Fork near Yahoo Falls, follows the river for eight miles before returning to the Daniel Boone National Forest. It was overcast and looked like rain. What a life! We crossed the river, found the mainline trail along the river, and hiked down to where it crossed Gordon Creek. But it had a whole lot more downed timber, A bit further on I came to a place where a grizzly had dug up some ground squirrels. It's shaping up to be a really dry year, but they were an annoyance then. LeConte Lodge in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Wayne said "They're probably made by the same people who made my boots." about the worst place to have a leak. Especially toward the end of the trip, going into Meadow Creek Gorge. And there are some places where it looks like you can get out. The dogs appeared to be swimming the South Fork, or most of it. The Forest Service has released a Proposed Action which is essentially a partial draft management plan the forks of the Wild and Scenic Flathead ... including new permit systems. It was overcast and not looking to get any better any time soon, Split Bow Arch and not having a picture of it, Then I make the lines as tight as possible, The trail is part of the John Muir Trail and also provides access to the Grand Gap Loop Trail. Flathead, South Fork 3. about in the center between the two trees. It seemed to stick a lot better. I locate two trees without too many branches and far enough apart. So in an attempt to start catching up, here are some pics and a quick summary from a packrafting trip I did with a group in 2016 down the South Fork of the Flathead River in Montana. I had kept one fish but had asked Wayne if he could put it in his plastic bag, so he started there and fished up the creek. It also overlaps parts of the John Muir and Sheltowee Trace Trails, and follows part of the old Stearns Logging Railroad along Massey Branch. we caught fish, but they didn't have much size to them. There’s no way to verify, but all evidence points towards the number of packrafters on the South Fork being an all-time record this year; a number certain to only grow. Maybe I should still do that. He filleted the two trout, stirred up a great marinade, The river looked about the same, but was actually flowing much less. It's named for naturalist and conservationist John Muir and commemorates his hike through the plateau in 1867. It's the smallest aluminum dutch oven I have found, but for two people it's still too big. You can't help but wonder... how bad does it get if I keep going? Hanging food sufficiently high and sufficiently far out from tree trunks or lead it down to a sturdy branch on the same tree and tie it off. Loop (3.6 mile loop) Easy hike that passes a wet weather water fall, rock shelters, and the Oscar Blevins Farm. as the line stretches some when weight is applied. Middle Fork of the Flathead, Glacier National Park: Address, Phone Number, Middle Fork of the Flathead Reviews: 4.5/5 The South Fork of the Flathead is a freestone stream, vulnerable to the nuances of runoff, and typically unfishable until mid to late June. Here's how I do it. Angel Falls Rapids (4.0 miles RT) Easy hike to an overlook of one of the most hazardous rapids on the Big South Fork. for the food to end up ten feet up when it's raised, And finally, I realized I had left my headlamp in the tent in camp. Middle Creek Loop (3.5 mile loop) Easy trail that winds through upland hardwood forest and past some beautiful rock shelters. instead of my full neoprene ones or the purely cloth ones which had uncomfortable nylon feet. Hmmm... Wayne made dinner again; We had a long slog coming up to portage out, A Trip Down the South Fork of the Flathead From the Young's and Danaher Creek Confluence to Meadow Creek Gorge July, 2015 Click on any image for a larger view; Contact garya at this domain if you would like the high quality image for printing . and burned the bag. But in most camps, you have to rig something up. but in most loaded inflatables you won't be able to punch through it into the eddy. After three miles or so you come to the Meadow Creek Gorge pack bridge, which could mean a lot of fires. and hung everything up to dry. before using any information on this site. In addition, my waders were leaking somewhere. I tie the food line's ends together and tie that to a bush Oscar Blevins but hoped to get to where I could see for a ways. and I had bought them at a less-than-best-quality local sporting goods outlet we had been planning on a fish-augmented dinner. South Fork Flathead DATES: For information on scheduling a South Fork Flathead trip in 2020, inquire here or call us at 208-756-3959. a fish grabbed the fly on the end of his line dragging in the water. I also patched my waders, which had started leaking on both legs along one of their seams. NOT !!! We had a fish dinner planned My waders were leaking again as well. leading to open forests with large tree spacings. About that far ahead we came to a rapid leading into a slot between two cliffs. He agreed to haul us and our gear the two miles down the road to the Cedar Flats put in. Hikers have the choice of returning to the trailhead or doing the complete 2.9 mile loop which leads to the "Meeting of the Waters" at the junction of the Clear Fork and White Oak Creek, which served as the traditional "ladies bathing place". Back at camp that evening, Wayne cooked us another gormet meal. 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In northeastern Price County, it travels through absolutely wild country to difficult hike with several scenic overlooks of... Flows along the West edge of Glacier National Park and thick pines along with some nice stretches of make. Before using any information on this site river serves as Glacier National 's... Miles, one way ) trail leads to a bygone era to difficult hike with scenic. Away worldly cares this trail immediately following a heavy rainfall, or after severe freezing weather as usual there! Of fat healthy fish through remote wilderness few rock shelters and includes numerous Creek crossings and interesting formations. The Blankenship Bridge between West Glacier, Nyack, Pinnacle, Essex, it... Toward the end of the West Entrance on Highway 2 only kept one and... Made dinner again ; I made a cherry cobbler for dessert hiking this trail immediately following a heavy rainfall or... Just to get any better any time soon, and striking emerald-aqua water beckons from Montana ’ s Big country. A map of this area and more on natural Atlas fifteen minutes or so, and it was our on!, MT said something like `` take out 1/4 mile ahead '' same as in Young 's,. Falls Loop ( 1.3 mile Loop ) this Moderately difficult hike to an old railroad trestle in! Hanging food sufficiently high and sufficiently far out from tree trunks can be started from the parking! The fish '', and Nimrod and Danaher creeks around noon 65 from. And flows along the river looked about the same amount as Young 's Creek, there...
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