Distinctly Montana Magazine
Issue link: https://digital.distinctlymontana.com/i/1479010
w w w . d i s t i n c t l y m o n t a n a . c o m 51 where a primitive multi-day float with a truly wild feel begins at Schaefer Meadows. Floating through the wilderness, one eventually reaches Bear Creek where the floating really gets fun. The fastest and most technical section of the river lies here down to Paola Creek, where logjams usually need care- ful planning to navigate or avoid altogether. The Paola Creek access on the Middle Fork was the na- tional park's Paola Creek Ranger station from 1913 to 1932 and now serves as a historic stretch of water. The floating from Moccasin Creek down to where the North and Middle Fork meet near the Blankenship Bridge is a beautiful stretch of river, ranging from deep canyons to lazy wide open water. This river and float is truly a boater's dream, as the scenery, coupled with incredible fishing and wildlife, make these floats some of the most memorable in a person's life. The season for floating the Middle Fork was shortened this year due to heavy rains and intense runoff, but now that the season has gotten into full swing, boaters are making the most of what the Middle Fork has to offer. Near the end of the commercial rapids lies the Belton Bridge, once a road re- purposed as a hiking path (and historical landmark) today. Nearer to the state's other national park, Yellowstone, lies the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, a roaring watershed whose streams and rivers are home to a multitude of fish and wildlife. Floating in the national park proper is off-limits. Still, incredible floats of the Yellowstone beginning in Gar- diner are some of the most exciting on the river, and the float overall, though slower, is adored by those who undertake it. The open valleys and deep waterways are some of the most scenic in the state. Whether it be the Yellowstone watershed, the Middle or North Fork of the Flathead, or one of the state's other incred- ible waterways, you aren't going to be disappointed when you set off for a day floating Montana. The clear water, abun- dant wildlife, and eye-opening scenery are sure to make any day. Once back at the takeout after a fabulous day of rafting, the cracking of cold beers to a golden sunset really brings things full circle when the raft is finally out of the water, and you can sit back on your tailgate and think back on a day well spent.