Frommer's National Parks of the American West - Don Laine [160]
Other Summer Sports & Activities
Boating. With all of this water around, it only makes sense that boat rentals would also be available. At Apgar and Lake McDonald you will find kayaks, canoes, rowboats, and motorboats; gas-powered outboard motors of 10 horsepower or less are permitted at Two Medicine Lake and Bowman Lake. You can also rent kayaks, canoes, rowboats, and electric motorboats at Two Medicine. At Many Glacier, you can rent kayaks, canoes, and rowboats. For details, contact Glacier Park Boat Co. (☎ 406/257-2426; www.glacierpark boats.com).
Fishing. The crystal-clear mountain streams and lakes of Glacier are home to many native species of trout. Anglers looking to hook a big one should try the North Fork of the Flathead for cutthroat, and any of the three larger lakes in the park (Bowman Lake, St. Mary Lake, and Lake McDonald) for lake trout and cutthroat. For equipment or sage advice, or to schedule a guided foray ($275 for two people for a half day), contact Glacier Anglers (☎ 800/ 235-6781) at the Glacier Outdoor Center in West Glacier.
Horseback Riding. One alternative to overstressing your muscles on hiking trails is to saddle up Old Paint and take an Old West approach to transportation. Mule Shoe Outfitters (☎ 406/888-5121 or 406/732-4203; www.mule-shoe. com) provides horseback riding at Lake McDonald and Many Glacier. The company offers hourly ($28) and full-day rides ($120) into the nearby wilderness. Glacier Gateway Trailrides (☎ 406/ 226-4408) offers similar rides from corrals at East Glacier.
Kayaking. Most kayaking in the park involves passages across lakes; the most popular are Bowman Lake and Lake McDonald. Inquire at any ranger station for details and conditions (for rentals, see "Boating," above).
Mountain Climbing. The peaks of Glacier Park rarely exceed elevations of 10,000 feet, but don't let the surveyors' measurements fool you. Glacier has some incredibly difficult climbs; you must inquire at a visitor center or ranger station regarding climbing conditions and closures. In general, the peaks are unsuitable except for experienced climbers or those traveling with experienced guides. The park administration does not recommend climbing because of the unstable nature of the rock.
Rafting & Float Trips. Though the waters in the park don't lend themselves to white-water rafting, the boundary forks of the Flathead River are some of the best in the northwest corner of the state. For just taking it easy and floating along in the summer sun, the North Fork of the Flathead River stretching from Polebridge to Columbia Falls and into Flathead Lake is ideal. The same may be said for the Middle Fork of the Flathead, which forms the southern border of the park.
For white-water voyagers, the North Fork of the Flathead River (classes II and III) and the Middle Fork (class III) are the best bets. Flow rates change dramatically as snow melts or storms move through the area; inquire at any ranger station for details and conditions.
The Middle Fork is a little more severe and isn't the sort of river you enjoy with an umbrella drink in hand. The names of certain stretches of the Middle Fork inspire terror in and of themselves (the Narrows, Jaws, Bonecrusher), and to assuage that terror, several outfitters offer expert, sanctioned guides.
Established in 1975, Glacier Raft Company, P.O. Box 210, West Glacier, MT 59936 (☎ 800/235-6781 or 406/ 888-5454; www.glacierraftco.com), is Montana's oldest raft company. Offerings include half-day trips ($43–$56 per person), full-day excursions