RIVERBETA · pocket sheet
Bear Creek to Paola Access
Middle Fork Flathead · II-III · 12 mi · 18 ft/mi · ≈4 hrs · May–September
GO3,120 cfs
Mile by mile
- 1Bear Creek RapidsII-III · RM 52.97 — Bouldery Class II-III feature just below the put-in. Gets more pushy and challenging at high water (American Whitewater).
- 2Staircase RapidsIII · RM 51.01 — Series of wave trains and maneuvering around boulders — more technical and demanding than the surrounding Class II water. One of the most notable drops on the run (American Whitewater).
- 3Goatlick RapidsII+ · RM 50.21⚠ scout — Short, lively, straightforward — sits near the Walton Goat Lick interpretive site. ⚠️ Stopping is prohibited within 1/4 mile upstream or downstream of the Goat Lick to protect the mountain goats (USFS).
Emergency
- Emergencies. Dial 911. Cell coverage is limited throughout the corridor — plan to be self-reliant between accesses.
- Primary rescue. North Valley Search & Rescue covers all three forks of the Flathead.
- Nearest hospitals. Logan Health Whitefish and Logan Health Medical Center (Kalispell) are the primary regional facilities; serious trauma is flown to Kalispell or Missoula.
Field notes
P Bear CreekT Paola Accessshuttle 9.3 mi · ≈11 min
Last 7 days · USGS 12358500
USGS 12358500 · Conditions as of Jul 16, 2026, 1:45 PM · Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms, 91°F. Printed Jul 16, 2026, 3:06 PM— levels swing, wood moves. Verify the gauge and scout anything you can't read from upstream.