At Glacier Raft Company we believe in the responsible use of our unique wild and scenic river systems. As stewards of this incredible natural resource, we continuously promote its importance by supporting and partnering with the United States Forest Service and local organizations involved with stewardship and resource management. Educating and training guests to maintain the Flathead River’s health and safety is important to ensuring that it remains a pristine natural resource for all to enjoy for years to come.
General Manager Mike Cooney — who joined Glacier Raft Company 35 years ago — is deeply rooted in the West Glacier community and is a passionate advocate for the Flathead River. Cooney and his team encourage all visitors and guests to embrace a “leave no trace” philosophy. Cooney shares these simple, easy-to-implement tips for recreating on the Flathead responsibly.
Planning ahead is essential for safety, stewardship, and maximizing your national park experience. Check weather and trail conditions, map out your route, and prepackage food items to reduce waste and eliminate single-use plastics. Before you head out, find out the current conditions by contacting the United States Forest Service, Flathead River Alliance or stop by the Glacier Outdoor Center for more information.
And don’t forget your first aid kit as you prepare for your trip.
Recreating within protected parks and wilderness areas is a privilege that offers us a unique connection with nature. To minimize our impact, stick to established trails and existing campsites. When camping along the Flathead River, most spots on the Middle Fork are on public lands downstream. Glacier National Park borders the river, but permits aren’t issued for the Middle Fork, so make sure to camp on public land. Always set up at least 200 feet from the water to protect sensitive riverbank ecosystems.
The Flathead is an incredibly clean river system. To keep it that way, we must employ a pack-it-in, pack-it-out mentality to preserve this pristine waterway. Always carry a trash bag and wag bag on hikes and camping trips and avoid emptying anything — including drinks, food or human waste — into the water. When washing dishes or yourself, collect the water in a basin, return to your campsite (200 feet from shore), and always use biodegradable cleaning products.
Embracing a ‘leave it better than you found it’ mentality will help minimize our human impact on Glacier National Park’s ecosystem. Before embarking on your adventure, stop by the Glacier Outdoor Center at Paddle Ridge for a river clean-up bag. As you explore the park and waterway, be mindful of your surroundings and pick up anything that looks out of place. Return with a full clean-up bag and we’ll give you a 15% discount on all store purchases.
Consider the impact of a campfire before building one, as portable camping stoves offer a safe and easy alternative for cooking. Before making a fire, check with the US Forest Service to ensure no fire bans are in place. Use a fire pan or fire blanket to build your fires. Finally, never leave your campfire unattended, use the Smokey Bear method: drown it, stir it, feel it and when it is cold and wet clean it up.
Leaving no trace is the best protection we can offer wildlife. As per the US Forest Service recommendations, pack your food in bearproof containers and hang it 10 feet high and four feet out from a tree. You can also use a portable electric fence system to deter critters from getting at your food. And, if you’re recreating with a pet, always keep it with you and under control.
A final thought from General Manager Mike Cooney is to always carry a can of bear spray with you, as there are grizzly bears in the area. For more information about bears in Glacier National Park, check out this story: Bears in Glacier National Park.
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