The middle fork of the flathead is a beautiful pristine river that originates far back in the wilderness and emerges at the Bear creek area. From Bear creek on down to the Blankenship bridge is a very popular stretch for river floaters.  At peak times in the summer I believe you could walk across the river stepping on rafts. I’m exaggerating a little, but it does get very congested. 

The debate of many backcountry users is the growing number of river users in the wilderness. Primarily commercial use. The Forest Service seems to allow more day use permits each year to outfitters. Another growing method of access is to hire stock packers to bring your gear into the river and then the groups just hike in empty or with some personal items. This is what is getting out of hand in my opinion. I would hope that FS administrators do not restrict private floaters from accessing the river, but when you have these large groups accessing the river via outfitters and packers, I think it’s inevitable that there will be restrictions coming at some time.

I’m writing this blog following a quick trip I took to a location know as the Castle Lake crossing. I was there just to check river levels and wether or not it was safe to cross with stock to access Castle Lake. The middle fork trail is about a couple hundred yds up the mtn as you near the castle cutoff. From this vantage point looking down at the river it appeared to be a small town set up along the river. Numerous tents and big blue plastic tarps were present. I remembered seeing the 2 large vans and 1 mini sitting at the trailhead when I departed. I would guesstimate 15+ people down at the trail crossing area. This is the type of activity that needs to be curtailed in my opinion. These large groups along the river system undoubtably have a negative impact on this wilderness area.

I’m sure the area outfitters will book as many day use permits as they are allowed by FS. I would. They are in business to make money. Don’t get me wrong I’m not against the outfitters, I believe they provide a valuable service in bringing folks who would not otherwise have a chance to experience this wilderness. I just feel the time has already passed for restrictions in regard to the number of people and gear they can transport back into the river.  Both guided trips and drop camp/gear type services.

Forest Service facility – Granite cabin.. Great lunch spot

This river is so beautiful.