How To Sleep Under Glacier National Park’s Star Studded Skies Without Carrying A Heavy Pack
As always, around here, the phone’s been ringing and I’ve been making friends. A particularly sweet voice this week beseeched me: how can I sleep under Glacier National Park’s star studded skies without carrying a heavy pack? And although I could’ve quickly given her a three word answer, of course I listened to her story, and thought of other people with the same question.
Maybe you are in charge of the new to this world — she is a young mama, and has enough to carry.
Perhaps you are approaching your sunset years.
Or it could be that carrying a backpack into the wilderness just isn’t your thing — that’s okay.
But the experience of getting to sleep under Glacier National Park’s star studded skies without carrying a heavy pack should be for everyone. I promise you it is one you will never forget.
How to sleep under Glacier National Park’s star studded skies without carrying a heavy pack? Go overnight whitewater rafting on the Middle Fork of the Flathead River!
Photo credit Chelsea Tuttle
That’s the three word answer. Go overnight whitewater rafting on the lightly traveled, upper section of the Middle Fork of the Wild and Scenic Flathead River is the long answer.
So, let’s think about this. We pack the gear. You step into the raft and enjoy the ride, soaking in hidden views of Glacier’s interior. Your highly trained and entertaining guides will educate you and amuse you along the way. Want to learn more about Glacier’s geological, anthropological, and historical aspects? You will on this trip. Want to fish or swim along the way? Just ask. This experience is all about relaxation and fun.
Pro Tip: Did you know dinner cooked riverside tastes better than dinner not cooked riverside?
At day’s end, we’ll set up camp riverside while you relax in a cozy camp chair, or go for a walk. Then we cook delicious — largely locally and organically sourced — riverside dinner. Do you like marinated steak, seasoned salmon, homemade lasagna, and fresh veggies? We sure do. And a decadent dessert is mandatory on a river trip. Bring your own beverages if you’d like to have riverside nightcap.
Photo credit to Chelsea Tuttle
Sunset On the Border of Glacier National Park
After the stars come out, you might get a little lost within yourself contemplating their enormous number and your tiny existence. We believe part of the Glacier National Park experience is time for a little introspection. Overnight whitewater rafting guarantees that moment. When you’re ready, crawl into your roomy tent, with a real pillow. Drifting off to sleep to the gentle rush of the glacier fed water is an experience unto itself.
Photo credit to Chelsea Tuttle.
Rise and Shine!
In the morning, wake up to a steaming cup of organic coffee, riverside. While we can never guarantee a wildlife sighting, early in the morning often proves the best time of the day. Some of the species we see include mountain goats, osprey, eagles, and all sorts of river dwellers. Going fishing with your eyes in the clear waters of the Flathead is nearly better than fishing with a rod and reel!
Photo credit to Chelsea Tuttle.
After a hearty breakfast, we’ll break camp and prepare for the whitewater section of the Middle Fork of the Flathead River! Traveling through the John Stevens Canyon, you’ll enjoy class II-III thrills, which means fun and splashy water. This is a whitewater experience that’s fun for nearly everyone 6 and up, although minimum age will fluctuate with the river levels. Safety is always our #1 priority.
Photo credit to Chelsea Tuttle.
Your overnight rafting trip will end mid-afternoon, and you’ll be back to the office around 5pm. I will likely be among the office staff who greets you, and we will all want to hear about your overnight adventures. Because overnight rafting Glacier National Park’s southern border is one of the most amazing Montana adventures around!