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Half-Day Glacier National Park Whitewater Rafting Adventure

Recommended by 98% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
West Glacier, USA
Great choice
20+ bookings last month.
  • 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English

Why travelers loved this

4.9
·
· Emily_S ·
Sep 2025
Great Northern rafting company was a great experience. Our guide Addie could not have been better. She was so knowledgeable and so friendly. We enjoyed our 3 hour adventure and would love to come back and do it again! Beautiful scenery, beautiful water and all around just plain fun!
· Nancy_B ·
Aug 2025
Fantastic operation! Devin and Ava were delightful! Very safety aware and this meant a lot to us! I highly recommend his company!! Thank you for a wonderful experience! Ava is the best!!

Overview

See Glacier National Park in a way that few people get to with this half-day whitewater rafting tour. You'll get your bearings paddling through a calm stretch of water before making your way to the John Stevens Canyon, where you'll tackle a variety of thrilling rapids. A guide will be with you throughout your adventure and beginners are welcome to join in on the fun.
  • Beginner-friendly tour, suitable for all levels of experience
  • A professional rafting guide and instructor will lead the trip
  • Choose from morning or afternoon departures
  • All safety equipment will be provided

What's Included

  • Raft, PFD, & Paddles

    Meeting and Pickup

    Meeting point

    • 12125 US-2, West Glacier, MT 59936, USA

      Traveling east on Highway 2 from Columbia Falls, Great Northern is on the left side of the highway a half-mile before the turn onto the Going to the Sun Highway toward Glacier National Park. Look for the Red Caboose! We ask that all guests arrive 30 minutes prior to their scheduled trip time.

    End point

    This activity ends back at the meeting point.

    What To Expect

    1

    Middle Fork of the Flathead

    Additional Info

    • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
    • Not wheelchair accessible
    • Not recommended for travelers with back problems
    • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
    • No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
    • Most travelers can participate
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 50 travelers

    Cancellation Policy

    You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

    Traveler Photos

    Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)
    Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)
    Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)
    Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)
    Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

    Featured review

    Emily_S
    Great Northern rafting company was a great experience. Our guide Addie could not have been better. She was so knowledgeable and so friendly. We enjoyed our 3 hour adventure and would love to come back and do it again! Beautiful scenery, beautiful water and all around just plain fun!

    Reviews

    4.9
    based on 491 reviews
    Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

    Great time !!! Guides...

    Kelly_w, Sep 2025
    Great time !!! Guides made it really fun. Definitely recommend this company! Beautiful scenery! Would do again.

    Scenic Rafting

    Elaine_I, Sep 2025
    What a fun day in September. Our guide was ready to talk to & the jokes on the bus ride were a hoot. Definitely would do again

    Lake float

    Maria_C, Sep 2025
    It’s long and it’s kind of boring. Didn’t see anything. Just flowed down the river for 3 hours. They changed our trip To scenic float on the river

    Good for first time rafters

    Dayna_C, Sep 2025
    The trip was beautiful but the river very low in early September. The staff was knowledgeable and entertaining. Safety was a high priority.

    Awesome experience!

    Bharat_D, Sep 2025
    Great rafting experience. Antwan, our guide was very informative and kept us engaged. He gave us good instructions on handling the several rapids we encountered!

    Must do in Glacier National park

    Emily_S, Sep 2025
    Great Northern rafting company was a great experience. Our guide Addie could not have been better. She was so knowledgeable and so friendly. We enjoyed our 3 hour adventure and would love to come back and do it again! Beautiful scenery, beautiful water and all around just plain fun!

    Rafting fun for the whole crew

    Robert_M, Aug 2025
    Our group of 10 booked a half-day white water rafting trip with Great Northern Rafting on August 28, and we had an amazing time! Because of our group size, we split across two rafts, but everyone still had a great experience. Check-in was quick and easy, and the staff made everything seamless. You can even rent water shoes for just $2.50 if you don’t have snug-fitting footwear (no crocs or flip flops allowed). Their little shop is handy too—stocked with water, dry bags, and other essentials. After check-in, we were bused about 10 miles down the road to the launch point on the river. The water level was a bit lower than usual due to lack of rain, but it didn’t take away from the fun. We still hit a few good rapids, and the overall ride was a mix of mild excitement and relaxing stretches. The scenery was absolutely beautiful—floating right outside Glacier National Park felt unforgettable. The guides were fantastic: personable, funny, and clearly very skilled. They kept us entertained, made sure we were safe, and navigated every rapid with confidence. We would definitely recommend Great Northern Rafting to anyone visiting the area and will absolutely book with them again next time we’re back. A great way to experience the river and take in the incredible Montana landscape!

    perfect even on a slightly rainy day

    Jordin_B, Aug 2025
    we had so much fun! i went with my parents, boyfriend, sister and her partner. we accidentally booked a white water when we were supposed to do a float, and they easily and happily accomodated us. our guide, (i think it was ava), was friendly and personable and knowledgeable. highly recommend this experience. it was perfect at the end of our trip

    We had a blast the...

    Melissa_P, Aug 2025
    We had a blast the company was safe and great for all skill levels our guide Todd was amazing and we were able to see a lot of wildlife along the river as well as have a great day on the water Todd was informative and knowledgeable about the area as well

    Response from Host, Aug 2025

    Wow! Thank you for the outstanding five-star review! We're thrilled to hear that Todd provided you with an incredible rafting experience. Our team strives to deliver adventures that are both exhilarating and informative, and we're overjoyed to know that we hit the mark. We can't wait to have you back for more unforgettable moments in the breathtaking Glacier Park!

    Great ride

    Chris_M, Aug 2025
    Had a great time rafting the river. Fun rapids and relaxing ride. Guide was very knowledgeable and super friendly

    Response from Host, Aug 2025

    We are so glad that you enjoyed your rafting trip with us! We really appreciate the 5 star review, we hope to have you back at Great Northern Resort for your next visit to Glacier Park!

    Fantastic operation!...

    Nancy_B, Aug 2025
    Fantastic operation! Devin and Ava were delightful! Very safety aware and this meant a lot to us! I highly recommend his company!! Thank you for a wonderful experience! Ava is the best!!

    Response from Host, Aug 2025

    Thank you for awarding us with a perfect rating! It brings us immense joy to know that you had an incredible experience rafting with Ava. Our team works hard to ensure each guest receives the best adventure possible while exploring the beautiful area. We can't wait to welcome you back for more thrilling and unforgettable moments in the stunning Glacier Park!

    Great rafting exper

    Ryan_S, Aug 2025
    Excellent time, people were great. Middle fork flathead river was beautiful! Would recommend. Guides were knowledgeable

    Response from Host, Aug 2025

    Thank you for sharing your incredible experience with us! We are delighted to know that Great Northern Whitewater Rafting exceeded your expectations and that our guides provided you with an exceptional rafting journey. We can't wait to welcome you back for more thrilling adventures in the awe-inspiring Glacier Park. Your continued support means the world to us!

    This was so much fun &...

    Wendy_J, Aug 2025
    This was so much fun & well worth the money spent. All the guides were great & even the bus ride was fun. The ride was mostly slow but more thrilling at certain points. We were well informed on what to do & felt safe!!

    Response from Host, Aug 2025

    Thank you for sharing your incredible experience with us! We are delighted to know that Great Northern Whitewater Rafting exceeded your expectations and that our guides provided you with an exceptional rafting journey. We can't wait to welcome you back for more thrilling adventures in the awe-inspiring Glacier Park. Your continued support means the world to us!

    Fun. Guide ( Grace) was...

    Laurence_C, Aug 2025
    Fun. Guide ( Grace) was excellent. The river was tamer than we were expecting. We were hoping for more challenging rapids but we understand it is dependant on nature.

    Response from Host, Aug 2025

    Wow! Thank you for the outstanding five-star review! We're thrilled to hear that Grace provided you with an incredible rafting experience. Our team strives to deliver adventures that are both exhilarating and informative, and we're overjoyed to know that we hit the mark. We can't wait to have you back for more unforgettable moments in the breathtaking Glacier Park!

    Family friendly rafting

    Andrea_N, Aug 2025
    Awesome a must do - family friendly experience with a great family owned company. Our guide Devin was experienced knowledgeable personable and funny. beautiful scenery

    Response from Host, Aug 2025

    Your five-star rating has made our day! We're so grateful that you chose Great Northern Whitewater Rafting for your rafting adventure. Our dedicated guides take pride in sharing their knowledge and love for the area, and it's wonderful to hear that their passion resonated with you. We appreciate your support and look forward to your return to Glacier Park for another amazing experience!

    Great trip river was pretty slow but guide made it great

    Robert_p, Aug 2025
    Great guide marc was awesome.river flow was down but he made it more enjoyabl. very safe setup they provide all the gear great company great guide super fun

    Response from Host, Aug 2025

    We are absolutely thrilled to receive your glowing review! Our team at Great Northern Whitewater Rafting takes immense pride in providing an exceptional rafting experience, and your kind words truly mean the world to us. We can't wait to welcome you back for another adventure in the breathtaking Glacier Park!

    Fun and laughter on the river

    Scott_S, Aug 2025
    Great organization, friendly staff. The guides are super enthusiastic with always on eye on safety. Our trip was August and the rivers are running a bit lower than in May & June. But caught some nice rapids but most of the trip was serene. All good, highly recommend.

    Response from Host, Aug 2025

    We are honored by your five-star review! Great Northern Whitewater Rafting is grateful for the opportunity to share the wonders of Glacier Park through our exhilarating rafting experiences. Your feedback reinforces our commitment to delivering exceptional adventures that leave a lasting impression. Thank you for choosing us, and we can't wait to create more unforgettable moments with you in the future!

    Great afternoon experience!

    Shawn_P, Aug 2025
    Fun experience for the family. Cory (bus driver), Mica and Mariah (guides) were great! Mariah was our guide and was very enjoyable to hang out with for an afternoon. The rapids only made it to class 3….but was a great experience for the family doing this our first time. Our son and I may look for a class 4/5 experience next time!

    Response from Host, Aug 2025

    Thank you for awarding us with a perfect rating! It brings us immense joy to know that you had an incredible experience rafting with Great Northern Whitewater Rafting. Our team works hard to ensure each guest receives the best adventure possible while exploring the beautiful area. We can't wait to welcome you back for more thrilling and unforgettable moments in the stunning Glacier Park!

    Fantastic white water rafting experience in Glacier

    Gabriella_D, Aug 2025
    Fun time, great guides, perfect for beginners. Amazing scenario. We really enjoyed seeing Glacier rafting on the Flathead River.

    Great experience!

    Maria_S, Aug 2025
    Mica was an awesome guide! She was very knowledgeable and friendly. Would totally do this again with her!

    Response from Host, Aug 2025

    Wow! Thank you for the outstanding five-star review! We're thrilled to hear that Mica provided you with an incredible rafting experience. Our team strives to deliver adventures that are both exhilarating and informative, and we're overjoyed to know that we hit the mark. We can't wait to have you back for more unforgettable moments in the breathtaking Glacier Park!

    Family friendly rafting day!

    Nicole_R, Aug 2025
    Was super nervous for the rafting experience today, but it was way less intense than you might think! Don’t let that fool you though, someone still fell out of the raft 🤣 but our guide was extremely helpful and kept everyone safe. Would definitely recommend!

    Just do it!

    Pam_C, Aug 2025
    In nearly cancelled because I had never done white water rafting before. After talking to the front desk and watching some video from the previous day, I decided to brave it! Maddie was our guide and she was fantastic…detailed instructions before and during the ride, reassuring to all of us (the entire boat except one person was new to rafting). As it turns out, Maddie’s boat probably had the youngest (10) and oldest (78) that day! She was a competent, dedicated guide! I’d go with her again!

    A very fun rafting trip

    Feng_H, Jul 2025
    It’s very nice that this ride down the river caters to people with all different levels of experience. The rafting guide is skillful & humorous. We had a great time.

    This was a fun trip....

    Jessie_P, Jul 2025
    This was a fun trip. Brayden was a great guide. He was entertaining and let our group decide how rough we wanted tp get through the river. The coffee shop on site has excellent lattes, and the customer service throughout the whole experience was top notch.

    Exceptional fun and breathtaking scenery

    Claudia_P, Jul 2025
    Fun, great tour guides, amazing scenary, very accommodating with change of tours/schedules…we did half day floating snd time flew by

    Must do experience

    Gabriella_B, Jul 2025
    Absolutely fantastic family owned adventure. Super fun! Dress to get wet, make sure you have straps on the back of whatever shoes you wear. Bring a phone water pouch if you want to take your own photos. Grace was our guide and she was so fun and very clear with instructions! WE HAD A BLAST THANK YOU!

    Perfect rafting...

    Nadav_M, Jul 2025
    Perfect rafting experience! Great combination between a peaceful scenic view and thrill. For all ages. Mariah our instructor was great navigating the raft through not so ideal wind conditions and not the most skilled rowing group :)

    Family fun

    MegannBates_C, Jul 2025
    Great time! They made everything smooth and the guides were fantastic! Great way to see a different side of the park.

    Glacier Fun

    Justin_P, Jul 2025
    My family and I had a great time with a great group of river guides! Half day White Water was just enough for us first timers.

    Grace was awesome. Very...

    Shanna_H, Jul 2025
    Grace was awesome. Very informative and fun. Great ride! Loved this experience, would do again. Thank you!

    Response from Host, Aug 2025

    We are so happy that you enjoyed your rafting trip with Grace! We are so glad to have grace back and we are thrilled she gave you a memorable trip! We hope to see you back at Great Northern for your next trip to Glacier. Cheers, Great Northern Resort

    From $90.64

    per person

    up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)

    Book ahead!
    On average, this is booked 25 days in advance.

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