FloatETA estimates how long this float actually takes from live discharge at USGS 12355500 (N F Flathead nr Columbia Falls), not a guidebook average. At a typical 2,500 cfs, a raft drifts about 3.6 mph here. Higher flow speeds you up; skinny water slows you down. Kayaks run faster than the current, tubes slower. Optional fishing adds 35 minutes per mile.
The North Fork Flathead listing covers 29.5 river miles across 3 access-to-access stretches (Class I–II). Times in the table are typical raft hours at that reference flow. Open the live calculator for today's CFS, sunset take-out, water temperature, and rain/UV at the put-in.
See today's North Fork Flathead float time
Float stretches on the North Fork Flathead
| Put-in → take-out | Miles | Difficulty | Typical raft time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Polebridge → Coal Creek | 9 mi | Class I–II | ~2 hr 30 min | Stop at the Mercantile before you launch. Wood is the hazard. |
| Coal Creek → Big Creek | 9 mi | Class I–II | ~2 hr 30 min | Steady Class II riffles. Glacier on river left. |
| Big Creek → Glacier Rim | 11.5 mi | Class I–II | ~3 hr 12 min | Great Northern Flats is an optional pullout. Blankenship Bridge is the confluence takeout a few miles below Glacier Rim. |
How we time this river
Speed scales with discharge using hydraulic geometry v ∝ Q0.34, calibrated to this gauge. That is why a 1,000 cfs afternoon is a different day than 3,000 cfs runoff. Always scout, wear a PFD, and check Montana FWP boating for closures. Gauge page: USGS 12355500.
Common questions
How long does it take to float Polebridge to Coal Creek on the North Fork Flathead?
About 2 hr 30 min in a raft at a typical 2500 cfs. Kayaks run a bit faster; tubes run slower. Stopping to fish adds about 35 minutes per mile. Stop at the Mercantile before you launch. Wood is the hazard.
How long does it take to float Coal Creek to Big Creek on the North Fork Flathead?
About 2 hr 30 min in a raft at a typical 2500 cfs. Kayaks run a bit faster; tubes run slower. Stopping to fish adds about 35 minutes per mile. Steady Class II riffles. Glacier on river left.
How long does it take to float Big Creek to Glacier Rim on the North Fork Flathead?
About 3 hr 12 min in a raft at a typical 2500 cfs. Kayaks run a bit faster; tubes run slower. Stopping to fish adds about 35 minutes per mile. Great Northern Flats is an optional pullout. Blankenship Bridge is the confluence takeout a few miles below Glacier Rim.
What USGS gauge is used for North Fork Flathead float times?
FloatETA uses USGS gauge 12355500 (N F Flathead nr Columbia Falls) for live discharge. Speed is scaled from a reference 2500 cfs drift of about 3.6 mph.
Is the North Fork Flathead a good tube float?
Tubes lag the current (we use a 0.72× speed multiplier). On Class I–II stretches tubes can work at moderate flows; skip high water and always wear a PFD.