Boating & Rafting in Glacier National Park

Glacier has many stunning lakes and rivers, making boating a popular park activity. Glacier Park Boat Company offers guided tours of Lake McDonald, St. Mary Lake, and Two Medicine Lake, as well as Swiftcurrent and Josephine lakes at Many Glacier from June to mid-September. You can rent small boats at Lake McDonald, Apgar, Two Medicine, and Many Glacier. Watercraft such as Sea-Doos or Jet Skis are not allowed in the park.

Many rafting companies provide adventures along the border of the park on the Middle and North forks of the Flathead River. The Middle Fork has some excellent white water, and the North Fork has both slow-moving and fast-moving sections. If you bring your own raft or kayak, stop at the Hungry Horse Ranger Station in the Flathead National Forest near West Glacier to obtain a permit.

Outfitters & Expeditions

Glacier Park Boat Company gives tours on five lakes. A Lake McDonald cruise takes you from the dock at Lake McDonald Lodge to the middle of the lake for an unparalleled view of the Continental Divide's Garden Wall. Cruises on Swiftcurrent Lake and Lake Josephine depart from Many Glacier Lodge and provide views of the Continental Divide. Two Medicine Lake cruises leave from the dock near the ranger station and lead to several trails. St. Mary Lake cruises leave from the launch near Rising Sun Campground and head to Red Eagle Mountain and other spots. The tours last 45-90 minutes. You can rent kayaks, canoes, rowboats, and small motorboats at Lake McDonald, Apgar, Two Medicine, and Many Glacier. 406/257-2426. www.glacierparkboats.com. Tours under $20; rentals $12-$22/hr. June-Oct.

Glacier Guides and Montana Raft Company will take you on raft trips through the stomach-churning white water of the Middle Fork of the Flathead and combine it with a hike, horseback ride, or barbecue. The company also offers guided hikes and fly-fishing trips. 11970 U.S. 2 E, 1 mi west of West Glacier. 406/387-5555 or 800/521-7238. www.glacierguides.com. $47-$102. May-Oct.

Great Northern Whitewater offers half-day, full-day, and multiday white-water, kayaking, and fishing trips, and rents Swiss-style chalets with views of Glacier's peaks. 12127 U.S. 2 E, 1 mi south of West Glacier. 406/387-5340 or 800/735-7897. www.gnwhitewater.com. $44-$295. May-Oct.