Basics
- River:
- Flathead River
- Class:
- Class III - IV
- River Length
- 6 miles
- Time:
- 1/2 day
- Season:
- June to August
Description
Fed by the clear waters of Flathead Lake, the largest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi, the exciting Buffalo Run section of the Lower Flathead River is sure to please any whitewater enthusiast. The Lower Flathead winds through the Flathead Indian Reservation, fed by high volume flows released from Kerr Dam, part of the Columbia River Dam System.
Pinched upon exiting the lake by a tight river canyon, the waters of the Buffalo Run feature several powerful intermediate level rapids with big waves and surging holes. The run is short but sweet, the first three miles stacked with whitewater action as the river winds through a tight canyon, culminating in the Buffalo Rapid. After the final rapid, the canyon drops away to rolling grasslands, and the final three miles of the Lower Flathead are peaceful and scenic, time during which to reflect on the thrills had upstream.
Raptor viewing along the Lower Flathead is excellent, with frequent Bald Eagle and Osprey sightings. Commercial trips are run on the Buffalo Run from spring to fall and are a ½ day in length. Visitors to the Flathead Lake area will find a trip down the Buffalo Run a welcome relief to hot summer weather and long traveling days.
