Montana: West Glacier, Flathead Whitewater with Kids. Glacier Raft Company located at Glacier Outdoor Center is about five minutes from the western entrance to Glacier National Park. From this location on the planet they offer families whitewater at its best. From half-day junkets to high energy six-day adventures, they have created a river experience with just right amount of zing to make the kids thrilled and the adults happy.

Of course just being on a river in Montana has obvious advantages. Start with fresh air, clean water, rolling rhythmic rapids, gorgeous snow-capped mountains, tranquil green valleys, and night skies so clear the star blankets look like lace. Add to that a love of the Middle Fork of the Flathead River and a desire to share its natural beauty and marvelous energy. Glacier Raft Company has the recipe for an amazing family adventure.

From May through September their experienced guides work to deliver the absolute best family outdoor vacation experience. Each trip is complemented by excellent food and top-notch gear. Need to know: Glacier Raft Company is Montana's oldest whitewater rafting company. They have been providing river trips for more than three decades.

With more than 75 miles of awesome ever changing river in their backyard, Glacier Raft Company offers options to fit the needs of a first time rafter or the experienced river runner. Select from half-day, full-day and multi-day whitewater rafting trips and scenic adventures. The Middle Fork of the Flathead River with the class II-III rapids offers the ideal setting for a fun-filled family vacation. Rafting through the beautiful scenery of Montana's Glacier National Park experienced guides conduct a river trip which is adventurous yet safe for paddlers ages 5 to 95.

About the Flathead. On a river no two trips are the same and the Flathead River changes her attitude as the summer days mature. She is a beautiful American river with positive energy oozing from every rapid. Great rocks, textured whitewater and awesome scenery mix well with a bouncing raft and swift paddles. A typical 3-day trip spans between 28-38 river miles offering Class III-IV in June and early July, when the whitewater is at its peak; by late July the rapids have moderated to fun-filled Class II-III. Trip includes 13 named rapids, mostly Class II and III whitewater (medium whitewater with numerous waves, narrow passages, eddies and bends), including rapids dubbed Tunnel and Jaws. The Flathead is the same river where Meryl Streep guided her family in the g Universal Studios film "The River Wild." Bonus points: A staff photographer is stationed at Bonecrusher to catch the high action paddling with digital photos to be seen after the trip. Need to know: Children as young as six may participate on various raft trips. Springtime trips require an older minimum age as the level of difficulty increases, while late season water conditions may allow younger children. During high water, the 4-day wilderness trip requires a minimum age of 16. With advance notice, they can accommodate special needs.

Bonus points: In addition to river rafting, they also have log cabin rentals with units which sleep six to 14 and a full service outdoor store and fly shop. They are open year ‘round 'cause adventure vacations never have an off-season. During the winter they offer snowshoe and cross country ski rentals as well.

Glacier Raft Company. 6 Going to the Sun Road and Highway 2, West Glacier, 59936. Toll-free 1-800-235-6781, 1(406) 888-5454 or www.glacierraftco.com

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Content researched by Travel Communications and images/ezine provided by Glacier Raft Company. Copyright 2009.