tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16002741514849453502024-03-19T05:40:41.756-07:00Backcountry PackraftingBackcountry Packraftshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13908935657435136082noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1600274151484945350.post-71525706932754516392016-09-02T07:42:00.001-07:002016-09-02T07:42:49.728-07:006 Ways of Keeping the Packraft Rivers You Love Permit FreeThis past summer I wrote a <a href="http://backcountrypackrafting.blogspot.com/2016/06/packrafting-south-fork-of-flathead.html">blog on a classic packraft trip in Montana (South Fork of the Flathead)</a>. In that blog I basically said it is inevitable that this river will become permitted because of packraft use. The same pessimistic view could be taken on a number of rivers that have seen increased traffic since the popularization of packrafts. After talking to a ranger and having some veteran packrafters confront me on the topic I no longer believe so. <br />
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When you see lots of packrafters and hear horse packers and other hikers quietly grumble about how they used to have it all to themselves, you tend to think, "Geez, everybody thinks there's too many people on this river, it will probably become permitted." But decisions on permitting rivers are made by looking at impact and data (at least that is my understanding). The data on packrafters is that we aren't high impact. When we float rivers, we aren't using trails and when we camp, we don't have horses, we can't afford to pack in much and we act like backpackers (leave-no-trace). Really the only added impact of packrafters is possibly disrupting the stream-bed when we skootch our way across gravel bars. Oh, and fishing, we do that too. <br />
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However, the impact people complain about is really more visual than anything. If you see two large rafts floating down a river with 4 people in each, you'll look up but think little of it. But if you observe 8 packrafters, either in a group or strung out, you will feel like there are a lot more people on the river. Even though the former group is hauling in a lot more stuff that can potentially leave more of an impact. And the method they used to haul it in (horses) definitely leaves more of an impact.<br />
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Packrafting is indeed making remote rivers more accessible and more traveled (duh! that is the point of them). But that is not necessarily a bad thing if you follow a few guidelines.<br />
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<ol>
<li><b>Act like a "leave-no-trace" backpacker-</b> Make your fires below the high water mark, let them burn out completely and then dismantle your fire ring. Don't leave anything human at your camp. Cover your crap and do it far from camp and away from trails. Gather fire wood from trees that are already dead and on the ground.</li>
<li><b>Avoid attracting animals- </b>This is especially important if you are in bear country. Hang a bear bag, far from camp and hang it high. If you are catching and eating fish, make sure their remains are far from camp. If you spill food make sure it gets taken care of. Rangers don't want issues between humans and animals, especially if you cause them.</li>
<li><b>Blend in- </b>If you wear bright clothes, paddle a bright boat and are loud as you pass other rafters, you will be more noticed. The more you can blend in the less you will be contributing to other rafters' perception that packrafters are everywhere (our fleet will be gradually moving toward cedar green in color over the next couple years for this reason). </li>
<li><b>Be courteous and friendly to other rafters-</b> If people want to talk, be friendly. Share food, drink and tips. Most of us are in the wilderness to get away from it all. So people may not want to talk. Don't force things if this is the case. </li>
<li><b>Be respectful of authorities- </b>If packrafters are seen by rangers as the friendliest and most respectful of all wilderness travelers, it is going to be hard for them to shut us down. Rangers spend a lot of time alone so usually they are up for a chat, so let them talk. Be respectful of anything they tell you to do. Ask them honest questions. I know these last 3 points change nothing environmentally, but perception does matter when it comes to this sort of thing.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<li><b>Don't over fish- </b>This might not apply to everyone, but many back country lakes and rivers are a fisherman's paradise and it can be tempting to stop and fish a hole until you have caught and released all 13 fish that live there. It may be easy to catch 50+ fish in a day. Don't do this. Try to limit yourself on fishing to the cooler times of the day (so the fish you release have a good chance of survival). Don't drag them up on the rocks and get them off your line quickly. Bend the barbs down on your hooks. Enjoy the time you fish, but limit yourself.</li>
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Backcountry Packraftshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13908935657435136082noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1600274151484945350.post-46957562469300617562016-06-30T13:35:00.000-07:002016-06-30T13:35:15.371-07:00Packraft Summer Fishing Trip Pack ListAs you probably know, packing is crucial to the success of most summer adventures. Packrafting is no exception. Too much gear and you'll look like a traveling gypsy with all kinds of crazy stuff hanging off your pack (this is how I usually pack). But too little and you might forget some of the important stuff. A good packing list is essential for helping you remember the important things like....a fishing license or a sleeping bag- both of which have been forgotten on backpacking trips I've been a part of and altered the itinerary significantly.<br />
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This list is by no-means exhaustive, but it should give you a good start. Designed for a backcountry fishing trip in mid-July so it isn't a serious whitewater trip or a dry suit and helmet would be on the list. Comment with items you think should be in there.<br />
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<u>Fishing stuff<o:p></o:p></u></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]-->License<u><o:p></o:p></u></div>
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Flies/lures</div>
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Reels</div>
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<u>Packraft stuff<o:p></o:p></u></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]-->Rafts<o:p></o:p></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]-->Inflation bags<o:p></o:p></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]-->Stuff sacks<o:p></o:p></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]-->Paddles<o:p></o:p></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]-->Life jackets<o:p></o:p></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]-->Straps<o:p></o:p></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]-->Dry bags (one big enough to put all your food in -bear bag)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<u>Cooking<o:p></o:p></u></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]-->Stove<o:p></o:p></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]-->Fuel<o:p></o:p></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]-->Bowls <o:p></o:p></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]-->Mugs<o:p></o:p></div>
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Lighters<o:p></o:p></div>
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Water filter</div>
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Water bottles<o:p></o:p></div>
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Water bladders</div>
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<u>Miscellaneous</u></div>
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Camera<o:p></o:p></div>
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1<sup>st</sup> aid kit<o:p></o:p></div>
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Phone<o:p></o:p></div>
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Headlamps<o:p></o:p></div>
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Sunscreen<o:p></o:p></div>
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Bug spray<o:p></o:p></div>
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Sleeping bags<o:p></o:p></div>
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Sleeping pads<o:p></o:p></div>
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Tent<o:p></o:p><br />
Tent poles<br />
GPS<br />
Map<br />
Compass</div>
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<u>Toiletries</u></div>
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Toilet paper<o:p></o:p></div>
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Lotion<o:p></o:p></div>
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Trekking poles<o:p></o:p></div>
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Toothbrush<o:p></o:p></div>
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Toothpaste<o:p></o:p></div>
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Chapstick<o:p></o:p></div>
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Comb<o:p></o:p></div>
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Bear spray- 1 per person<o:p></o:p></div>
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Knives<o:p></o:p></div>
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Camp chair- if you have extra room<o:p></o:p></div>
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wipes<o:p></o:p></div>
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<u>Clothes<o:p></o:p></u></div>
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Rain-gear- pants and jacket</div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]-->Pants<o:p></o:p></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]-->Shorts<o:p></o:p></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]-->Underwear<o:p></o:p></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]-->Swimming suite<o:p></o:p></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]-->Shirts- quick dry<o:p></o:p></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]-->Fleece- jacket or shirt<o:p></o:p></div>
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Hiking shoes/boots</div>
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Chacos/sandals</div>
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<u>Food<o:p></o:p></u></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]-->Tea<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Coffee<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Gatorade<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Energy Bars <o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Trail mix<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Rammen<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Taco mix (for fish tacos)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
Mountain house or other freeze dried meals</div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Tortillas<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Oatmeal<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Dehydrated fruit mix<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Jerky</div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Peanut butter<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
Backcountry Packraftshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13908935657435136082noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1600274151484945350.post-70404920638162062072016-06-07T14:07:00.023-07:002023-08-04T11:29:41.488-07:00Packrafting the South Fork of the Flathead with 2023 Updates<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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Updated 7/4/23<br />
Ready to book your packraft rental? <a href="https://www.backcountrypackrafts.com/">Book online now!</a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhql0qcXlw2IPb2EpvXXN8wOOrn9Pa44BfKIIylKTuThB4lk9Z7mR6F3GiUXPEL-Q2NxbL4kWyGJ7dEO7iZiZVTOMGkH-UWVYPVG8emPaO_b2WRpRd1mD5eAXDLRAW_s9e1P0dpNjX2Xpk/s1600/Southfork-whiteriverpics+056.JPG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhql0qcXlw2IPb2EpvXXN8wOOrn9Pa44BfKIIylKTuThB4lk9Z7mR6F3GiUXPEL-Q2NxbL4kWyGJ7dEO7iZiZVTOMGkH-UWVYPVG8emPaO_b2WRpRd1mD5eAXDLRAW_s9e1P0dpNjX2Xpk/s320/Southfork-whiteriverpics+056.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Confluence of the White and South Fork </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Summer 2023 condition updates:</div><div class="MsoNormal">8/4/23</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The road to Meadow Creek Campground is officially closed on both sides of reservoir (not all the way down). My understanding is that forest service employees are rerouting paddlers and backpackers around Salmon Forks on the South Fork. If you were planning on Floating the South Fork it's probably a good time to make other plans. Here's a link to the inciweb fire info: </span><span style="animation-name: none !important; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none !important; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><a class="x1i10hfl xjbqb8w x6umtig x1b1mbwd xaqea5y xav7gou x9f619 x1ypdohk xt0psk2 xe8uvvx xdj266r x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r xexx8yu x4uap5 x18d9i69 xkhd6sd x16tdsg8 x1hl2dhg xggy1nq x1a2a7pz xt0b8zv x1fey0fg" href="https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident-information/mtfnf-tin-soldier-complex?fbclid=IwAR21Gkx53C9zsndaVVDQokCq3rSzpi4l5WzDwNLyYL9I2h-CCfalX3lIlOg" rel="nofollow noreferrer" role="link" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; animation-name: none !important; background-color: transparent; border-color: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; display: inline; font-family: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: inherit; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation; transition-property: none !important;" tabindex="0" target="_blank">https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incide.../mtfnf-tin-soldier-complex</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal">7/26/23</div><div class="MsoNormal">I have asked several renters in the last couple of days (who got out early this week or over the weekend) how often they had to get out to walk through/around low spots on gravel bars. Sounds like at least 10 times a day for the first couple of days. Fishing is good though.</div><div class="MsoNormal">7/25/23</div><div class="MsoNormal">Spoke with a renter today who came out on Sunday 7/23. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Hike in: trail in great shape from Lodgepole. No issues.</span></div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space-collapse: preserve;">-We thought <span style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><a style="animation-name: none; color: #385898; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;" tabindex="-1"></a></span>Young's creek too inconsistent to float until near the confluence. I'll send you a picture of the point where the trail crosses. Since you know the trip so well, you will know how to interpret.</div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space-collapse: preserve;">-Two log jam portages early. A tree down across a narrow spot in the flow has been cut but it leaves a passageway that was pretty tenuous. </div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space-collapse: preserve;">-Gravel bars as I said in my email (walked 1-2 each day for a 100ft). After the White River - pretty rare to walk the boats.</div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space-collapse: preserve;">-We walked around the rapids near Picture Creek. We are average experience level and it looked like a little much for us.</div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space-collapse: preserve;">-The last rapid (which you warned of in your blog) flipped me. Having that pool to float out into is great. My 6 wt is at the bottom of that pool - ugh.</div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space-collapse: preserve;">-We saw no Bears - definitely followed all the bear rules.</div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space-collapse: preserve;">-The Rangers were great. They definitely checked our paperwork and it was no joke.</div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space-collapse: preserve;">-Boat inspection was easy. Glad we did it.</div><div class="MsoNormal">7/13/23</div><div class="MsoNormal"><div>We put in at the confluence of Youngs and Hahn on 07.02 and water levels were mostly good. Had to portage three times on Youngs over log jams, and one rapids section at the entry to the gorge.</div><div><br /></div><div>We never had to portage after entering the S. Fork proper on 07.03, and water levels in most channels were good throughout the rest of the trip. I believe the gauge we referenced on 07.01 had the S. Fork at 1300 CFS.</div><div><br /></div><div>My wife and I took out at Mid Creek on 07.05. Our more experienced partners attempted Meadow Creek Gorge, but bailed a mile in due to difficult scouting.</div><div><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /></div></div><div class="MsoNormal">7/4/23</div><div class="MsoNormal"><div data-block="true" data-editor="kjch" data-offset-key="677k-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="677k-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="677k-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">South Fork updated: June 24-July 1, approx 1800-1500 CFS (Twin Creek Gauge)</span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="677k-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="677k-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">Just talked to our first south fork of the flathead renter who got out over the weekend (7/1). Water is unseasonably low and he thought future trips might consider putting in at the confluence of young's and Danaher. There's a rock "that could eat a boat" at the beginning of young's canyon. Also very close to mid creek take out a hard right turn with a rock that flipped a couple boats. Didn't sound bad on the log jams, just low water.</span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="kjch" data-offset-key="dctnr-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="dctnr-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="dctnr-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><br data-text="true" style="animation-name: none; transition-property: none;" /></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="kjch" data-offset-key="8imim-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="8imim-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><a href="https://waterdata.usgs.gov/mt/nwis/uv?cb_00060=on&cb_00065=on&format=gif_default&site_no=12359800&period=&begin_date=2022-06-28&end_date=2022-07-05" style="font-family: inherit;">Twin Creek Gauge</a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> is the best gauge. We have renters run the length of the South Fork of the Flathead down to the low 400CFS although you do have to get out on a few more gravel bars it is doable and still worthwhile at this level. </span></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #1c1e21;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span>
The South Fork of the Flathead in Montana is perhaps the best packraft river in the lower-48. There are 3 main reasons for
this as I see it:<br />
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">1.</span><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; text-indent: -0.25in;">
</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">It is very scenic. Especially toward the end of the trip, going into Meadow Creek Gorge. The deep green water
and the canyons make for some great pictures.</span><br />
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">2.</span><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; text-indent: -0.25in;">
</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">It is also very remote. It is located in one of the largest
wilderness areas in the lower-48. For
much of the trip you are 30 miles from the nearest road. So you can really get away from it all!</span><br />
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">3.</span><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; text-indent: -0.25in;">
</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">The fishing is good. Not as good as the first time I fished it 10+ years ago, in my pre-packraft days, but still good. It is also one of the only places you can
legally target bull trout in Montana and maybe the Northwest. Please check current regulations on this. Keep in mind that is only on the South Fork
and not any tributaries, you also can’t keep them and technically you are
supposed to get a free bull trout targeting “stamp” on your license (last time I checked anyway).</span></div>
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A number of people have published magazine articles on packrafting the South Fork of the Flathead. Unfortunately most of those articles are more on the inspiring side and less on the practical, which is what this article sets out to do. Full transparency: I own a packraft rental company,<a href="https://www.backcountrypackrafts.com/"> Backcountry Packraft Rentals</a>, so my business benefits greatly from the popularity of this river. The rive will almost certainly become permitted in the next 5 years, but if pack rafters continue to act as low impact backpackers, I am hopeful the permitting system will favor packrafters.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0px;">
This summary might be more than you want to know, but hopefully it will be informative if you are actually planning on doing the trip. If you have specific questions please feel free to contact me.<br />
<br /></div></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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I have done it three times now and have had numerous customers do it and listened to their feedback on different routes. The first and third times I did it via Young’s Creek
and the second time via the White River.
The first and third time we entered the Bob (Bob Marshall Wilderness) via the
Young’s Creek Pass off of Lodgepole Trail Head(just north of Ovando, MT) and the
second we started from Bench Mark (West of Augusta, MT) and went in on the
South Fork of the Sun then up and over White River Pass. The White River trip was supposed to involve
floating the White River but the water was so low (July 20<sup>th</sup> on a
dry year) that we ended up just hiking
to the confluence with the Flathead.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrCXcs_67UYI987P7hhzpYcOrp99WZhmQYNGvIJPkUwJqxZfEKJHemirLCA5TIr-DFBT_FydkWMSoKj2xcW6VF7BM-1sPFecaBWbz9FTRNIgKxBkQ-rMxDQjZVpjC2HRdzdu-ENAAGTYA/s1600/the+bob+015.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrCXcs_67UYI987P7hhzpYcOrp99WZhmQYNGvIJPkUwJqxZfEKJHemirLCA5TIr-DFBT_FydkWMSoKj2xcW6VF7BM-1sPFecaBWbz9FTRNIgKxBkQ-rMxDQjZVpjC2HRdzdu-ENAAGTYA/s320/the+bob+015.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting ready to float in 2014</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I learned a lot on all three trips and from talking to customers about the area and about
packrafting. Here are a few tips
specifically for this trip:</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<ul><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXvyynSzm-XEeGWrREOrgCtDBa5ZzIhwcZoQiuEXnwFPZR49cJlVMBPjIDkNYpUEI1mFtA8NIShKYEqJPBphAXXfFF6TCy6Vjkp48XVvjD4FLJ3sq4j4GHhd6wSCTSJG5VU-Y11MGKI-8/s1600/the+bob+039.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXvyynSzm-XEeGWrREOrgCtDBa5ZzIhwcZoQiuEXnwFPZR49cJlVMBPjIDkNYpUEI1mFtA8NIShKYEqJPBphAXXfFF6TCy6Vjkp48XVvjD4FLJ3sq4j4GHhd6wSCTSJG5VU-Y11MGKI-8/s320/the+bob+039.JPG" width="320" /></a>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">1.</span><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; text-indent: -0.25in;">
</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">I have done all my trips in July and only been
rained on for one-half day. None of
our trips were bad for mosquitoes and we have only seen one bear (black) in all
of those days out, but prepare for all these things! Rain jacket, bear spray and bug spray! Time of year matters for water levels, the
later you go the more you’ll have to portage.
Early-mid July is probably best for flows, mid-late July is best for fishing with a lower risk of fires. Fires are a major consideration...they can happen at any time, but are likely at the end of July and throughout August- smokey air and trail closures being the main problems resulting from them.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">2.</span><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; text-indent: -0.25in;">
</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">If you want to have a more relaxing trip, do one
long day of hiking your first day and then float the rest of the trip (its
16-18 miles of hiking over Young’s Creek Pass to the first float-able stretches
of Young’s Creek). If you go in over Young’s Creek Pass start as early as
possible because it gets hot on the south side of the pass and there isn’t
water until you get over the top. I've heard there was some significant blow down on the pass in 2019 and I'm not sure how much of it got cleared on the trail by the end of the season. Look
for huckberries on the way down. The
White River trip was prettier but demoralizing because we floated (on the Sun River) and then
hiked almost two days and then floated two more. You can also get to Young's creek via Pyramid Pass, but from a hiking perspective it is supposed to be harder.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">3.</span><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; text-indent: -0.25in;">
</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">The gorge section of Young’s Creek can be a bit
overwhelming if you’ve never packrafted before.
If the water is low, it isn’t too high consequence (meaning there aren’t
any hydros that will kill you) but there are lots of rocks and you will probably
scrape your boat a lot and possibly tip (which would be a bummer because you’d
have several days of wet gear). All that
said, my friends and I did it and made it through having minimal prior packraft
experience. Not sure how it would be in
high water though. You can easily hike
around it on the trail if it is intimidating.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">4.</span><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; text-indent: -0.25in;">
</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">The first floatable stretch on Young’s and the
first few miles of the South Fork of the Flathead often have log jams. Be prepared to portage….but that is one plus
of a packraft – easy portages (attach your packraft with the backpack straps up
and you can just walk with the raft on your back and carry your rod and
paddle).</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">5.</span><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; text-indent: -0.25in;">
</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">The ranger station at Big Prairie is worth the
stop. Drink some tang and have an Oreo. Talk to the rangers and get a tour. You’re pretty much walking into a small 1870s
settlement due to the restrictions on technology in wilderness areas. You can also see a plane wreck just inside
the fence which is pretty cool. Big
Prairie is located at the first pack-bridge that goes over the South Fork. Be nice and appreciative to the rangers and other forest service workers.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">6.</span><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; text-indent: -0.25in;">
</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Sweet side-trips that we have done include: Mud
Lake Lookout and Salmon Lake. On the third trip we went up to Haystack mountain and from it you can see the famed Chinese Wall. It is about a 20 mile round trip so start early and bring lots of water. It is worth the view! I’ve heard
of people doing the whole South Fork trip in 4 days, but I would recommend at least 6
because you won’t feel rushed. </span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">7. The following is from a renter in 2019 regarding a new rapid near the White River confluence: <i>"T</i></span><div class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #666666; display: inline; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<i>here is a new log jam around mile 84 near Scarface Creek (where the river <span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; font-family: inherit;">made a new channel) that we portaged around."</span></i><br />
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-top: 1em;">
It's important to keep in mind that the river changes annually and there may be log jams and new rapids in places where there weren't before. </div>
</div>
</li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">8.</span><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; text-indent: -0.25in;">
</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">There is one rapid that has tipped at least one
person in our group every year on the last day(although I've heard mixed reports about it washing out since then).
It is hard to see coming up but if you pay attention to the elevation
drop of the river, you can see it. If
you don’t see til you’re almost there you can probably skirt it to the right if
you paddle hard. Otherwise, lean forward
and paddle hard through the rapid. It
isn’t a bone crusher, but you might lose your sunglasses and anything else that
isn’t attached. There's a nice recovery pool right after so your raft won't wash down stream ahead of you.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">9.</span><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; text-indent: -0.25in;">
</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">The last day of the trip you will see a sign
that says something like “take-out ¼ mile”.
Get on the “river right” at this point.
There will be another sign shortly, but the river increases in speed and
splashy rapids right at the take-out point so you might miss it if you aren’t
ready. If you do miss it….once again
thank God you are a packrafter, because you can easily get out of the pool
after the take-out and climb over the small rocky embankment with your packraft
in hand or on your back. If you don't get out here, you need to have a helmet and be ready for class VI rapids.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">10.</span><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; text-indent: -0.25in;">
</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">You will hike out 3 miles from the take-out to the
Meadow Creek Trail Head parking lot. From Meadow Creek it is an hour at least, on a dusty road back to Hungry Horse, MT (keep
your eyes peeled for huckleberries on the way).
There is no restaurant in Hungry Horse that has all three of the magic
trifecta (burgers, fries and shakes), but you can mix and match with the
Huckleberry Patch and the Elk Horn Grill.
Or you can go East to Coram and the Glacier Grill. You will be hungry at this point!</span></li>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjje8hJ6gKNYKcZ8YcurZE9MOfZ-pD6CPHa9Ily6RKY03L5flIEZFqVBI_yvyqWs4JDRnJwWgNEVykRAksffxyhFUa9mfV3m49yDS4dmPdYkISRrTcSmfR_kSi8DQ1JPzI5AuiOu-NYhl4/s1600/the+bob+031.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjje8hJ6gKNYKcZ8YcurZE9MOfZ-pD6CPHa9Ily6RKY03L5flIEZFqVBI_yvyqWs4JDRnJwWgNEVykRAksffxyhFUa9mfV3m49yDS4dmPdYkISRrTcSmfR_kSi8DQ1JPzI5AuiOu-NYhl4/s320/the+bob+031.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 3 log jam portage</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL5opVieIVOOO2EretCmG-bhCqAI5zV600uKAwLKiK0Q6cpdjKnTRtxxsGvWRdH0iYgPA05ITc0Gxaj2wbC4J-MXECRW6y1h9Ij_eTStoIvA96VcyOpX67fjl9euqw2TZ3tPcxi7alBwQ/s1600/the+bob+037.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL5opVieIVOOO2EretCmG-bhCqAI5zV600uKAwLKiK0Q6cpdjKnTRtxxsGvWRdH0iYgPA05ITc0Gxaj2wbC4J-MXECRW6y1h9Ij_eTStoIvA96VcyOpX67fjl9euqw2TZ3tPcxi7alBwQ/s320/the+bob+037.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From Big Prairie</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">11.</span><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; text-indent: -0.25in;">
</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Regarding shuttling- after publishing this blog, I found out that there is indeed a shuttle service that there are a couple shuttle services that run vehicles around the Bob. <a href="https://www.mtshuttle.com/">Montana Adventure Shuttles</a> and <a href="http://www.fourrivers.webs.com/">Four Rivers Shuttle and Boat Rental</a>, both based out of Missoula, can shuttle your vehicle pretty much anywhere around the Bob. Contact me directly if you are looking for a shuttle on the East side as I have some contacts.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">12. Don't forget forest rangers are the law back there and they (one in particular) follow it to the letter! On a different trip into the Bob we had to turn around and go back because my friend's fishing license had disappeared out of his pack. The ranger wouldn't budge, or call in to verify his license. I also had 3 renters get fined $80/person in the Bob because they didn't have life jackets in their boats. </span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">13. Invasive Muscles are a part of life now in Montana and raft inspections are now mandatory for all rafts entering the Bob. You'll need to have your raft inspected and if possible carry some proof of that (either a piece of paper or on your phone). Please check out the link here for <a href="https://fwp.mt.gov/conservation/aquatic-invasive-species/watercraft-inspection-stations">check station locations</a>. (updated 2023)</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">14. Bears- customers ask fairly frequently about bears and how to prepare for them....I honestly haven't heard of anyone encountering a grizzly on the main trail or on the river. I've seen one Black bear and have had a handful of customers report black bear sightings on the river. Definitely bring bear spray and hang your food, but the overall concentration of bears is pretty low in that area during the summer.</span></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-indent: -24px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-indent: -24px;">
<div>
If you are hoping to delay this river becoming a permit river, I would suggest:</div>
<div>
1. Having your fires below the high water mark.</div>
<div>
2. Picking up other people's trash if you see it.</div>
<div>
3. Not cutting other boats off or paddling through fishing holes that people are fishing</div>
<div>
4. Fly fishing instead of spin fishing</div>
<div>
5. Pulling your barbs down</div>
<div>
6. Limiting how many holes you fish</div>
<div>
7. Fishing more for bull trout, because you won't catch as many cut-throats and the ones you catch will be bigger</div>
<div>
8. Pulling your fish in quickly and taking the hook out in the water</div>
<div>
<span style="text-indent: -24px;">It might be inevitable that it will be a permitted river just because of the sheer number of vessels packrafting brings but this will slow it.</span></div>
<div>
<b>Helpful resources</b>:<a href="http://www.backcountrypackrafts.com/product/map-of-bob-marshall-wilderness/"> </a>Bob Marshall Wilderness Map and <a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprd3842668.pdf">Flathead River Guid</a>e in PDF form.<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
<!--[if !supportLists]--><o:p></o:p>If you do need a rental, I am happy to accommodate that need! Please check out my website: <a href="https://www.backcountrypackrafts.com/">https://www.backcountrypackrafts.com/</a><br />
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Backcountry Packraftshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13908935657435136082noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1600274151484945350.post-68573901765719187632015-08-06T14:42:00.001-07:002015-08-06T14:42:45.148-07:00Losing Your Packraft Air Valve Cap in the BackcountryIt's one of those moments that could ruin the trip you look forward to all year. The rest of my group had already inflated their rafts and were traveling downstream to find a better spot for lunch. We were 25 miles from the nearest road and 20 miles from where I last inflated my raft. I unrolled my packraft and there was no air valve cap. How was I going to keep air in my raft?!? I had three days of floating ahead of me and it was nearly 30 miles to where we would be picked up!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI5c4aAauLgtPJa0RBJS9BtJBTxN8uKo5K3lS3tKUney7VP16W273cO5-z_zmJR-jjuBwEeWH_ZpxhsGdQgdufsSUtdXqeh-tozA2grmq32s30rKoRd11aEmb3exgVlTONU2IgkQuZtfk/s1600/Southfork-whiteriverpics+071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI5c4aAauLgtPJa0RBJS9BtJBTxN8uKo5K3lS3tKUney7VP16W273cO5-z_zmJR-jjuBwEeWH_ZpxhsGdQgdufsSUtdXqeh-tozA2grmq32s30rKoRd11aEmb3exgVlTONU2IgkQuZtfk/s320/Southfork-whiteriverpics+071.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I tied off my inflation bag to keep most of the air in and floated down to meet the rest of my party. I had to orally inflate it several times in the half mile I traveled on the river so I was definitely going to need a better long term solution. For a second I pictured the spot where I had deflated my raft and rolled it up on a gravel bar. I thought, "some fisherman is probably holding it right now wondering what it is."<br />
<br />
By the time I arrived I had thought of several different ways to remedy the problem and avoid having to pack my raft out (an embarrassing and demoralizing thought to say the least). Most of my ideas involved taping over the valve, either with duct-tape or tyvek tape. Luckily my friend Benn had a better idea:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV4t1z4Ru_C-V95zXXVJgb4j38X5VWwllrRKtGZ2RwHc06HZd3f7q5k3bsXrdVN4GNsWPI0h6glagcAxOZ2_Of1scqKdQBCzNKwgBiZhj1osKW_q8301KgkTNnojHEnYS4AOFjmPiFja0/s1600/20150723_173234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV4t1z4Ru_C-V95zXXVJgb4j38X5VWwllrRKtGZ2RwHc06HZd3f7q5k3bsXrdVN4GNsWPI0h6glagcAxOZ2_Of1scqKdQBCzNKwgBiZhj1osKW_q8301KgkTNnojHEnYS4AOFjmPiFja0/s320/20150723_173234.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Rather than tape over the valve that was attached to the raft he taped over the inflation bag valve opening with duct-tape, letting the tape overlap all the way up the threads. Then we screwed the inflation bag back into the air valve opening. The duct-tape over the valve-end shut off the air and the duct tape around the threads seals it in tight like a cap would. I had to inflate the raft orally, but given the situation, it was a small price to pay for not having to walk out or re-inflate my raft every 100 yards. I did notice my raft lost a little more air than the others, but the difference was pretty minimal. <br />
<br />
The easy way to prevent this situation is to always make sure the cap is attached to the string before rolling the raft up. However, if you're like me, you don't always try the easy way first. Hopefully if this ever happens to you or someone you are packrafting with remember this trick and you can really save your trip. Also, always bring duct-tape!Backcountry Packraftshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13908935657435136082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1600274151484945350.post-47507501507735507612015-05-27T09:11:00.001-07:002015-05-27T09:11:11.726-07:00The Importance of Scouting Rapids<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYyExh7KbieByOgBKbmNKw9bLQPAOEAXueB6erYrSArfBavGR3Kj7tz52q7AWqPi94R_68vglEYjr7Vf_OlUHvCCNGMZetxyD5AuuUBvzHs3yfzCkKD-IsHhC2UQfjIpZUvifmLCG5aRk/s1600/sun+river+013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYyExh7KbieByOgBKbmNKw9bLQPAOEAXueB6erYrSArfBavGR3Kj7tz52q7AWqPi94R_68vglEYjr7Vf_OlUHvCCNGMZetxyD5AuuUBvzHs3yfzCkKD-IsHhC2UQfjIpZUvifmLCG5aRk/s320/sun+river+013.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look how calm that water looks.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h4>
Keep in mind, my friends and I are backpackers turned packrafters. I don't know all the right white-water terms or elementary lessons (as this story will illustrate). I write this for the benefit of others who are new to white-water and particularly to packrafting.</h4>
<div>
<br /></div>
"Go for it! You'll be fine!"<div>
<br /><div>
My three friends were beached on the bank opposite my raft. I had planned to pull off on the on my side of the river and we were all going to scout the next rapid, but there wasn't a good spot to beach and the current was going too fast. As I sped along the bank, I shouted back, "Should I just go for it?" As if I had much of a choice at that point. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I managed around the first boulder just fine but the next one was a dewsey. Trying to stall for time to plan my next move I broadsided the boulder and foolishly leaned away. My raft tipped over, the velcro holding my spray skirt to the raft released without me even pulling the handle and bam! I was in the water and on the scariest 2 minute ride of my life. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
It turned out, this particular section of class 3ish rapids had no real recovery area. The current was strong and the energy I had was sapped by trying to stay afloat after each successive rapid and small water-fall. I was able to keep my feet forward for much of the journey, but managed to bang my knee up pretty good on a couple boulders. My friend Seth, who had started soon after me, but did not see my spill, caught up with me at an eddy the marked the end of the 150 yard section. I was so exhausted and out of breath, it was all I could do to grab the back of his packraft as he towed me to shore. </div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Fortunately the temperature was still in the 60s and after putting on some of Seth's dry clothes and doing some jumping jacks my body heat began to return. For everyone else however, the adventure was far from over. Seth ended up being the only one to make it through without going for a swim. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://scontent-sjc2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xtf1/v/t1.0-9/11350494_10153270753437324_3698839679239100979_n.jpg?oh=1c9e9d4ffb92d5de0b6543e7860b4d50&oe=56052EF9" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://scontent-sjc2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xtf1/v/t1.0-9/11350494_10153270753437324_3698839679239100979_n.jpg?oh=1c9e9d4ffb92d5de0b6543e7860b4d50&oe=56052EF9" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shivering after the last rapid</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
Benn, the third member of the group, anticipating the spill potential of the rapid made an attempt to pull over near the boulder that ejected me. His raft was suddenly sucked down under a different boulder. He pulled himself out but it took deflating the raft and a great deal of tugging to get the raft out from under the rock (the 6-point elk shed tied on the front of the raft didn't make things easier).</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Tyler, the final member of the party was able to get through the section that tipped Benn and I, but was dumped on a different boulder. He was able to get to shore with his raft, regroup and go through the final 4-foot waterfall on his raft. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Needless to say, once we had retrieved all the rafts and paddles, we packed everything up and started the 7-mile hike out (we were pretty close to our planned destination). </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
Lessons Learned</h3>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
After a few days of reflection, I think the most important take-away from this adventure is scouting. Followed closely by staying in a tight group when going through rapids. If you scout rapids, you can get through them better and/or make better decisions about whether or not to portage around them. If you stay in tight groups, it is easier to pull over as a group and if you do go into a gnarly section of rapids, you can bail each other out (particularly if you have a throw rope). One final note, if you're new to white-water, it is better to hone your skills on sections of rapids with many recovery areas. It allows you time to think through your next move, or if you are dumped it allows you to get to shore and re-group. </div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVFsOEEGnLXL_z6Wg6Trzmac8WLnAjkn1dfqj5gvONOmbgGjFjyHm0-3ozmJCYO6fQqLWdkKDknol5uy7YD1kYbXlFZeOWpxQ8JBE54ge_D0qNU1zUZmKda5t_TRxD1Vw-XiEJJISf1VU/s1600/sun+river+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVFsOEEGnLXL_z6Wg6Trzmac8WLnAjkn1dfqj5gvONOmbgGjFjyHm0-3ozmJCYO6fQqLWdkKDknol5uy7YD1kYbXlFZeOWpxQ8JBE54ge_D0qNU1zUZmKda5t_TRxD1Vw-XiEJJISf1VU/s640/sun+river+002.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amazing views early in the day!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Backcountry Packraftshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13908935657435136082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1600274151484945350.post-79726071579926601642015-02-18T16:55:00.003-08:002015-02-18T17:03:56.068-08:00The Beginning of Backcountry Packraft Rentals<div class="MsoNormal">
I glanced down off the trail and noticed a deep pool with a
strong current going through it. It was
a steep downhill slide to the pool, but if I had learned anything about
backcountry fishing, it was that pools like this are worth fishing. I scrambled down and let my “hopper-dropper”
float through the rapid. The hopper
almost immediately popped under, indicating something had taken my “dropper”
(in this case a copper john). I caught
one hard-fighting, 16” cut-throat on each sides of the pool. As I climbed back onto the trail, I felt
fully alive and in love with backcountry fishing. Over a fire that night, my friend Benn and I
discussed our amazing two days of fishing in the Bob Marshall. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQwn5HwkhtqljQJhhfy9WCjn5gqS0H2HhayR0h7dmBATb47JNubF388iXJDFK_TSGXbnymgvC7s39Wo2kqNtmLJ66XoedHOabmbv7HRvkI38HFU4serxKUIHWpKOKuRlseokFsnleXPX4/s1600/DSC03988.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQwn5HwkhtqljQJhhfy9WCjn5gqS0H2HhayR0h7dmBATb47JNubF388iXJDFK_TSGXbnymgvC7s39Wo2kqNtmLJ66XoedHOabmbv7HRvkI38HFU4serxKUIHWpKOKuRlseokFsnleXPX4/s1600/DSC03988.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a>As good as it was, two full days of tough hiking was a high
price to pay for two full days of fishing.
If only we could just continue down the river, past the remote ranger
station at Big Prairie, through the narrow canyon slots and walk out into the
Spotted Bear parking lot forty-some miles to the north. As tempting as that was, we only had four
days. A trip like that would take more
than a week if we hoped to hike it and fish just the best spots as we
walked. Plus, we’d be completely
exhausted from hiking hard to keep pace in-between fishing holes. Not that we’re against exhaustion, but this
was a fishing trip, not endurance training.
Of course there was always the raft option. We had some connections to horses and rafts,
but the logistics and costs involved in an endeavor like that get difficult quickly. As we hiked out on the fourth day, we decided
one way or the other we had to come back, even if it meant a ten-day trip to do
the river full justice.</div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGIC35PmE6mU8WOzhMUMOKNwMWL0X2s8OTTcEIbWngDIkq8nEFCAeuG1j6T1pxHYRp0z1AgFPkem2Fj5WpJwM-UxUUOoyf3g8VfVTaLT5nQl6XfpzNy3WFavZq3gh_phzSmYyp7iyEoiM/s1600/741.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGIC35PmE6mU8WOzhMUMOKNwMWL0X2s8OTTcEIbWngDIkq8nEFCAeuG1j6T1pxHYRp0z1AgFPkem2Fj5WpJwM-UxUUOoyf3g8VfVTaLT5nQl6XfpzNy3WFavZq3gh_phzSmYyp7iyEoiM/s1600/741.JPG" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
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Then we discovered packrafts! Small, durable, ultralight, inflatable,
packable, high-performing, rafts designed for the Alaskan wilderness. Three years after that first trip into the
Bob, we went back in, this time with Benn’s brother, another mutual friend and
my wife. The trip took six days. One day of hard hiking, one day that involved
several portages around log jams and four days of uninterrupted fishing and
floating bliss! Our meals were amazing
as each one of us tried to outdo the other with our assigned night of cooking
(meals included: jumbleia, chicken dumplings, Paiute mountain pizza, fish
burritos, and pad Thai). Fishing was
excellent, although the fish were slightly picky at times. We saw bull trout on two occasions and the
second one bit into a 10” cutthroat that was being reeled in. Camping spots were excellent and even included
an island one night. We stopped and saw
a girl who was in our wedding at the Big Prairie ranger station. This isolated settlement seems to come
straight from the 1870s and is an experience in itself.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0tfTV5eU8vUY5rVdaU5GkKpwP5FdMZ4u_M0XUD4vouhc7c7_JsIGnI3l5axwxH1E5XiCBCathxsgQagId-HjEx613dXbOVpcddl7aqGjPth64Q_nH3vwfmmH9eazA2txHMyooWflVuSw/s1600/797.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0tfTV5eU8vUY5rVdaU5GkKpwP5FdMZ4u_M0XUD4vouhc7c7_JsIGnI3l5axwxH1E5XiCBCathxsgQagId-HjEx613dXbOVpcddl7aqGjPth64Q_nH3vwfmmH9eazA2txHMyooWflVuSw/s1600/797.JPG" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
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We ended our trip in the picturesque slot canyons that take
you to the edge of Meadow Creek Gorge (a dangerous class IV + stretch of river
that we decided to save for a later date when we have more experience and
helmets). We actually missed the
pull-out (a sign that says “danger pull out now”) and had to climb up a small
slot cliff, but with packrafts this is easily done! Benn’s family was even nice enough to shuttle
our car back to Hungry Horse so we ate the customary burger, fries and shake
and returned home. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlrAFEBE4z4KKxiDS3_FoDrkf_UNsGVAIV8usdWZH730BpRi3BnlBei2v9ESpsEeKYmYvkyu1K2Wk36Af6_wBsX-lgI6RW_Q8sWVuuAZ06qPVTB2DCdi7jbtcwHj08b2-AMdNIotzKII8/s1600/Packraft+modeling+plus+on+pic+of+month+108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlrAFEBE4z4KKxiDS3_FoDrkf_UNsGVAIV8usdWZH730BpRi3BnlBei2v9ESpsEeKYmYvkyu1K2Wk36Af6_wBsX-lgI6RW_Q8sWVuuAZ06qPVTB2DCdi7jbtcwHj08b2-AMdNIotzKII8/s1600/Packraft+modeling+plus+on+pic+of+month+108.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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During the planning stages of this trip, decided to buy two
packrafts rather than rent them with the intention of starting my own rental
company. The time for that is now
here! Backcountry Packrafts Rentals LLC
is officially open for business! As I
researched packrafts I realized the myriad of other outdoor activities
packrafts can be combined with. You
would be amazed at what you can load on a packraft and still be able to run
rapids. A short list of activities to be
combined with packrafting include:
fishing, hunting, mountain biking, skiing, camping, mountaineering, rock
climbing and canyoneering. Packrafts are
the ultimate outdoors men raft because they are capable of running almost any rapid and add to so many things most outdoorsmen already enjoy. We ship anywhere in the lower 48! So check us out <a href="http://backcountrypackrafts.com/">backcountrypackrafts.com</a>: a
company that’s true Montana!<o:p></o:p></div>
Backcountry Packraftshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13908935657435136082noreply@blogger.com1