The Bob Marshall Wilderness - South Fork Flathead River - The Irenabyss Gallery

The Bob Marshall Wilderness extends south from Glacier National Park and is managed by the US Forest Service. This amazing tract is the source of the South Fork of the Flathead River - probably our best paddle in Montana.

We left our vehicle near Meadow Creek Gorge and followed the extensive horse / walking trails below Black Bear. Our two riverside camps were adjacent to stunning river rock formations.

South Fork Flathead River; Bob Marshall Wilderness

Canyon Tributary of the South Fork Flathead River

Canyon Tributary of the South Fork Flathead River

South Fork Flathead River; Bob Marshall Wilderness

South Fork Flathead River; Bob Marshall Wilderness

Meadow Creek Gorge

Meadow Creek Gorge

South Fork Flathead River; Bob Marshall Wilderness

South Fork Flathead River; Bob Marshall Wilderness

Bridge over Meadow Creek Gorge

Bridge over Meadow Creek Gorge

South Fork Flathead River; Bob Marshall Wilderness

South Fork Flathead River; Bob Marshall Wilderness

John Mclaine surveying the South Flathead River (view south)

John Mclaine surveying the South Flathead River (view south)

South Fork Flathead River; Bob Marshall Wilderness

South Fork Flathead River; Bob Marshall Wilderness

The central rapid became a significant portage

The central rapid became a significant portage

South Fork Flathead River; Bob Marshall Wilderness

South Fork Flathead River; Bob Marshall Wilderness

Looking north

Looking north

South Fork Flathead River; Bob Marshall Wilderness

South Fork Flathead River; Bob Marshall Wilderness

Black Bear Creek entering the South Fork.

Black Bear Creek entering the South Fork.

South Fork Flathead River; Bob Marshall Wilderness

South Fork Flathead River; Bob Marshall Wilderness

Black Bear Creek Cascades

Black Bear Creek Cascades

South Fork Flathead River; Bob Marshall Wilderness

South Fork Flathead River; Bob Marshall Wilderness

The beautiful aqua water is highlighted in the late afternoon light.

The beautiful aqua water is highlighted in the late afternoon light.

South Fork Flathead River; Bob Marshall Wilderness

South Fork Flathead River; Bob Marshall Wilderness

River cavern 1

River cavern 1

South Fork Flathead River; Bob Marshall Wilderness

South Fork Flathead River; Bob Marshall Wilderness

River cavern 2

River cavern 2

South Fork Flathead River; Bob Marshall Wilderness

South Fork Flathead River; Bob Marshall Wilderness

Timber bowl.

Timber bowl.

South Fork Flathead River; Bob Marshall Wilderness

South Fork Flathead River; Bob Marshall Wilderness

The Jonster off to stash the bear canisters.

The Jonster off to stash the bear canisters.

South Fork Flathead River; Bob Marshall Wilderness

South Fork Flathead River; Bob Marshall Wilderness

Dusk on the river.

Dusk on the river.

South Fork Flathead River; Bob Marshall Wilderness

South Fork Flathead River; Bob Marshall Wilderness

Flood eroded bedrock.

Flood eroded bedrock.

South Fork Flathead River; Bob Marshall Wilderness

South Fork Flathead River; Bob Marshall Wilderness

Dusk on the river 2

Dusk on the river 2

South Fork Flathead River; Bob Marshall Wilderness

South Fork Flathead River; Bob Marshall Wilderness

Black Bear Camp and stables.

Black Bear Camp and stables.

South Fork Flathead River; Bob Marshall Wilderness

South Fork Flathead River; Bob Marshall Wilderness

Black Bear Ranger Cabin

Black Bear Ranger Cabin

South Fork Flathead River; Bob Marshall Wilderness

South Fork Flathead River; Bob Marshall Wilderness

The wilderness phone. Black Bear.

The wilderness phone. Black Bear.

South Fork Flathead River; Bob Marshall Wilderness

South Fork Flathead River; Bob Marshall Wilderness

Rock channel.

Rock channel.

South Fork Flathead River; Bob Marshall Wilderness

South Fork Flathead River; Bob Marshall Wilderness

Flood hewn rock spire.

Flood hewn rock spire.

South Fork Flathead River; Bob Marshall Wilderness

South Fork Flathead River; Bob Marshall Wilderness

Intransigent trees anchored to bedrock spire.

Intransigent trees anchored to bedrock spire.

South Fork Flathead River; Bob Marshall Wilderness

South Fork Flathead River; Bob Marshall Wilderness

Below Mid Creek Take Out.

Below Mid Creek Take Out.

South Fork Flathead River; Bob Marshall Wilderness

South Fork Flathead River; Bob Marshall Wilderness

Twilight.

Twilight.

South Fork Flathead River; Bob Marshall Wilderness

South Fork Flathead River; Bob Marshall Wilderness

River shingles at sunrise.

River shingles at sunrise.

South Fork Flathead River; Bob Marshall Wilderness

South Fork Flathead River; Bob Marshall Wilderness. The small sign warns of dangerous rapids ahead.

The Mid Creek Takeout.

The Mid Creek Takeout.

South Fork Flathead River; Bob Marshall Wilderness. The small sign warns of dangerous rapids ahead.

South Fork Flathead River; Bob Marshall Wilderness

North of Meadow Creek Gorge.

North of Meadow Creek Gorge.

South Fork Flathead River; Bob Marshall Wilderness

mjb-20140718-00531-Montana

Our height profile and mid trip distance of 16.3km before paddling.

Our height profile and mid trip distance of 16.3km before paddling.