Big River Country
Explore the most remote section of the upper reaches of the Middle Fork Flathead River
This progressive travel trip explores the inaccessible reaches of the Middle Fork. Secret meadows, deep canyons, and a wild river. Superb riding, scenery, hiking
Rugged Country
The rugged Middle Fork is remote and wild. Rarely visited, and waiting for you to explore
Stunning Campsites
Probably our most beautiful campsites of the summer. Secret meadows, hidden river bends, alpine basins. Stunning.
Riding & Exploring
A healthy does of trail riding miles, and some days to just explore this amazing corner of the Bob
Scenery & Seclusion
Every day has something new, unexpected. The vistas at campsites and on the routes are superb
Big River Headwaters Exploration
A progressive packtrip deep into the most rugged, secluded area of the Bob Marshall. The old timers called the Middle Fork Flathead “Big River”. It is renowned at its lowest reaches for class 5 rapids and an unforgiving nature. Our route takes us to the uppper stretches of it, no less wild and unpredictable. We make a big loop, crossing Teton Pass to begin our journey and camp on Basin Creek. Continuing down the Middle Fork we get to Winter Creek where we’ll stay a couple of nights and enjoy this amazing campsite with riding and excellent fishing. After leaving Winter Creek we move up to Gateway Gorge, with it’s 1,000 ft limestone cliffs guarding entrance to a fabled alpine basin – Big River Meadows. A more beautiful ride is not possible. Two nights at Big River Meadows allows for exploring this wilderness gem. Our final day out the South Fork Birch valley to Swift Reservoir is truly exceptional for open vistas and varied landscapes.
Ready for your Montana Adventure?
6 days – CLOSED
July 11 to July 16, 2026
Your Days in the Wilderness
Each day starts with a hearty breakfast to prepare you for a full day of adventure. On travel days we start pretty early, with the stock going out before daylight. Breakfast follows pretty quickly. You will have a sack lunch each day so on layover days you can explore on your own and on travel days we’ll be moving to the next location. We always do a great dinner for you towards evening with hearty western fare. On most nights we’ll set up a fun campfire for everyone to enjoy. The Bob Marshall skies rare amazing at night if you can stay up until dark.
Activities & Experience
For the Adventurers
This trip has a lot to offer avid wilderness explorers. The route takes us to very remote, unexplored areas where we rarely see another soul. The riding has so many unique trails and scenic vistas. Visiting remote landmarks and hiking to panoramic ridges. Masterful scenery!
There is some good trout fishing on the Middle Fork at Winter Creek, so if you want to tangle with the trout here this is as good a place as any to get some serious dry fly action.
July Weather
Getting Summer Nice!
This time of year summer really gets nice with hot days, cool nights and clear blue skies. We always layer clothing in the mountains to be ready for the unexpected. However, this is one of the most pleasant times of year to be in the mountains.
Landscapes & Elevations
Exploration Deep in the Bob
This route covers a wide range of high mountain terrain. The route crosses the continental divide, drops into the deep valley of the Middle Fork, then climbs back out over the divide. The landscape changes from alpine to old growth, regrowth, and shady valleys.
The elevation change is marked. Our first crossing at Teton Pass will be 7,000 ft, and we will drop down the the Middle Fork valley at around 5,400 ft. Climbing back out to Big River meadows and the divide crossing there will bring us back up to 6,400 ft, before we drop to Swift Dam trailhead at 4,600ft
What to Bring
Packing for Mid-Summer Comfort
There is more detail in teh Recommended Camping Gear list nearby.
However you will want to anticipate sunny, warm days. The sun can be intense in July, and the skies crystal clear. Nights will be modestly cool but seldom cold.
We can also get a thunderstorm on any given day, so you’ll need good rain gear that you can wear riding or hiking. Comforable hiking/riding shoes are a must, and a good assortment of hiking socks varying from light to medium weight. Also, you may consider chaps for riding, or silk under your jeans as we do have some ground to cover on horseback. This will mitigate chafing.
Ready for Your Trip with Circle 8?
An authentic Bob Marshall packtrip into the rugged Middle Fork of the Flathead River headwaters country