Get first hand experience on the Flathead River with our Oar Rafting and Rowing Classes
Our rowing courses give you, the student, the opportunity to spend time on the river rowing a variety of boats. From center frame rafts to stern frames, or bring your cataraft, we can build a foundation for rafting and river navigation skills. Building foundational rowing skills will enable you to lead and organize your own successful multi-day river trips.
Learning to row takes practice and experience and our professional trained river guides and certified instructors provide a supportive environment. At the Great Northern Resort, we believe it takes time spent both on and off the water for the students to learn and feel get comfortable with the basics of river running.
Summer 2026 dates:
- Classes on request
Explore rowing and oar rafting classes
Oar Rafting Course
The Oar Rafting course is for individuals interested in learning the skills required to efficiently row a raft on rivers with class II-III rapids. The 2-day rowing course utilizes daily stretches of the river for those not wanting to camp.
This is an excellent course for a beginner boater who wants to learn the basics of running whitewater. We cover fundamental river safety and boating skills, including maneuvering oar-rigged boats. After two days you will gain experience reading and running class II-III whitewater.
Course Dates
- April 18-19 2026.
Course Length
2 days
Course Price
$350/person for the group class.
Private instruction is available. Call for details.
Skills Covered
- Hydrology and Reading Water
- Safety Talks
- Throwbag Training
- Raft Flip Drills
- Equipment
- Rowing Techniques for an Oar-Rigged Boat or Cataraft
- On Water Practice on the Middle Fork of the Flathead River
- Discussion of River Rescue Techniques
What to Bring
Required Equipment
- Personal Flotation Device
- Drysuit or Wetsuit
- Helmet
- Sturdy Footwear
Suggested Equipment
- Locking Carabiner
- Throwbag (so you can practice with what you will use)
- River Knife
- Whistle
Great Northern has rental equipment available. Call to reserve.
Rowing School
Our rowing school is designed for individuals who want to improve their rowing skills on a multi-day rafting trip. Students will have the opportunity to learn from both group and one-on-one lessons. Participants will learn the skills required to efficiently row a raft or cataraft on rivers with class II-III rapids.
At the end of this course students should have the confidence and skills to scout and row Class III rapids. This course takes place on the Wild and Scenic Middle Fork of the Flathead River. There are 3 forks to the Flathead River
- Overall difficulty: III, Highest difficulty (#): IV- (2)
- Rapids/day: ~8
- Gradient: 18 feet/mile
- Signature Rapids: Staircase, Tunnel, Bonecrusher, Jaws
- Types of boats: Oar boats/Catarafts
- Minimum recommended age: 18
Course Dates
- 2026 Dates on request.
Course Length
3 days
Course Price
$995/person.
Private instruction is available. Call for details.
Skills Covered
- Hydrology and Reading Water
- Throwbag Training
- Raft Flip Drills
- Equipment and Camping Preparation
- Hands-on Rowing Practice on the Middle Fork of the Flathead River
- Discussion of River Rescue Techniques
What to Bring
Required Equipment
- Personal Flotation Device
- Drysuit or Wetsuit
- Helmet
- Sturdy Footwear
Great Northern has rental equipment available. Call to reserve.
Who are these courses for?
Complete beginners
If you’re new to rowing and river running, the oar rafting course is the perfect starting point. No prior experience is required. Our instructors will walk you through the fundamentals from the ground up in a supportive setting.
Developing rowers
If you’ve spent some time on the water and want to build confidence on Class II-III rapids, the rowing school multi-day format gives you the repetition and one-on-one coaching needed to take your skills to the next level.
Cataraft owners
Already own your own cataraft? Bring it along! Our instructors can work with your specific setup and help you get the most out of your own gear on the river.
Benefits of learning to row in West Glacier
Rowing and oar rafting is a fantastic way to build real river skills while exploring the stunning scenery of the Flathead River in Montana.
- Rowing builds upper body and core strength through a full, dynamic workout on the water.
- Learning to row together makes for a great bonding experience, helping groups develop communication and coordination.
- On the water, you’ll be able to get an up-close look at the incredible ecosystems along the Flathead River and the surrounding Glacier National Park wilderness.
- Time on the river is a natural stress reliever! The combination of physical activity and fresh mountain air does wonders for your mental well-being.
Tips for getting the most out of rowing and oar rafting courses
Listen to your instructor. All of our instructors practice Leave No Trace ideologies and are ACA certified – they know what they are talking about. For safety purposes, and to ensure that everyone gets the most out of their rowing lessons, be respectful of your instructor and others in your group.
What to wear for rowing and oar rafting
Dressing right makes a big difference especially on a multi-day trip. Here’s what we recommend:
On the water:
- Water shoes or sandals with a heel or strap. No flip flops.
- Quick-dry shorts or pants
- Synthetic or wool-based layers. Avoid cotton since it stays wet and gets cold.
- Sun-protective long-sleeve shirt or rash guard
- Wide-brim hat or cap
- Sunglasses with a chum or retainer strap
- Sunscreen (preferably reef-safe)
- Personal water bottle
Make sure you are dressed properly. Here is a list of things you won’t need and should not bring:
- Don’t wear expensive jewelry
- Non-waterproof cameras
- Car keys
- Anything you don’t want to lose on the river
- Cell phones
Visit our shop if you forget important items. Our store sells chums (retainers for your glasses), t-shirts, sweatshirts, sunscreen, waterproof cameras, snacks and drinks.
This institution is operated under special use permit with the Flathead National Forest.
The American Canoe Association
The American Canoe Association is the way to go if you’re getting into boating. Their methods of skill progression have taken countless people from beginner to boatman.
Rescue 3
Rescue 3 International has been setting the standard for technical river rescue since 1979. Their instructors teach in over 32 countries worldwide.
Desert Mountain Medical
DMM’s vision is to empower outdoor professionals and recreationalists to feel confident and prepared to recognize and treat backcountry emergencies utilizing limited resources.
Valor Equine Therapy Services, Inc.
A Montana based 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation established to help veterans and first responders suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and/or traumatic brain injury.
Rafting Lessons Gallery
Ready to start rowing in West Glacier?
If you aren’t sure which course is right for you, our guides are happy to help you find the perfect fit. Let us know if you have any questions before booking your rowing or oar rafting course with Great Northern Resort.
Frequently asked questions
No prior experience is necessary for the oar rafting course. It’s designed for people who are brand new to rowing! The rowing school is ideal for beginners as well – however, students who have spent more time on flatwater or moving water will get even more out of the multi-day format.
All of our courses take place on the Middle Fork of the Flathead River, right on the edge of Glacier National Park. It’s one of the most scenic stretches of whitewater in Montana and a designated Wild and Scenic River.
We keep our groups small so every student gets meaningful time on the river and direct feedback from instructors. Contact us for current class sizes.