2024 Weed Rodeo

 

Noxious Weed Pulling Rodeo on the Middle Fork of the Flathead

 

Friday June 21, 2024 will be the 21st annual noxious weed pulling rodeo on the Middle Fork of the Flathead River.  The Middle Fork is a wild and scenic river which forms the southwestern boundary to Glacier National Park.  The event entails a full day of rafting on the river followed by a barbecue with prize give aways at Wild River Adventures in West Glacier.     

Participants are placed with one of the four professional raft companies which float down different sections of the Middle Fork stopping along the way to pull noxious weeds.  All groups are accompanied by a weed control expert as well who provides a brief educational talk on what we are looking for and why we are doing it.  Hand pulling is necessary to control the weeds in our amazing river corridor as it is not advisable to spray chemicals so close to the water.  All river sections have some splashy fun.  Depending on water levels most have class II and III rapids, which are fun waves but not very technical or crazy.  There is also a group of private boatmen who cover the West Glacier to Blankenship section which only has one class II rapid.  People need to bring leather gloves and a lunch.  Snacks are provided on the river and the barbecue starts around 4pm.  There are lots of amazing prizes for participants given out at the barbecue! 

 

This event is sponsored by Wild River Adventures, Montana Raft Company, Glacier Raft Company, Great Northern Whitewater, Flathead County, Glacier National Park, USFS, BNSF Railroad, The Sportsman Ski Haus, MT Coffee Traders, Montana’s Outdoor Legacy Foundation, Backslope Brewing, The Center for Native Plants, Swan Mountain Outfitters, O’Brien’s Liquor & Wine, and Flathead Rivers Alliance.

 

It has always been an extremely fun and rewarding event!  People do need to sign up ahead of time so they can be placed with a raft company.  Once assigned to a raft company they will get more information particular to that launch, including time and place to meet.  Email riverweedrodeo@gmail.com for questions or to sign up.