looking for good tubing river that has current (Columbia Falls, Hungry Horse: rent, house)

[dan k]

Hi,
I live in Phoenix arizona and will be coming to see my kids in montana in july2007 and would like advice on a good river to go tubing that has some current but not too rough seeing as my kids are 11 and 15 dont want major whitewater. Last year a woman in seeley lake recommended the river that runs into seeley lake and it had no current, it took us 4 hours of paddling with our arms, we also got swimmers itch.
My kids would like to go back to black sandy or placid lake again but would like to take them somewhere different this year but within 100 miles of great falls where they live.The kids would like a state campground that has a nice beach on a lake, showers and things in the area to see and do.We stay for 14 days so a shower is a definite desire, dont want any koa's or $40 a night stays. I like the state campgrounds.
Any suggestions would be appreciated
Thank you

[jimj]

it's a little farther than 100 miles but the north fork or middle fork of the flathead is pretty nice. It runs through glacier park. There are rapids,slow spots and medium spots.

[dan k]

thank you for the info , i will check into it a little bit.Any info you give is better than i got last year.

[jimj]

we float the middle,south and north fork during the summer. We use a 2 man pontoon and start up the north fork road. If it wouldn't break the bank try a raft trip from various raft companies in Glacier Park. You can take a half or full day (with lunch) and I can tell you the kids or you will never forget it!!! You have whitewater, slow water and some wonderful scenery. You can also rent some personal rafts there and go yourself. Look on the net for raft companies at Glacier park.
If you want something where you can actually tube,swim and do minor rapids you could float from the house of mystery on hwy 2 outside Columbia falls to the bridge in C-Falls (about 2 hrs) or from the bridge in Columbia Falls to the old costco (presentine bar take out)about 5 hrs. I suggest life jackets and the water can be a bit chilly but ok on a warm,hot day. You could also take fishing poles as the fishing is not bad on the way down. If you want lake and beaches you could go to Hungry Horse res and camp and swim to your hearts delight. I believe camping there is free. you can get a map of the place at Hungry Horse ranger station and ask them for some camping site suggestions.

[dan k]

thanks alot bud, you have been alot of help and i really appreciate it.Just cant wait to get out of this place and be around human beings again.

[jimj]

I know what you mean, I lived in Tucson out towards Oricle for a year or so when I was younger.