White Water Rafting with Mark Zuckerberg

Ask anyone in West Glacier and they’ll tell you the best way to see this extraordinary, wild place is upon the very rivers that run through it. Mark Zuckerberg originally planned to do a Montana fly fishing excursion with Hilary Hutchinson, Trout TV’s Co-Host, but after a scheduling conflict, she recommended an alternative a little wilder… Glacier Raft Company! As Montana’s most experienced river outfitter, we guaranteed Mark a thrilling whitewater rafting adventure and a chance to learn about the dynamic lifestyle and world class recreation opportunities.

After a few phone calls and a little coordination, the rafts were loaded up and a crew of raft guides were headed out with Mark. We chose to take him down the most beautiful stretch of the Middle Fork of the Flathead River.

Taking on the whitewater section of the Middle Fork was just a bonus for us and Mark, since his main goal was to get a taste of the community and culture surrounding the rivers. A group of raft guides with a range of expertise was aboard to venture down the river with him to not only “send it” but also share with him our knowledge and love of Glacier Park.

In between the class II and III rapids on the Middle Fork, most of the stories shared were centered on learning about our team and what drove us to become Glacier’s best raft guides. With many different stories on what motivates us to call Glacier Park home, the one overarching reason found between us and Mark: our love and respect for the environment and Glacier National Park.

The eight-mile stretch Mark experienced on the Middle Fork is unique and beautiful in many ways. The Middle Fork creates a border between Glacier-Waterton International Peace Park and the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex. Not only is the river the “office” for dozens of Glacier Park rafting guides during the summer season, but it is also a unique, beautiful, wild and scenic river.

Mark was intrigued to learn not only about the dynamic environments on either side of the river, but also about the railroad tracks that follow along it. With the railway so close, the Middle Fork is considered an endangered river, and is increasingly becoming more vulnerable as the transportation of oil cars along these tracks has become more frequent.

Since 1976, Glacier Raft Company has been an integral part of the community surrounding Glacier National Park, and a backbone of West Glacier’s tourism-based economy. Being able to get out on the water every day is a huge part of why we enjoy our “work”. The opportunity to share our passion for the wilderness and the environment with people who care about it just as much is one of the biggest reasons why we love what we do.

Taking an individual as down-to-earth as Mark out white water rafting is an experience Glacier Raft Company will never forget. From immediately introducing himself to everyone upon exiting his vehicle, to paddling fiercely down the river and taking the time to learn about each of us, we could not have had a better time with him aboard.

We cannot put into words how memorable our time was with Mark. From all of us at Glacier Raft Company, we are grateful to him and his crew for coming out to explore this wild and scenic river in this spectacular place we are proud to call home.

Thank you Mark, and best of luck on your cross-country adventure. The Flathead River and Glacier National Park will be waiting peacefully for your return. #FindYourPark