Youngs Danaher Backcountry Access

The most popular place to start a backcountry South Fork float trip is at the confluence of the Young’s and Danaher rivers. The best way to access the confluence is from the Owl Creek trailhead in the Swan Valley or the Lodgepole trailhead out of Ovando, Mt. The Owl Creek trailhead is located on Hwy 83 approximately 15 miles south of the town of Condon, it is a 29 mile trip on foot or horseback to reach the confluence. The Lodgepole trailhead is approximately 12 miles north of the town of Ovando, Mt. off of Hwy 200, it is a 22 mile trip on foot or horseback. The takeout for float trips on the Upper South Fork is the Mid Creek takeout about 38 miles from the confluence. The entirety of this section of river is within the wilderness boundary so wilderness rules apply, please consult the South Fork section of the Three Forks of the Flathead River Guide in the quick links section.