The Bigfork Whitewater Festival will be celebrating its 50th year! We welcome you to join us for this historic, local event as either a competitor or spectator this Memorial Day Weekend in Downtown Bigfork.
Bigfork, Montana is located on the north end of Flathead Lake, where the Swan River spills into Bigfork Bay. The last mile of the Swan River, known as the "Wild Mile", is a class IV section of whitewater. This beautiful and challenging whitewater venue has a scenic nature trail paralleling the north side, giving spectators front row seats for some of the best whitewater action in the area.
The Wild Mile also flows through downtown Bigfork, which offers an eclectic variety of restaurants, shops and galleries. For more information and updates about the festival, keep checking back on our Facebook page and Instagram.
Date and Time
Friday May 23, 2025 Sunday May 25, 2025
Friday, May 23rd
12:00 - 2:00 p.m. Boater-X: Viewing from the Swan River Nature Trail. Registration online, capped at first 16 participants.
4:00 p.m. Flower Float, put in at South Shore Access off Hwy 209.
6:00 p.m. Weekend Boater Orientation
Saturday, May 24th
8:30 - 10:00 a.m. Registration/Check In: - Kayaks, SUP Race, Rafts - Downtown in front of Lake Baked
10:00 a.m. Lower Slalom Race: Powerhouse/ Sliter’s Park
11:00 a.m. SUP Races Begin: Bigfork Bay Public Dock
Tentative: Beginner @ 11:00 / Intermediate @ 11:30 / Advanced @ 12:00
11:00 a.m. Downriver Raft Time Trial: Top 8 teams advance
12:30 p.m. - Mandatory Safety Meeting @ put in (South Shore Access off Hwy 209)
1:00 p.m. Expert Slalom
9:30 p.m. - 1:00 a.m. Saturday Night Dance Party at The Riverview Bar
Sunday, May 25th
8:00 - 9:00 a.m. Registration
9:00 a.m. 1st heat Raft Head-to-Head
10:30 a.m. Down River Race
12:00 p.m. 2nd heat Raft Head-to-Head
12:30 p.m. Giant Slalom
3:00 p.m. Final Rafting Heats
6:00 p.m. Awards ceremony at The Garden Bar at the conclusion of all racing!
Location
Bigfork, MT
Fees/Admission
Free Outdoor Festival
Contact Information
Dave Meyers
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