What a fantastic experience! Turns out that the level of enjoyment you get out of a rafting trip (as a tourist, and non-expert raftsman) is almost exclusively related to the skill and personality of the guide.
All of the companies in West Glacier float the same stretches of river, so the people behind the company are what make the difference.
“Doc” was our guide and he was fantastic!
Not only has the man lived a life most of us would struggle to fully comprehend (ask him for stories) but he was a an AWESOME teacher! Not just about the river, but about whitewater technique/safety, local history, and ecology!
It was super fun and informative!
Not to mention he is a volunteer firefighter and EMT which was pretty damn reassuring as a parent with a couple kids on board.
YOU CAN REQUEST HIM SPECIFICALLY AND I SUGGEST YOU DO!
Also, for those of you reading this who care about the food options on the all day excursions, the little lunch was really good! Not only is doc an expert raftsmen, medic, and EMT, he is also great behind the grill!
Our perfectly cooked medium rare steaks were way better than those ham sandwiches the other guys serve!
Seriously, book the trip. Learn a new skill. Learn about the area and see it from a whole new vantage point. Swim in a crystal clear rushing river. Experience the rapids.
What a great way to spend the day!