White River Festival

The White River Festival is celebrating 44 years of extreme whitewater action and community-oriented fun! This is the longest running event in Bigfork and is one that the entire Flathead Valley looks forward to each year. Participants come from around the world to race. Spectators are also a huge part of this festival and come to enjoy the races and other events held in town.

Ehite River 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. It is the perfect whitewater venue with 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. Please check out the Bigfork Chamber website for more visitor information!

The "Mad Mile" - the "Wild Mile" was originally called the Mad Mile by locals but was changed in 1992 by festival organizers. Best in the NW - during the late 80s and 90s, the festival was considered one of the best kayaking events in all of the NW and hosted hundreds of participants from all over the world. Keeping it Wild - many local business have used the Wild Mile name as inspiration for products and services. Including, Wild Mile Wheat, a delicious brew from one of our sponsors- the Flathead Lake Brewing Compan