Apgar Flats Horse West Glacier boat launch
Apgar Flats Horse West Glacier
The width of the ramp is not specified, but it is designed for small boats, canoes, and kayaks. Larger watercraft are not permitted on Lake McDonald due to the limited size of the lake and the potential for environmental damage.
It should be noted that the Apgar Flats Horse West Glacier boat ramp is primarily intended for use by equestrians who want to launch their watercraft and explore the lake and surrounding wilderness on horseback. However, the ramp is also open to the general public and can be used by anyone who wishes to launch a small boat or paddlecraft.
Overall, the Apgar Flats Horse West Glacier boat ramp is a convenient and accessible point of entry for anyone looking to explore the beautiful waters of Lake McDonald and the surrounding natural beauty of Glacier National Park.
Plan your launch down to the hour
Same weather feed Snoflo's iOS app uses -- updated continuously from NOAA / yr.no.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Area streamflow levels
USGS streamgauges around Apgar Flats Horse West Glacier -- the same readings that determine whether your launch is safe and your boat is the right craft.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Middle Fork Flathead River Nr West Glacier Mt | 8,680 cfs | → |
| N F Flathead River Nr Columbia Falls Mt | 9,950 cfs | → |
| S F Flathead River Nr Columbia Falls Mt | 8,060 cfs | → |
| Flathead River At Columbia Falls Mt | 26,900 cfs | → |
| Swiftcurrent Cr Ab Swiftcurrent Lk At Many Glacier | 113 cfs | → |
| Swiftcurrent Creek At Many Glacier Mt | 389 cfs | → |
Plan a longer trip
The closest paddle runs, fishing spots, and other boat launches so you can extend a day on the water.
Boating safety & etiquette
- Check the conditions before you launch
- Use the streamflow numbers, weather, and wind forecast on this page. High-cfs whitewater requires whitewater-specific craft and skill.
- Wear your life jacket
- Statistically the single biggest survival factor in a boating incident. State law often requires one per passenger.
- File a float plan
- Tell someone on shore your put-in, take-out, and expected return time. Especially for multi-day or remote trips.
- Yield at the ramp
- Prep gear in the parking lot, not on the ramp. Launch and clear quickly so others can use the lane.
- Clean, drain, dry
- Inspect, clean, drain and dry your boat between waters to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.
Set push alerts in the Snoflo app
Save Apgar Flats Horse West Glacier as a favorite, set a discharge threshold or a wind/precipitation alert, and the iOS app will push the moment conditions cross.
About Apgar Flats Horse West Glacier
Can I launch a motorboat here?
Most Snoflo-tracked launches support motorboats; check the operator for any horsepower restrictions, paddle-only zones, or seasonal closures.
How fresh is the streamflow data?
USGS streamgauges report continuously (every 15 minutes); the table on this page pulls the latest reading at page load.
Is there a fee?
Many federal and state boat launches charge a day-use fee. Check the operator's site before driving out.
What boat is right for these conditions?
Use the nearby streamflow numbers and river-run panel on this page to gauge current conditions. Wider, slower water is friendly for casual paddling and powerboats; high-cfs whitewater requires whitewater-specific craft and skill.
Can I get alerts when conditions change?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this launch, set a threshold (discharge, wind), and you'll get a push the moment it crosses.
Other launches near here
Snoflo-tracked boat launches within driving distance of Apgar Flats Horse West Glacier.