County commissioners in Flathead County approved an encroachment permit on April 10, 2025, to allow the U.S. Forest Service to install a seasonal gate on a county right-of-way near the southwest side of Blankenship Bridge, aiming to address recurring problems with motorists who disregard warning signs and get stranded in flooded sections of the gravel bar each spring recent measure.
Forest Service officials have reported that vehicles often become trapped when the river overflows, posing both safety hazards and potential harm to fragile riparian areas local notes. The newly approved gate will restrict vehicle access south of the bridge when floodwaters rise, while allowing foot and water traffic throughout the year.
“Over the last couple of years, we’ve instituted a temporary closure order,” said M.J. Crandle, district recreation staff for the Forest Service. “A sign with sandwich boards and things like that at the entrance and unfortunately those sandwich boards get taken away. People drive around them.”
Closures generally occur in spring during periods of high water, at which time river conditions can submerge the gravel bar and leave stranded vehicles. Officials reopen the pathway for motorized use once water subsides to safer levels.
The county commissioners voted unanimously for the encroachment permit. Blankenship’s gravel bar has been popular for free camping since 2020, prompting concerns from emergency responders who have fielded calls for vehicles stuck in flooded or washed-out areas.
A past legal dispute over wildfire risks at the gravel bar ended when a federal judge ruled that the Forest Service was acting within its authority under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. The 2010 travel plan still permits motorized use on certain sections, though additional restrictions could appear in the Forest Service’s upcoming Comprehensive River Management Plan by 2026.
Current rules allow motorized camping within 300 feet of the bridge. During periods of gate closure, foot traffic and access to the water remain open, ensuring activities like fishing, rafting, and kayaking continue unaffected.
Clearer postings and consistent signage have been cited as ways to avoid accidental trespassing and repeated rescues on the gravel bar, where the force of the river can shift channels quickly. Officials suggest that standardizing closure notices could reduce confusion while helping preserve the natural terrain.
Real-time communication can also reduce unauthorized vehicle entry during high-water events. Some resort properties share alerts through digital signage or mobile app notifications, deterring vehicles before they reach restricted areas. Messaging boards and direct texts to registered guests or staff can further prevent stranded vehicles and minimize emergency responses.
Additional strategies for flood-resilient infrastructure include stable, permeable pathways that mitigate erosion and help keep vehicles on safer ground. Elevated camping surfaces in zones prone to flooding can protect occupations near the river and reduce damage during wet seasons.
Short-term parking or loading areas with clear signage may steer drivers away from saturated riparian habitats. Setting physical boundaries around sensitive spots helps preserve plant life that stabilizes the riverbank and prevent inadvertent damage caused by heavy vehicle traffic.
The newly approved gate is considered a temporary measure until the Forest Service finalizes broader rules for the Middle Fork drainage. In the meantime, visitors are urged to check official postings, particularly in spring, when swift changes in water levels can create sudden hazards.
County representatives and Forest Service staff continue monitoring the site to balance recreation with ecologically sound management. They aim to protect local habitats from erosion and maintain visitor safety while preserving scenic opportunities on the Flathead River corridor.