Guided Alpine Lake Float and Hike - Southern Bitterroot Mountains

5.0 (69 reviews) Montana, USA
Duration6h
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish
Group sizeUp to 8 travelers

Overview

The Bitterroot National Forest is an incredibly beautiful and rugged place with amazing mountains and deep glacial canyons. The trails are not always well maintained, and often times seasonal creeks will deter folks who aren't used to water crossings. You'll be glad you brought a guide along!

The hike and packraft float is an experience unique to Bitterroot Backpacking. You will not find any other guide or company providing this service! (And if you do, they probably found the idea here!)

Options

Custom Private Tour 2026

A custom-planned 4 - 8 hr tour

Small Group Tour (5-8 people)

Join a group of jolly hikers!

What's included

  • Freshly Filtered Water from Snowmelt
  • Bear Spray
  • Backpacks
  • Packraft Rentals (4 per group limited by FS)
  • Wilderness First Responder and Leave No Trace Certified Guide
  • Local Plant and Animal Identification
  • Guide carries GPS Communicator, First Aid Kit
  • Huckleberry Picking - Mid July to Sept
  • Local Beef Jerkey, Vegan Jerkey, Trail Mix, Assorted Dried Fruit, Natural Protein Bars, GoMacro Bars, Lara Bars.
  • Sciencey Nature Talks
  • Silly Guide Jokes
  • Trekking Poles
  • Clothing / Hiking Clothing
  • Hiking Shoes
  • Sunscreen
  • Raincoat (always bring just in case of emergency)
  • Transportation - Transportation services are available! Please contact us to help you get a ride!
  • Warm Clothing if forecast is chilly - we have backups if you need!

What to expect

Embark on a day hike and float on a serene alpine lake! Hike up a glacially carved canyon with a local expert guide in the Bitterroot Mountains. Along the way, your guide will identify local plants and animals and talk about the natural history of the Bitterroot! Once you reach the lake, you'll float on the lake in inflatable packrafts. Your guide will also make you fresh tea or coffee for you to enjoy while you float, all while leaving no trace! Then, you'll pack up and head back to the trailhead on this out-and-back trail.

Packrafts, backpacks, trekking poles, bear spray, and safety equipment rentals are included in the price. One packraft setup (packraft, paddle, life vest) for each adult or youth ticket, up to 4 rafts (our permit restricts us from more). Your guide carries two packraft setups. Book a private tour to guarantee the guide carries your gear.

Trail Mix, Beef and Vegan Jerky, and Cliff/Lara/Granola Bars are given to you in your snack bag!

Your guide will also carry a water filter, first aid kit, Garmin GPS communicator, and other basic tools needed for an outing in the backcountry.

Hikes are around 6 - 8 mi with significant elevation gain (> 1000 ft).

  1. Hamilton

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

The final 5 miles to the trailhead is on dirt service road. Please proceed slowly, about 20 mph. Most vehicles will make it to the trailhead without issue! Parking for long vehicles, trailers, and low clearance vehicles available at Coyote Coulee Trailhead.

End point

The final 5 miles to the trailhead is on dirt service road. Please proceed slowly, about 20 mph. Most vehicles will make it to the trailhead without issue! Parking for long vehicles, trailers, and low clearance vehicles available at Coyote Coulee Trailhead.

Additional information

  • Service animals allowed
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Anyone in general good health can complete one of these trips. Please inquire before booking!

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Reviews

5.0 (69)
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$169.00 per person
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  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts
  • Instant confirmation
  • You'll choose your date and travelers and pay on viator.com. Prices vary by date, group size and option.
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