Guided Alpine Lake Float and Hike - Northern Bitterroot Mountains

5.0 (25 reviews) Montana, USA
Duration6h 30m
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish
Group sizeUp to 7 travelers
Pickup offeredSee the meeting and pickup details below

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

Private Tour (up to 8)

Custom Tour, 4 - 10 mi: You pick the time and place! Looking for something even further off the beaten path? Ask about other trail options!

Small Group Tour (up to 8)

Fred Burr Reservior: 6-7 hrs total. Longer hike, but not strenuous.

What's included

  • Sciency Nature Talks
  • Packraft Rentals (4 per group limited by FS)
  • Backpacking-style lunch of Jerkey, Nuts and Dried Fruits, and other yummy foods! We can accomodate for most food restrictions too.
  • Local Plant and Animal Identification
  • Freshly Filtered Snowmelt! - Its better tasting than bottled water!
  • Trekking Pole Rentals
  • The unforgettable experience of floating on a calm alpine lake all to yourself!
  • Hilarious Guide Jokes
  • Please bring your own bottle! We will provide water if you need it! We will also filter fresh snowmelt into any bottles!
  • Wilderness First Responder and Leave No Trace Certified Guide
  • Guide carries GPS Communicator, First Aid Kit
  • Other snacks included like fruit leather, various granola and protein bars, and chocolate! Ask about smoked mussels if you're a seafood fan!
  • Backpack Rentals
  • Huckleberry Picking - Mid July to Sept
  • Clothing / Hiking Clothing
  • Sunscreen
  • Hiking Shoes (closed toe shoes is a must!)
  • Raincoat (always bring just in case of emergency)
  • Fly Rod (rent one from a local outfitter or bring your own!)
  • Bathing Suit - Recommended for July - Aug
  • 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

We are expanding in 2025! Please inquire if you see a date already booked and would like to book your own tour for that day!

Embark on a 8 mile, (4 mile each way, 1000 ft of elevation gain) guided day hike up a glacially scoured canyon of the Bitterroot National Forest to a high elevation backcountry lake. At the lake, you'll paddle around in inflatable packrafts as you take in the incredible scenery. While you paddle, your guide will prepare a backpacker-style lunch of Pad Thai, Pasta Primavera, or Beef Stroganoff. Once you return to land, you'll learn a bit about learn about cooking in the backcountry without leaving a trace. Then, you'll pack up and head back to the trailhead the same way you hiked up.

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. Your guide carries two packraft setups and the rest are carried by other adults.

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

Your guide will also carry a water filter, so you can sip on some crisp, cool mountain creek water during your breaks!

  1. Victor

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Most of the drive here is on solid paved roads but the last 2 mi are on dirt forest road which can be rough and dusty! Please drive carefully and slowly!

Please contact us for other trail options!!!!

End point

Most of the drive here is on solid paved roads but the last 2 mi are on dirt forest road which can be rough and dusty! Please drive carefully and slowly!

Please contact us for other trail options!!!!

Pickup details

We will reach out to plan and finalize pickup details!

Additional information

  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • 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 (25)
From
$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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