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Embark on a guided day hike up an amazing glacially-carved canyon of the Bitterroot Mountains to a pristine backcountry lake. As guests hike, they’ll see towering granite cliffs and ponderosa pines, whimsical cascades from melting snow, and plenty of plants and animals.

The guide and guests will each carry ultralight, inflatable packrafts to be used to float on the lake. Guides will outfit guests at the trailhead with a backpack to carry packraft setup in as well. A full setup only weighs about 8 lbs.

During the hike, the guide will identify dozens of native plants and animals. Guides will also identify edible plants such as Huckleberry, Thimbleberry, and Rose Hips to snack on (July-Sept) along the way. Your guide will also teach hikers about the geologic forces that created the mountains and how eventually the alpine lakes were formed. 

Additionally, guests will learn about modern Leave No Trace principles and how to recreate sustainably. All tours have a focus on LNT and our permits are conservationally-limited each year. These are exclusive, unique experiences that not many get the privilege of having.

The guide provides all essential gear such as backpacks, full packraft setup, and first aid, but will also provide snacks like beef jerky, various granola bars, and fruit snacks! If guests book a private trip, the guide will carry 2 packrafting setups for them. 

While guests float, the guide will prepare hot tea, coffee, or hot chocolate or cold beverages (depending on the weather.) The guide carries a water filter to filter fresh snow melt from the mountains to drink!

Guests should expect to prepare with the appropriate hiking clothing. Athletic or outdoor apparel is recommended. We love wool! Synthetics for high temps. The weather can be colder, rainier or windier up at the alpine lakes than forecasted in the valley. We always recommend bringing a rain coat! Sunscreen is recommended too!

More Details About This Trip:

This trip is great for any able-bodied traveler, but those expecting to move at a quick pace or slow pace should book a private excursion! Expect a moderate amount of elevation gain, (at least 1000 ft) occasional obstacles like fallen trees and creeks to cross along the way. Your feet may get wet!

The weather is tough to predict and conditions will vary from the forecast. Bring warm layers and rain jackets/ponchos!

Your expert guide is Wilderness First Responder Certified, Leave No Trace Certified, and Food-Handler Certified.

Guide Carries:
- Packrafting gear for the first two adult tickets booked on each trip.
- First aid
- Garmin GPS communicator
- Water filtration
- Toiletries kit
- Other necessities

All tours require a two ticket minimum. Solo travelers are welcome to join public groups!

Fred Burr Reservoir

9 AM or 930 AM

Fred Burr Trailhead, Fred Burr Rd, Victor, MT 59875

Kidney Lakes

Camas Lake

9 AM or 930 AM

Camas Creek Trailhead, Hamilton, MT 59840

Lake Como

9 AM, 930 AM, or 10 AM

Lake Como National Recreation Trailhead, Darby, MT 59829

Twin Lakes

9 AM, 930 AM, or 10 AM

Twin Lakes Trailhead, Twin Lakes Rd, Darby, MT 59829

Most vehicles can make it to these trailheads. Please contact us if you have an extra large, or low clearance vehicle!