Hike in with small group of Beginner/Intermediate backpackers on this memorable 3-day trip to incredible alpine lakes of the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness!

We'll backpack to and camp 2 nights at Little Rock Creek Lake, a moraine lake surrounded by towering granitic peaks. The trek is 9 miles round trip with 2200 ft of elevation gain. It's a tough trip! The trail is also difficult to navigate, and year-round snow melt deters most hikers. You'll be glad you had a guide!

On day 2, Choose to relax at the lake or join a group of hikers to venture off-trail to upper lakes past Little Rock Creek Lake! Your guide will teach you how to read a topographical map and how to orient yourself using one in the wilderness. This off-trail trek is about 4 mi with 1400 ft of elevation gain. Even if you don't attend this side-quest, your guide will be happy to answer any questions you have about maps, orienteering, and off-trail hiking!

Your guide, Luke, will also host a 1 hr virtual planning meeting prior to the trip to prepare the group for the adventure. You will also be provided a list of resources to help you prepare for the trip and for future trips too!

More information available here: Off-Trail Trip Preview - Bitterroot Backpacking

Highlights:
- Backpack and camp 2 nights in the backcountry at beautiful Little Rock Creek Lake in the Bitterroot Mountains.
- Alpine Lake Packrafting on some of the most beautiful lakes you'll ever see in your life.
- Stargaze at the Milky Way under uncertified dark sky sites in the US.
Activity Level:
Moderate with some Challenging sections - 3/5
Inclusions:
- Guiding Services
- Gear Rental
- All Backpacking and Camping reservations
- Camping Accommodations for two nights at the Little Smith Creek Ranch
- No transportation included. (PLEASE INQUIRE IF NEEDED)
Group Size: 4 - 9 people

Day 1 - August 7th
Backpack to Little Rock Creek Lake 

4.5 mi, 2200 ft elevation gain

Morning:
Light breakfast provided by Bitterroot Backpacking at the trailhead. Embark by 11 am.
Day:
Backpack up to Little Rock Creek Lake. Arrive at approx. 3 pm.
Evening:
Set up camp, have dinner, sit by the fire tended by your guide.

Day 2 - August 8th
You Chose: Off-Trail Hike to Upper Lakes or Relax by the Lake!

Optional 3 mi, 1000 ft elevation gain

Morning/Day:
Pack up and leave camp by 10 am for a challenging, yet incredibly scenic off-trail hike to the upper lakes. WARNING: Off-trail hiking can be difficult with uneven and steep terrain. We will be literally ‘bushwhacking’ for short periods of time.
Afternoon/Evening:
Set up camp by 2 pm and relax for the rest of the day. Float and camp at the lake of your choice. Eat delish backpacking food. Have a warm campfire.

Day 3 - August 9th
The Hike Back to the Trailhead

4.5 mi 3000 ft of elevation loss and 700 ft of elevation gain

Morning/Day/Afternoon:
In the morning, float the lake, have a nice big breakfast, and then head down the final 4.5 mi stretch to the trailhead. Don’t forget about the 700 ft of elevation gain at the very end!
Evening:
Return to your accommodations and then meet The Wild Mare for a dinner hosted by Bitterroot Backpacking!