For the first time, Missoula Outdoors and Bitterroot Backpacking are offering a "Backcountry Tea" event that combines hiking and sippin' on tea in the backcountry with the intent on bringing people together to discuss local or global topics and/or "spill the tea" on whatever they'd like!

On this trip, we'll hike out to Morrell Falls with portable backpacking stoves in our backpacks and make ourselves fresh tea at the waterfall! The hike is 5.5 mi with 439 ft of elevation gain round trip and is rated "Easy". The trip is open to anyone, but we will cap it at 12 people.

The trail is flat or mildly graded most of the way and only has a few small hills to climb. If you are unsure of your ability, feel free to reach out email us at BitterrootBackpacking@gmail.com! We will take plenty of breaks as needed!

The scenery on this hike is great, but most of the hike is through a burn area, which leaves the trail exposed to the sun. Expect it to be hot on a sunny day!

The burn area also means that Fireweed will be blooming in abundance! We expect to see many flowers in bloom!

Once we reach Morell Falls, we'll relax, make our tea, chat, eat snacks/lunch (bring your own snacks/lunch) and explore the area for about an hour total.

After tea, we will then turn around and head back down the same way we hiked up. The way back will be a slightly quicker trip, but we will be in no rush!

This trail may have a few downed trees to hike around and climb over.

It is recommended that you wear comfortable, layered hiking clothing appropriate for the temperature that day. It is expected to be a warm/slightly chilly summer morning in the morning and hot in the afternoon, unless the forecast says otherwise. It's ALWAYS a good idea to bring a raincoat on any day hike in Montana mountains! Hiking shoes or boots are highly recommended for this trail!

Please plan to carry your own equipment, water, and snacks. 1 L of water is recommended. There are a few places to filter water along the trail, and the water at the lake is filterable too.

Bring your own tea and mug! As long as a few people bring backpacking stoves, not everyone needs their own stove.

This hike is subject to cancellation due to thunderstorms for more than 3 hrs, high winds, wildfire, wildfire smoke, and/or if there are less than 2 participants.

There is a pit toilet at the trailhead, but none along the trail.

Dogs are welcome!

Look for the group standing around the Morrell Falls Trailhead sign at 9:30 am sharp!

***Disclaimer: By RSVP'ing to this event you are acknowledging that you are attending at your own risk. You acknowledge that this hike is run by volunteers, should anything happen to you, you are responsible for your own medical care costs. To that end, you acknowledge that you will remain with the group to lower the chances of injury due to accident and/or negligence. If you leave the group for any reason, you acknowledge that any incurred risks are made under your own volition.

Pet Disclaimer: While we are a pet friendly group (dogs and goats are welcome), some of the trails we hike on have leash laws and/or do not allow pets. If you bring any pets with you, you must abide by the rules of the trail.