Bitterroot Land Trust Guided Day Hike with Bitterroot Backpacking

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Overview

Bitterroot Land Trust Guided Day Hike with Bitterroot Backpacking
Mill Creek Trailhead, Hamilton, MT
Duration: 1 day
Group size: 1 - 12
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Bitterroot Backpacking
$0

About this trip

THIS IS A FREE GUIDED HIKE!

USE CODE "BLT2026" TO MAKE YOUR RESERVATION FREE OF CHARGE!

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Trip Overview:

Plan and embark on a guided day hike along an amazingly beautiful mountain canyon, to a pristine backcountry lake, amazing cascading waterfall, or peak with panoramic views, all while learning about the local ecology, geology, and history that shape the landscape!

After you book, your guide will reach out to plan your trip with you! They'll also schedule a short, pre-hike call to discuss trip details before you depart.

On the day of your hike, you'll meet your guide at the trailhead and pack your bags together before setting off. Before you go, your guide will brief you on safety topics and logistics of the hike.


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 you 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 conservational-focused and therefore limited each year. These are exclusive, unique experiences.

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 a majority of gear for participants.


At your destination, 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, and accommodations will be made for those who move a bit slower than others! (We want EVERYONE to get out here!) Expect a moderate amount of elevation gain, (at least 300 ft) occasional obstacles like fallen trees and creeks to cross along the way. Your feet may get wet! Your guide will discuss this during the pre-trip meeting.


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:
- First aid
- Garmin GPS communicator
- Water filtration
- Toiletries kit
- Other necessities


What's included

Backpack

Bear Spray

Packraft

Trekking Pole

Water Filter

Bottled Water

Please bring your own if you have one!

Snacks

Plant and Animal IDing

Rock Talk

Hiking Tips from a Pro

Group Discount!

Use discount code GROUP for $20 off each ticket for groups of 5 or more.

What's not included

Midweight clothing layer

For days that are forecasted under 80 F.

Raincoat

ALWAYS! (It rains daily around 3 pm.)

Closed-Toe Shoes

Hiking Shoes are recommended. Athletic shoes are ok!

Water Shoes or sandals

For water-use only

Sun Protection

Please bring a hat and sunscreen!

Fishing Rod

You are welcome to bring your own rod or we can help you rent one from a local outfitter!

Bathing Suit

Great for swimming in the lakes on warm days!

Transportation(Optional)

Transportation is an opitonal add-on.

Hiking Clothing

Synthetic hiking clothing recommended!

Map of the trip locations

A. Mill Creek Trailhead, Hamilton, MT

Mill Creek Trailhead, Hamilton, MT

About your organizer

Bitterroot Backpacking's mission is to guide guests on memorable backpacking adventures and expeditions through forest and wilderness areas on trips that teach the essentials of backpacking, methods of safely navigating the backcountry, and ethical and responsible ways to camp in the backcountry using Leave No Trace principles.

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