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Embark on a guided day hike hosted by Bitterroot Backpacking! On this 7ish hr day trip, you will hike up an amazing alpine lake in Glacier National Park, where you'll float on inflatable packrafts on glacial waters!

There are many trail options! Trips embark from every area of the park. Hikes range from 2 - 12 mi round trip and 0 - 2500 ft of elevation gain.

As you hike, you'll see towering granite cliffs and ponderosa pines, whimsical cascades from melting snow, and plenty of plants, wildflowers and animals. You may even see some seasonal snowmelt waterfalls!

The guide will carry 2 packrafting setups for you. Up to 4 are provided. If more participants would like to float, two guests will have to carry a backpack, each with approx 8 lbs total of packrafting gear.

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. 

At the lake, guests will be given a tutorial on how to use the packraft, paddles, and lifevest. They will then set off and be allowed a 1-2 hr time limit on floating on the lake. We will stay at the lake for about 2 hrs total.

On this excursion, guests will learn about modern Leave No Trace principles and how to recreate sustainably. All tours have a focus on LNT and permits are conservationally-limited each year.

The guide provides all essential gear such as backpacks, full packraft setup, and first aid. 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. Athletic shoes or hiking shoes are strongly recommended. Wool and Synthetics are great any time of year. The weather can be cold, rainy and/or windy up at the alpine lakes… Even if the valley forecast looks OK! We always recommend bringing a rain coat! Sunscreen is recommended too!

More Details About This Trip:

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:
- One Set of Packrafting gear
- First aid
- Garmin GPS communicator
- Water filtration
- Toiletries kit
- Other necessities

Plan out your custom meeting time and location with your guide!