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Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to float on the incredible alpine lakes in Glacier National Park! On this day trip made possible by Bitterroot Backpacking, you will hike up to an amazing alpine lake in Glacier National Park, where you'll float on inflatable packrafts on glacial waters! You can choose to:

• Rent the rafts and guide your own group ($1000 Glacier Conservancy + $1000 Bitterroot Backpacking donations)

• Take a guide with you to carry the rafts and lead the way! ($2500 Glacier Conservancy + $2500 Bitterroot Backpacking donations)

Customize your day with a guide before you set off! Clearly, there are many trail options in GNP! We'll set you up for the perfect hike and float for you and your group! Hikes range from 2 - 12 miles and 0 - 2500 feet of elevation gain. Time is anywhere from 2 - 10 hours. There are many family-friendly and/or challenging options available. There's options for everyone!

If you choose to take a guide: 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. Packrafts are ultra light, ultra durable, rafts that only weigh 4 lbs each!

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 relax, enjoy snacks, and packraft! The guide will inflate the rafts for the guests. Guests can choose to help the guide set the rafts up if they wish. When all are ready, guests will receive a tutorial on how to enter packraft without getting wet, how to use the paddles, and life vest. Guests will then set off for about an hour of floating on the lake. We will hang out 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 limited for conservational purposes.

The guide/rental provides all essential gear such as backpacks, full packraft setup, bear spray, water filter, 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 or spring water.

Guests should expect to wear/bring 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! Always wear layers!

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!