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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 glacially-carved canyon of the Bitterroot Mountains to a pristine backcountry lake. At the lake, you’ll inflate ultra-durable, ultra-light packrafts with your guide and use them to float on and explore the lake!

The hike is about 9 mi round trip, which should take a little longer than 2 hrs each way. As you hike, you'll see towering granite cliffs and ponderosa pines, whimsical cascades from melting snow, and plenty of plants, wildflowers and animals.

The guide and guests will each carry ultralight, inflatable packrafts to be used to float on the lake. Guides will outfit guests at the trailhead with a backpack to carry packraft setup in as well. A full setup only weighs about 8-9 lbs.

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:

This trip is great for any able-bodied traveler, but those expecting to move at a quick pace or slow pace should book a private excursion! Expect a moderate amount of elevation gain, (at least 1000 ft) occasional obstacles like fallen trees and creeks to cross along the way. Your feet may get wet on the trail or at the lake!

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

Fred Burr Reservoir Trailhead

930 AM

Fred Burr Trailhead, Fred Burr Rd, Victor, MT 59875