Bitterroot Mountains: Unique Alpine Lake Float Adventure
5.0
37 Ratings
Darby
Embark on a one-of-a-kind adventure in the Bitterroot Mountains with a hike and packraft float. Explore rugged trails, glacial canyons, and alpine lakes with an experienced guide.
Duration:
6 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- Coyote Coulee Trailhead - Embark on a 6 mile, (3 mile each way, 1200 ft of elevation gain) guided day hike up a glacially scoured canyon of the Bitterroot National Forest to a high elevation backcountry lake. At the lake, you’ll paddle around in inflatable packrafts as you take in the incredible scenery. While you paddle, your guide will prepare a backpacker-style lunch of Pad Thai, Pasta Primavera, or Beef Stroganoff. Once you return to land, you’ll learn a bit about learn about cooking in the backcountry without leaving a trace. Then, you’ll pack up and head back to the trailhead the same way you hiked up.
Packrafts, backpacks, trekking poles, bear spray, and safety equipment rentals are included in the price. One packraft setup (packraft, paddle, life vest) for each adult or youth ticket. Your guide carries two packraft setups and the rest are carried by other adults.
Shar Trail Mix, Beef and Vegan Jerky, and Lara Bars are given to you in your snack bag!
Your guide will also carry a water filter, so you can sip on some crisp, cool mountain creek water during your breaks!
What's Included
- Provided bear spray for safety
- Lunch included
- Guide-equipped with GPS communicator and first aid kit
- Trekking poles available
- Packraft, paddle, and life vest provided per adult
- Backpacks supplied
- Snacks provided
What's Not Included
- Clothing / Hiking Clothing
- Hiking Shoes
- Sunscreen
Additional Information
The Bitterroot National Forest boasts striking beauty and harsh terrain, with breathtaking peaks and profound glacial valleys. Its tracks may not always be in the best condition, and transient streams can impede those unaccustomed to fjord traverses. A tour guide’s assistance will undoubtedly be appreciated!
The distinct experience of hiking and packrafting is exclusively offered by Bitterroot Backpacking. No competing guides or firms deliver this unique service! (And if they do, they likely borrowed the concept from here!)
- Anyone in general good health can complete one of these trips. Please inquire before booking!
Location
Coyote Coulee Trailhead
Lost Horse Road
There are two trailhead options. Default is Coyote Coulee Trailhead. We will then caravan up the mountain to the Camas Creek Trailhead. Contact Bitterroot Backpacking for other trail options! Please drive slowly and cautiously down dirt roads!
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(37 Ratings)
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Kandisg2024
Feb 1, 2024
Backpacking adventure - Such a great experience and wonderful guided trip. Luke does an amazing job to make sure you’re comfortable and have everything you need!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Njotr
Sep 1, 2023
An excellent hike and float in the Bitterroots - highly recommended - Luke was an outstanding guide. He adjusted our hiking speed to our group’s physical capability, was encouraging and funny, and was happy to share his knowledge of the Bitterroots and the outdoors in general. The pack rafting portion of the hike was also great - it was a wonderful addition to our hikes, and is a unique part of the experience. I would happily hike with Luke again.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Carmen
Aug 16, 2023
A perfect day - Luke has found a beautiful trail in the mountain,knows everything about "fora and faua" and is a real gentlemen guide. It was a perfect day! Thx
Review provided by Tripadvisor
S1520rzmatthewh
Jul 16, 2023
Great hike and float with Luke - Great hike and float with Luke. We went off trail to a beautiful lake with many excellent views across the mountains.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Matthew_h
Jul 15, 2023
Great time enjoyed the... - Great time enjoyed the off trail experience. Would recommend to anyone looking for a good hike and great views.
Review provided by Viator
Brianjx5962gt
Jul 12, 2023
Spectacular hike and float with Luke - We had a fantastic time in the Bitterroot National Forest with Luke as our guide. It was my wife and I' first time in Montana and the Bitterroot, and I'm so glad we chose a hike and float with him for our first day. He knows so much about the area, and he's incredibly sociable and fun to hike with. We learned a lot from him about the ecosystem and how the mountains and valleys were formed as he pointed out different kinds of plants and rocks. He kept an easy-to-follow pace, planned ahead for short breaks, and got everything ready for us for the float once we reached the top. The views are amazing, and the lake at the top was one of the coolest outdoor places I've ever had the pleasure to hang out at. The float was a perfect way to relax and cool off after a solid hike. Luke knows all the trails, and it was a pleasure to hike with him. We would definitely do this again!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Corbinr760
Jul 3, 2023
Unique experience that won't disappoint. - Great experience away from the crowds at Glacier. Luke is a great guide. The trip was well planned and organized, he has a great understanding of the wilderness and mountain side and an overall easy going disposition that made the hike, while challenging, a great experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Quest30498089611
Jul 2, 2023
An unforgettable experience with a very informed and trustworthy guide! - Going on a hike and alpine lake float in the wilderness is pretty intimidating. What to bring, what not to bring, what to wear, will I be the slowest in the group, what if there is an emergency?
Luckily, when Luke is your guide, you can relax and enjoy yourself. He will be in touch before and after the trip sharing tips, then photos/videos. During the trip, he was great at pointing out local flora and fauna. He told us about how the mountains were formed, some personal stories and answered any questions we threw at him throughout this 10am-5pm adventure.
The best part was definitely the float! Luke carried all the necessary gear for us to float safely in the alpine like. While we did, he prepared coffee or tea, then prepared lunch, which was really tasty. There were also available snacks and plenty of water (collected from streams then filtered properly), so we didn't have to carry too much or really worry to much, Luke took great care of us!
I would definitely go on another hike + float with him and Bitterroot Backpacking. He knows this place well. He is very passionate about showcasing the Bitterroot valley and is a great Montana ambassador.
Don't hesitate, book a trip with Luke and Bitterroot Backpacking!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Meganfa4651fr
Jun 29, 2023
Amazing experience with Bitterroot Backpacking! - I had such an amazing trip with Bitterroot backpacking and would recommend it to anyone! The scenery was gorgeous and truly a hidden paradise. The gear, food, and vibes were all top notch and I learned so much from Luke. I will absolutely go on more trips with Bitterroot Backpacking in the future!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
980tiarad
Jun 12, 2023
Luke is a great guide! - My wife, son, and I did the 6 mile Camas Trail today. Our son is 6 and we were a little worried it might be too much for him. The hike up was a little challenging but Luke made it the best experience. Every time our son was slowing down, Luke talked to him and kept him focused. Before we knew it we were at the lake and man it did not disappoint. The whole experience was amazing. The trails, waterfalls, the float, and Luke’s knowledge and professionalism made it one of a kind. Probably the most beautiful places I have ever been. Can’t wait to book one of the other locations Luke guides.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
