The Bitterroot National Forest is an incredibly beautiful and rugged place with amazing mountains and deep glacial canyons. The trails are not always well maintained, and often times seasonal creeks will deter folks who aren’t used to water crossings. For more information or to book this activity, click here.

This trip begins and ends at 2510 S Reserve St, in Missoula, Montana. We do not need to meet in Missoula. The meeting point is listed here so that this activity shows up as a “thing to do” in Missoula. The trailhead is approx 1 hr 20 min from here. The dirt forest roads can be narrow and rocky so please drive carefully! Please contact us for other trail options!!!!

You’ll be glad you brought a guide along! The hike and packraft float is an experience unique to Bitterroot Backpacking. You will not find any other guide or company providing this service! (And if you do, they probably found the idea here!)This trip takes about 6 hours and costs $180.00.


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! For more information or to book this activity, click here.


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