Bitterroot National Forest Float and Hike Guided Tour

Hike a glacial canyon, float a high-elevation lake, and eat hot food cooked on the shore.

A guided day hike and packraft float in Bitterroot National Forest combines a 4-mile climb to an alpine lake with paddling and a backcountry-style lunch prepared on-site. The route crosses seasonal creeks and gains 1,000 feet of elevation. Packrafts, trekking poles, backpacks and all safety gear are included. A Wilderness First Responder guide leads groups of up to 8, and the full outing runs about 6.5 hours from trailhead to return.

The experience

The hike starts at the trailhead and climbs a glacially scoured canyon through Bitterroot National Forest (4 miles up, 1,000 feet of elevation gain) to reach a remote backcountry lake. The trail crosses seasonal creeks that deter hikers unfamiliar with water. Having a guide means you know where to cross and how to move through them safely. Once you reach the lake, you trade the trail for an inflatable packraft and paddle across the water while your guide stays on shore, filtering fresh snowmelt and cooking a hot backpacking meal: Pad Thai, Pasta Primavera, or Beef Stroganoff, depending on what you choose. While you float, the guide handles the cooking and teaches you how to prepare food in the backcountry without leaving a trace.

Packrafts, paddles, life vests, trekking poles, backpacks and bear spray are all included. One packraft setup goes to each adult or youth, and the guide carries two more. The guide also carries a water filter, so you can refill from mountain creeks during breaks. Snacks (trail mix, beef and vegan jerky, Lara Bars, fruit leather, granola bars and chocolate) come in your pack, and the guide can accommodate most food restrictions. After paddling and eating, you hike back down the same route to the trailhead.

This tour is unique to Bitterroot Backpacking and not offered elsewhere in the region. The guide is Wilderness First Responder and Leave No Trace certified, carries a GPS communicator and first aid kit, and shares knowledge about local plants and animals along the way. From mid-July through September, huckleberry picking is part of the day if the season is right. You'll need moderate fitness and comfort with water crossings. Anyone in general good health can complete the trip, though the operator recommends inquiring before booking if you have concerns.

What’s included

• Packraft, paddle and life vest rental for each participant.
• trekking poles and backpack rentals.
• all safety equipment including bear spray.
• a Wilderness First Responder and Leave No Trace certified guide.
• hot backpacking-style lunch prepared on the lakeshore with accommodation for dietary restrictions.
• trail snacks including jerky, nuts, dried fruits, granola bars and chocolate.
• freshly filtered snowmelt water during breaks.
• local plant and animal identification.
• huckleberry picking from mid-July to September when in season.

Options for this experience

2 options

Small group tour (for up to 8 people)Guide in English · Available from 1 May 2027Fred Burr Reservoir: 6 to 7 hours in total. A longer hike, though not strenuous.

Private tour (for up to 8 people)Guide in English · Available from 20 May 2027Custom tour of 4 to 10 miles: you choose the time and place! Want to venture even further off the beaten path? Ask about other trail options.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 1 May 2027

AgesAdult (18 to 59 years) · Senior (60 and older) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Child (4 to 11 years) · Infant (1 to 3 years): free

GroupUp to 7

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 35 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPets welcomeNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Bitterroot Backpacking

Is this one for you?Choose the private tour option if your group wants the guide's full attention and flexibility to move at your own pace. The small group tour keeps costs lower and pairs you with other hikers ready for the same creek crossings and elevation gain. Either way, the 6.5-hour commitment means you need a full morning and early afternoon free, and moderate fitness to handle the climb and water crossings.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years); Child (4 to 11 years); Infant (1 to 3 years): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the elevation gain on the hike to the lake?

The hike climbs 1,000 feet over 4 miles to reach the alpine lake in the glacial canyon.

Do I need to bring my own packraft or paddling experience?

No, packrafts, paddles and life vests are included for each participant, and the guide leads you on the water. No prior paddling experience is needed.

What kind of lunch is served, and can you accommodate dietary restrictions?

Your guide prepares a hot backpacking meal on the lakeshore (Pad Thai, Pasta Primavera, or Beef Stroganoff), and can adjust for most food restrictions if you mention them when booking.

Are seasonal creek crossings difficult, and what if I'm not comfortable with water?

The trail crosses seasonal creeks that can deter hikers unfamiliar with water crossings. Having a guide means you learn safe crossing techniques, but if water crossings concern you, discuss it with the operator before booking.

How long is the full day, and what time does it start?

The outing runs about 6.5 hours from trailhead to return. Contact the operator for specific start times and to arrange pickup if needed.

Can I pick huckleberries during the tour?

From mid-July through September, huckleberry picking is included in the day if the season is producing berries.