Guided Alpine Lake Float and Hike - Northern Bitterroot Mountains
Overview
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. 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!)
What's Included
- Lunch Backpacking-style lunch of Jerkey, Nuts and Dried Fruits, and other yummy foods! We can accomodate for most food restrictions too.
- Snacks Other snacks included like fruit leather, various granola and protein bars, and chocolate! Ask about smoked mussels if you're a seafood fan!
- Bottled water Please bring your own bottle! We will provide water if you need it! We will also filter fresh snowmelt into any bottles!
- Sciency Nature Talks
- Packraft Rentals (4 per group limited by FS)
- Local Plant and Animal Identification
- Freshly Filtered Snowmelt! - Its better tasting than bottled water!
- Trekking Pole Rentals
- The unforgettable experience of floating on a calm alpine lake all to yourself!
- Backpack Rentals
- Huckleberry Picking - Mid July to Sept
- Guide carries GPS Communicator, First Aid Kit
- Wilderness First Responder and Leave No Trace Certified Guide
- Hilarious Guide Jokes
- Clothing / Hiking Clothing
- Sunscreen
- Hiking Shoes (closed toe shoes is a must!)
- Raincoat (always bring just in case of emergency)
- Fly Rod (rent one from a local outfitter or bring your own!)
- Bathing Suit - Recommended for July - Aug
- Transportation - Transportation services are available! Please contact us to help you get a ride!
- Warm Clothing if forecast is chilly - we have backups if you need!
Meeting Location
Fred Burr Road
Victor, MT 59875, USA
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
We are expanding in 2025! Please inquire if you see a date already booked and would like to book your own tour for that day!
Embark on a 8 mile, (4 mile each way, 1000 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!
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Service animals allowed
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Anyone in general good health can complete one of these trips. Please inquire before booking!
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 7 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (9)
Q: Will I get seasick on Guided Alpine Lake Float and Hike – Northern Bitterroot Mountains?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-290560P4
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 25 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
Similar Tours & Activities
Explore Yellowstone’s Winter Wonderland with Sky's the Limit Tours! We will visit Lamar Valley, where the country’s most iconic animals—wolves, bison, elk, and fox—roam free...
$430
Whether you prefer a full-day hike, an adventurous trek with experienced guides, or a relaxed wildlife spotting expedition, our tours are customized to match your...
$353
Explore Yellowstone National Park with an app-based, self-guided GPS audio driving tour through geyser basins, wildlife-filled valleys, waterfalls, canyons, and mountain scenery. There’s no in-person...
$19
Explore the wonders of Yellowstone National Park over two full days, experiencing all the major highlights at a relaxed pace. This tour covers both the...
$549
Explore Yellowstone’s Winter Wonderland with Sky's the Limit Tours! We will visit Lamar Valley, where the country’s most iconic animals—wolves, bison, elk, and fox—roam free...
$430
Whether you prefer a full-day hike, an adventurous trek with experienced guides, or a relaxed wildlife spotting expedition, our tours are customized to match your...
$353
Explore Yellowstone National Park with an app-based, self-guided GPS audio driving tour through geyser basins, wildlife-filled valleys, waterfalls, canyons, and mountain scenery. There’s no in-person...
$19
Explore the wonders of Yellowstone National Park over two full days, experiencing all the major highlights at a relaxed pace. This tour covers both the...
$549
Travelers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought
Purchase one tour per car. Everyone can listen at the same time! Experience the raw power and beauty of nature at Yellowstone National Park. This...
$21
Our Gallatin River ZipLine is located on Highway 191 between Bozeman and Big Sky, Montana, just over an hour drive from West Yellowstone. The dramatic...
$85
Full-Day Guided Yellowstone Day Tour
Have an awesome time with our incredibly thorough and knowledgeable park guides as we take you to iconic Yellowstone sights such as Old Faithful and...
$269
This Active Van Tour is a great way to see Yellowstone National Park beginning in the fun gateway town of West Yellowstone. The early morning...
$292
Purchase one tour per car. Everyone can listen at the same time! Experience the raw power and beauty of nature at Yellowstone National Park. This...
$21
Our Gallatin River ZipLine is located on Highway 191 between Bozeman and Big Sky, Montana, just over an hour drive from West Yellowstone. The dramatic...
$85
Have an awesome time with our incredibly thorough and knowledgeable park guides as we take you to iconic Yellowstone sights such as Old Faithful and...
$269
This Active Van Tour is a great way to see Yellowstone National Park beginning in the fun gateway town of West Yellowstone. The early morning...
$292
Frequently Asked Questions (9)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Shore Excursions customers.
Filter by:
If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy.
Feb 2023- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (MST).
- Lunch. Backpacking-style lunch of Jerkey, Nuts and Dried Fruits, and other yummy foods! We can accomodate for most food restrictions too.
- Snacks. Other snacks included like fruit leather, various granola and protein bars, and chocolate! Ask about smoked mussels if you're a seafood fan!.
- Bottled water. Please bring your own bottle! We will provide water if you need it! We will also filter fresh snowmelt into any bottles!.
- Sciency Nature Talks.
- Packraft Rentals (4 per group limited by FS).
- Local Plant and Animal Identification.
- Freshly Filtered Snowmelt! - Its better tasting than bottled water!.
- Trekking Pole Rentals.
- The unforgettable experience of floating on a calm alpine lake all to yourself!.
- Backpack Rentals.
- Huckleberry Picking - Mid July to Sept.
- Guide carries GPS Communicator, First Aid Kit.
- Wilderness First Responder and Leave No Trace Certified Guide.
- Hilarious Guide Jokes.
- Clothing / Hiking Clothing.
- Sunscreen.
- Hiking Shoes (closed toe shoes is a must!).
- Raincoat (always bring just in case of emergency).
- Fly Rod (rent one from a local outfitter or bring your own!).
- Bathing Suit - Recommended for July - Aug.
- Transportation - Transportation services are available! Please contact us to help you get a ride!.
- Warm Clothing if forecast is chilly - we have backups if you need!.
This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Apr 2025The minimum age to participate is 4. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Guided Alpine Lake Float and Hike - Northern Bitterroot Mountains is as follows:
- Service animals allowed
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Anyone in general good health can complete one of these trips. Please inquire before booking!
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Guided Alpine Lake Float and Hike – Northern Bitterroot Mountains will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Shore Excursions. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- LunchBackpacking-style lunch of Jerkey, Nuts and Dried Fruits, and other yummy foods! We can accomodate for most food restrictions too.
- SnacksOther snacks included like fruit leather, various granola and protein bars, and chocolate! Ask about smoked mussels if you're a seafood fan!
- Bottled waterPlease bring your own bottle! We will provide water if you need it! We will also filter fresh snowmelt into any bottles!
- Sciency Nature Talks
- Packraft Rentals (4 per group limited by FS)
- Local Plant and Animal Identification
- Freshly Filtered Snowmelt! - Its better tasting than bottled water!
- Trekking Pole Rentals
- The unforgettable experience of floating on a calm alpine lake all to yourself!
- Backpack Rentals
- Huckleberry Picking - Mid July to Sept
- Guide carries GPS Communicator, First Aid Kit
- Wilderness First Responder and Leave No Trace Certified Guide
- Hilarious Guide Jokes
- Clothing / Hiking Clothing
- Sunscreen
- Hiking Shoes (closed toe shoes is a must!)
- Raincoat (always bring just in case of emergency)
- Fly Rod (rent one from a local outfitter or bring your own!)
- Bathing Suit - Recommended for July - Aug
- Transportation - Transportation services are available! Please contact us to help you get a ride!
- Warm Clothing if forecast is chilly - we have backups if you need!
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Service animals allowed
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Anyone in general good health can complete one of these trips. Please inquire before booking!
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 7 travelers
