Guided Alpine Lake Float and Hike - Southern Bitterroot Mountains

5.0 (69 reviews) 6 hours Free cancellation

out of 5

69 reviews

5.0

Carefree on Camas Lake — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Camas Lake in the Fall! — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

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!)

Hiking Tours Rafting On the Water Small Group Excellent Quality Weather Dependent - Moderate

At a glance

Duration: 6 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 8 people
People per booking: 1–8
Guide: English
Operated by: Bitterroot Backpacking

Ages: Infants (1–3 years) · Children (4–11 years) · Youth (12–17 years) · Adults (18–59 years) · Seniors (60–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Freshly Filtered Water from Snowmelt
Included: Bear Spray
Included: Backpacks
Included: Packraft Rentals (4 per group limited by FS)
Included: Wilderness First Responder and Leave No Trace Certified Guide
Included: Local Plant and Animal Identification
Included: Guide carries GPS Communicator, First Aid Kit
Included: Huckleberry Picking - Mid July to Sept
Included: Snacks: Local Beef Jerkey, Vegan Jerkey, Trail Mix, Assorted Dried Fruit, Natural Protein Bars, GoMacro Bars, Lara Bars.
Included: Sciencey Nature Talks
Included: Silly Guide Jokes
Included: Trekking Poles

Not included

Not included: Clothing / Hiking Clothing
Not included: Hiking Shoes
Not included: Sunscreen
Not included: Raincoat (always bring just in case of emergency)
Not included: Transportation - Transportation services are available! Please contact us to help you get a ride!
Not included: Warm Clothing if forecast is chilly - we have backups if you need!

Itinerary

Embark on a day hike and float on a serene alpine lake! Hike up a glacially carved canyon with a local expert guide in the Bitterroot Mountains. Along the way, your guide will identify local plants and animals and talk about the natural history of the Bitterroot! Once you reach the lake, you'll float on the lake in inflatable packrafts. Your guide will also make you fresh tea or coffee for you to enjoy while you float, all while leaving no trace! Then, you'll pack up and head back to the trailhead on this out-and-back trail. 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, up to 4 rafts (our permit restricts us from more). Your guide carries two packraft setups. Book a private tour to guarantee the guide carries your gear. Trail Mix, Beef and Vegan Jerky, and Cliff/Lara/Granola Bars are given to you in your snack bag! Your guide will also carry a water filter, first aid kit, Garmin GPS communicator, and other basic tools needed for an outing in the backcountry. Hikes are around 6 - 8 mi with significant elevation gain (> 1000 ft).

Stop 1
Hamilton

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

The final 5 miles to the trailhead is on dirt service road. Please proceed slowly, about 20 mph. Most vehicles will make it to the trailhead without issue! Parking for long vehicles, trailers, and low clearance vehicles available at Coyote Coulee Trailhead.

End point

The final 5 miles to the trailhead is on dirt service road. Please proceed slowly, about 20 mph. Most vehicles will make it to the trailhead without issue! Parking for long vehicles, trailers, and low clearance vehicles available at Coyote Coulee Trailhead.

Using your ticket

As long as you have your mobile/electronic ticket, we will know its you!

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.

Good to know

Service animals allowed
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Anyone in general good health can complete one of these trips. Please inquire before booking!