Guided Alpine Lake Float and Hike - Southern 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
- Snacks Local Beef Jerkey, Vegan Jerkey, Trail Mix, Assorted Dried Fruit, Natural Protein Bars, GoMacro Bars, Lara Bars.
- Freshly Filtered Water from Snowmelt
- Bear Spray
- Backpacks
- Packraft Rentals (4 per group limited by FS)
- Local Plant and Animal Identification
- Huckleberry Picking - Mid July to Sept
- Sciencey Nature Talks
- Trekking Poles
- Silly Guide Jokes
- Guide carries GPS Communicator, First Aid Kit
- Wilderness First Responder and Leave No Trace Certified Guide
- Clothing / Hiking Clothing
- Hiking Shoes
- Sunscreen
- Raincoat (always bring just in case of emergency)
- 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
Lost Horse Observation Point Road
Hamilton, MT 59840, 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
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).
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Service animals allowed
- 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 8 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (9)
Q: Will I get seasick on Guided Alpine Lake Float and Hike – Southern Bitterroot Mountains?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-290560P1
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.94 out of 5 stars based on 70 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (9)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Balloon Tours 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).
- Snacks. Local Beef Jerkey, Vegan Jerkey, Trail Mix, Assorted Dried Fruit, Natural Protein Bars, GoMacro Bars, Lara Bars.
- Freshly Filtered Water from Snowmelt.
- Bear Spray.
- Backpacks.
- Packraft Rentals (4 per group limited by FS).
- Local Plant and Animal Identification.
- Huckleberry Picking - Mid July to Sept.
- Sciencey Nature Talks.
- Trekking Poles.
- Silly Guide Jokes.
- Guide carries GPS Communicator, First Aid Kit.
- Wilderness First Responder and Leave No Trace Certified Guide.
- Clothing / Hiking Clothing.
- Hiking Shoes.
- Sunscreen.
- Raincoat (always bring just in case of emergency).
- 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 - Southern Bitterroot Mountains is as follows:
- Service animals allowed
- 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 – Southern Bitterroot Mountains will be included in your confirmation email from City Balloon Tours. 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
- SnacksLocal Beef Jerkey, Vegan Jerkey, Trail Mix, Assorted Dried Fruit, Natural Protein Bars, GoMacro Bars, Lara Bars.
- Freshly Filtered Water from Snowmelt
- Bear Spray
- Backpacks
- Packraft Rentals (4 per group limited by FS)
- Local Plant and Animal Identification
- Huckleberry Picking - Mid July to Sept
- Sciencey Nature Talks
- Trekking Poles
- Silly Guide Jokes
- Guide carries GPS Communicator, First Aid Kit
- Wilderness First Responder and Leave No Trace Certified Guide
- Clothing / Hiking Clothing
- Hiking Shoes
- Sunscreen
- Raincoat (always bring just in case of emergency)
- 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
- 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 8 travelers
