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!)
Posted By : O270IMalexisd
My partner and I had an absolutely incredible trip seeing Montana for the first time with Bitterroot Backpacking!
Luke spoke to us about our physical limits and planned out a trip that was perfect for us! Even though I couldn't hike as far as I'd like to be able to, Luke led us on a hike that was breathtaking, super remote, and just the right amount of challenge. I am a nature lover and especially loved that Luke was able to identify and speak about the nature wildflowers, trees, and animals!! We enjoyed life by an alpine lake for 3 days, such a gorgeous and peaceful experience that I will never forget!! Luke provided all the necessary gear and even carried a packraft for us to enjoy the lake with! The food was delicious, Luke accommodated two vegans no problem!
This was an unforgettable adventure that I would recommend to anyone!
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Posted On : 2024-07-27 12:39:47 
Posted By : christinenT7434LA
Hiking with Luke from Bitterroot Backpacking was awesome. Our meetup spot was easy to find and parking at the trailhead on a weekday was no hassle. We were the only cars in the area.
Luke carried almost all of the gear needed for our hike and more (bear spray, water filter, delicious snacks he bought for us, poles, tea and coffee, packrafts, paddles, life vests, gps, extra sunscreen..), made sure we hydrated and ate properly on a hot 90°+ day, set a pace that was perfect for the group, and kept the conversation fun and informative. We carried our swimsuits and water shoes to change into at the lake, and our own sunscreen and bug spray. I am usually a good 10 paces behind my ultra quick husband, but thanks to Luke I wasn’t left behind, and we all definitely took in some sights and sounds of nature. Luke shared info about the area plants, birds, animals, and geologic formation on our way up to Camas Lake.
When we got to the lake Luke inflated the packrafts and we were floating quickly. Loved the calm cool water, jumping trout, and osprey overhead. The day was so wonderful, made me sad to be leaving Montana for home. We will definitely be checking what Bitterroot Backpacking has on our next visit to big sky country!
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Posted On : 2024-07-11 06:35:15
Posted By : E8404XAjoshk
This was an amazing hike! I went with my wife and three teenaged kids the 5th of July. Straight forward getting to the trailhead, although the last few miles are a dirt road so avoid taking a low profile vehicle
vehicle. After a quick meet and great with Luke we were off.
6 miles round trip and a little over 1000 ft elevation gain, so a good workout but not overly strenuous if you are in ok shape.
Luke was very knowledgeable, and kept a good conversation going with the group. At the half way point we took a break at Camas lake for the pack rafting which was the icing on the cake. Great way to relax with beautiful views before making our way back.
Definitely recommend this hike if you are in the area.
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Posted On : 2024-07-10 09:28:35
Posted By : elenev
It was a blast hiking with Luke. He’s really friendly and knowledgeable. The trail itself was spectacular — secluded, with varied terrain, amazing views, and a spectacular lake to float on in Luke’s pack rafts. His water filter means you have unlimited water refills from the mountain streams making the hike doable even on a very hot day.
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Posted On : 2024-07-09 17:24:11
Posted By : 858littled
OMG what a fun day. Luke was a wonderful leader and gave us lots of information on surroundings. We had a great group. Moderate hike then float around the lake. Dense forests with occasional views and calm pretty lake. Highly recommend.
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Posted On : 2024-06-29 08:57:31
Posted By : cathybE6706IW
What a fantastic adventure! We have floated and we have hiked but we have never combined the two and hiked to an Alpine lake to float. Luke did a great job and is a wonderful person to spend a day with. Communicates well and created a perfect day!
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Posted On : 2024-06-13 08:07:14
Posted By : Chad_M
Tour guide was very personable and knowledgeable about the local fauna and history.
Great hike to a beautiful reservoir where we floated the lake.
All in all a great day. Highly recommended.
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Posted On : 2024-05-21 15:22:49 
Posted By : R7611YBsarahw
Incredible trip with our amazing guide Luke! He did a great job making sure everything was taken care of so we could really just enjoy ourselves. Definitely worth it!
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Posted On : 2024-04-11 00:19:04
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