Bitterroot Hike and Packraft: Unique Wilderness Adventure

Embark on a one-of-a-kind adventure in the Bitterroot Mountains with a hike and packraft float. Explore rugged trails, glacial canyons, and alpine lakes with an experienced guide.

Duration: 6 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Coyote Coulee Trailhead - Set off on a delightful day hike and enjoy a peaceful float on a tranquil alpine lake! Journey through a glacially sculpted canyon in the Bitterroot Mountains with a knowledgeable local guide. During the hike, the guide will point out native plants and wildlife and share insights into the Bitterroot’s natural history….
What's Included
  • Freshly Filtered Water from Snowmelt
  • Bear Spray
  • Backpacks
  • Packraft Rentals (4 per group limited by FS)
  • Wilderness First Responder and Leave No Trace Certified Guide
  • Local Plant and Animal Identification
  • Guide carries GPS Communicator, First Aid Kit
  • Huckleberry Picking - Mid July to Sept
  • Snacks
  • Sciencey Nature Talks
  • Silly Guide Jokes
  • Trekking Poles
What's Not Included
  • 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 Information

The Bitterroot National Forest boasts striking beauty and harsh terrain, with breathtaking peaks and profound glacial valleys. Its tracks may not always be in the best condition, and transient streams can impede those unaccustomed to fjord traverses. A tour guide’s assistance will undoubtedly be appreciated!
The distinct experience of hiking and…

Location
Camas Creek Trailhead
Lost Horse Observation Point Road
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.
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
5.0
(65 Ratings)
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Anndouglasl
Aug 11, 2025
Must-do in the Bitterroot Mountains - What a perfect day on the Camas Lake trail! We love to hike out in MT, but had never done a guided hike here before. Luke was so friendly and knowledgeable about the plants, wildlife, and history of the area/Montana in general. He gave us the option to hike further past Camas Lake to float (such a unique experience) on the even more impressive Kidney Lake. He also brought all the gear we could possibly need and some awesome snacks for us to have on the trail. Even made us tea after our float. The hike itself wasn't overly strenuous, but we still felt very accomplished by the day's end!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Valerie_b
Jul 30, 2025
Fantastic - Luke was fantastic! This was a great experience and I would highly recommend taking your family. We had a blast!
Review provided by Viator
Pattyh773
Jul 12, 2025
Bitterroot Valley bucket list item. - This is our 2nd time staying in the bitterroot area of Montana and with more time to explore, we booked with Luke a hike and float nearby. Luke makes this trip exceptional. With his knowledge and experience, we felt safe while truly enjoying a moderate hiking experience. The float was amazing! What a gift to see and do. Thanks Luke! We hope you continue to offer this opportunity to others.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lynnsoutdoors
Jul 10, 2025
Gorgeous hike and float! - Great experience with Luke! Loved our hike to Kidney Lake, talking all the way about the flora, fauna, geology, and history of the area. Luke is very knowledgeable and friendly. Packrafting on the lake was a delight. We're experienced hikers from CO, don't usually do guided hikes, but don't know Montana and wanted to be on the water. Luke answered all our questions ahead of time, helped us pick which hike would be best. We started for Camas Lake and almost there he offered the option to go a bit further to Kidney. He also took lots of pictures. When we were done, he offered ideas for swimming again as we were driving to our next destination, and more ideas for hiking. An excellent day and experience! Thanks, Luke!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
L6seith
Jul 9, 2025
Amazing Experience! - This is our second year working with Luke. We reached out very last minute this year and Luke went above and beyond to get us what we needed! We love the experience he offers for our family to put down the tech and enjoy the outdoors. Last year we hiked in to Glacier Lake, this year we trekked to Baker Lake. Both were amazing in different ways. The opportunity alone, to kayak on an Alpine lake is like no other experience! Our boys (11 & 13) love it & look forward to it every year!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
S2836oblucat
Jul 9, 2025
Lil pack-raft day hike with alpine coffee - Had a great time and, Luke is very knowledgeable with all things Bitterroot. Highly recommend. This hike is simply stunning.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Vactk
Jun 2, 2025
Amazing views & nice float - We were in town visiting our son who recently relocated to Missoula, Montana. We were looking for a day excursion that would allow us to experience Montana at its best. Luke did an outstanding job leading us through the hike and the float of the Fred Burr reservoir. Everything was absolutely amazing. Luke was very knowledgeable and pointed out many things on the hike and historical facts about the area. The float was just what we needed at the end of the hike because it was very relaxing. Overall, a great experience and we would recommend it for anyone wanting an adventuresome day trip in Montana.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Santiagobp142ik
May 19, 2025
Great Hiking near Missoula - We did this hike with a group of friends and had a great time with Luke as our guide. He was very friendly and knowledgeable and helped us out with any questions we had. The weather was great luckily and the scenery was incredible.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ruthdd2018
May 2, 2025
Great experience in the great outdoors - If you're looking to enjoy the best of Montana's backcountry but don't know quite how to do it all on your own, this one-day adventure is your best bet. Extreme enough that you will feel challenged, but not so extreme that you will become physically ill. Let expert guide Luke take you on a day-long tour of the Montana backcountry during which you will enjoy the most breathtaking views in the lower 48 while learning about the history and culture of the region. Would give more than five stars if I could.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Steven_b
Oct 18, 2024
Best way to see the Bitterroots - Luke is an amazing guide. He made sure a clueless Australian was organised for wintery conditions and overall it was a very fun day. I'm definitely looking forward to coming to Montana again and doing a multi-day hike through the Bitterroots.
Review provided by Viator
From $160
up to 8 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).