About this tour
When Ben from our team tackled Bitterroot Backpacking's Alpine Lake Float and Hike, we found ourselves in the Northern Bitterroot Mountains—a raw, glacially carved landscape where trails aren't always obvious and creek crossings weed out the unprepared. This 6.5-hour hybrid outing pairs a backcountry hike with a packraft float across a high-altitude lake, a combo you won't find anywhere else in the region. The Bitterroot National Forest rewards the effort: dramatic canyon walls, wildlife spotting, and the quiet reward of paddling your own raft across pristine water. Moderate fitness is the baseline; the guide handles safety and navigation.
Highlights
- Packraft float across an alpine lake—genuinely solitary and surreal
- Hike through unmaintained Bitterroot terrain with a knowledgeable guide
- Creek crossings that test nerve and technique without being reckless
- Fresh snowmelt filtered on the spot—tastes genuinely better than bottled
- Huckleberry picking mid-July through September if the timing aligns
- Guide carries GPS, first aid, and proper wilderness certification
- Backpack and trekking pole rentals included; no guessing on gear
- Lunches built from jerky, nuts, dried fruit, and thoughtful snacks
What to expect
Ben found the pacing steady but deliberate. You'll start with a moderate uphill hike through forest and open ridges, crossing seasonal creeks that require attention but aren't technical. The guide reads water levels and picks the safest crossings; still, wet feet are assumed. Around midway, you reach the alpine lake and swap boots for packraft. The float is genuinely peaceful—no motorboats, often just you and the water. Return hike is gentler. The whole day feels remote without being extreme, which is the appeal.
The Bitterroot's beauty is unvarnished: no manicured overlooks, no cellphone towers. Weather can shift fast, and the unmaintained trails mean having a guide who knows the terrain isn't a luxury—it's practical. The guide's wilderness first responder cert and communicator aren't marketing; they matter out here. Lunch arrives mid-hike, fuel-focused rather than fancy.
Good to know
Genuinely unique experience—packrafting combined with backcountry hiking isn't standard elsewhere. The guide's knowledge of wildlife, plants, and safe route-finding adds real value. Rentals for backpack and trekking poles mean you don't need to own gear. Water, snacks, and lunch all included. Small group (max 4 packrafts) keeps things quiet. Huckleberry picking is a nice bonus in late summer.
Moderate fitness required—this isn't a stroll. Creek crossings deter people unused to water; expect wet feet and cold legs. Trails aren't manicured, so rough terrain and navigation challenges are standard. Weather in the mountains shifts quickly; rain jackets and warm layers are essential and are on you to bring. Not suitable for spinal injuries. You'll need proper closed-toe hiking shoes. Peak season crowds aren't huge, but July–August can be busier. Duration is 6.5 hours, so it's a full day. Transportation to the trailhead isn't included, though guides can advise on logistics.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.