Western Montana
Golden Larch
Photography Workship
Capture the dazzling golden hues of Western Larch in the Bitterroot Mountains on this photography-focused trip with 3 guided day hikes.
September 30th - October 2nd, 2026
3 Guided Day Hikes + Photography Instruction + Other Inclusions
Your Itinerary
Day 0 - Before the Trip
Pre-Trip Planning Meeting
When you Book, our checkout page includes a series of questions including some about your group's fitness levels. We'll also send:
- Acknowledgments and Waiver forms
- Resources on how to prepare for the trip, what to bring.
- Pre-trip planning meeting link.
2 Months Before the Trip:
We’ll host our virtual, pre-trip planning meeting though Google, where we will discuss all the logistics for our trip, including routes, mileage, weather, timing, and equipment.
1 Day Before the Trip:
There will be an optional in-person meeting the evening before the trip at the Dram Shop on Brooks St in Missoula to make introductions and review trip plans!
Day 1 - September 30th
Secret Hike #1
(Hike names to be revealed at the Pre-trip planning meeting. Hike locations are not publicly named for "leave no trace" purposes.)
5.5 mi, 1400 ft elevation gain
This spectacular trail heads steadily uphill, first to a panoramic overlook of the Bitterroot Valley, then to an amazing mountain lake surrounded by larch. Along the way, we'll have great views of the interior Bitterroot Mountains, which will naturally evoke their geologic story!
Physical Requirement: Hiking at a 20% incline for 1-2 mi.
At the first lake, we'll have a snack/water/sunscreen/relax before wandering around taking photos of the Larch in that area. This hike actually features two lakes, so after we've had our fill at the first, we'll hike downhill to the 2nd, and then finally reconnect to the trail we started on. The hike is expected to take about 6 hrs total with plenty of time for photos.
Day 2 - October 1st
Secret Hike #2
7 mi, 1700 ft elevation gain
We will spend our second day exploring one of the many amazing glacially carved canyons in the Bitterroot Mountains. Our destination is another backcountry, alpine lake!
This hike is relatively easy until we reach the last 0.75 mi, where we have to gain 500 ft of elevation. Additionally, we will be hiking off-trail along a "social trail", one that has been created by regular travel, but not maintained like a designated trail.
Just like last time, we'll have a snack/water/sunscreen/relax at the lake before wandering around for photos!
Day 3 - October 2nd
Secret Hike #3
5 mi, 1400 ft elevation gain
On the 3rd day, we’ll embark on my favorite hike of the trip, up to a string of 3 lakes in a beautiful mountain cirque of the Bitterroot. The trailhead here is the smallest, and the landscape the most fragile out of the 3 that we will visit.
There will be plenty of opportunity to set up for photography at any location desired, and we can also do a bit of off-trail hiking around the lakes too. There are some INCREDIBLE vantage points on this one!
Trip Summary
Activity Level:
Moderate, Hard
3 Day Hikes ranging from 5 - 7 mi with 1400-1700 ft of elevation gain
Inclusions:
- 3 Guided Day Hikes with Photography Focus
- Gear Rental (link)
- Plethora of Snacks on every trip
- 1 Evening of campfire at the Little Smith Creek Ranch
- Assistance in arranging/scheduling accommodations and transportation to and from regional airports
- Photography of you and your family/friend(s)!
Photos From Past Trips
F.A.Q.
What are the minimum physical requirements for this trip?
Participants must be regular "walkers" of about 4 mi each outing or exercise for at least 45 minutes, 4-5 times a week.
What kind of gear do you provide?
Backpacks, Bearspray, First Aid, GPS Communicator, Water Filter, hiking poles, and we have you covered if you forget anything!
What should I pack?
Do you provide food or water?
Tons of snacks will be provided on the hikes. There will also be one campfire dinner at the end of the trip! Scroll down for more info about meals and snacks.
We also carry Sawyer water filters on every trip. It'll be the freshest, coldest water you've ever had!
Will we see wildlife?
We may see some wildlife, but encounters are not common. With that said, the Bitterroot is home to bears, elk, moose, wolves, mountain lions and pika as well as a plethora of other animals.
Can I bring my dog?
Dogs are allowed on leash or under voice command in the Bitterroot National Forest. There will be times were it's perfectly acceptable to let them off leash, but be expected to recall them if we run into other people or dogs.
Are accommodations included?
No, but we can provide recommendations!
Is transportation included?
No, but we can help you find a ride or book a rental car!
Digital Topo Maps and Virtual Trip Planning
Included with this trip:
- Access to digital topographical trail map on Caltopo.com
- Virtual trip planning meeting one month prior to trip on Google Meet.
- Request a topo map of this hike by sending us an email! Topo maps are automatically sent after booking.
Pricing
Starting at $1599 per person
Send us an email at bitterrootbackpacking@gmail.com
Guest Reviews
"Luke was very personable & knowledgeable. He provided thoughtful snacks & a yummy meals. He would give scientific names to the landscapes/ mountains, show the markings on the mountains from glaciers. The FLOATING was amazing, being on a beautiful body of water & surrounded by extreme beauty was amazing. I will definitely hike with Luke again!"
Additional Info
Cancellation Policy
A refundable deposit of 50% of the full amount of the trip is required to secure your spot on this trip. 50% down at time of booking, and the remaining 50% down 60 days from the start of the tour.
If you decide to cancel your trip, the trip is 100% refundable until 59 days before departure. After this, the booking becomes non-refundable.
Weather
The weather can be incredibly difficult to predict for a mountainous environment like the one we’ll be visiting on this trip. We’ll plan for temperatures in the 60s - 80s during the day and 30s - 40s at night. This hike will be hosted rain or shine, but in the event of a thunderstorm, we will take shelter using the precautions outlined by Wilderness First Responder training the guide has received. In the very rare case of dangerous thunderstorms for multiple days, trips can be rebooked or a partial refund of up to 50% can be given.
Disclaimers
Condition Restraints
This tour is, in part, in remote areas. This adds to the adventure and opportunity to enjoy a true nature experience. However, due to the nature of the terrain, weather, road conditions, and other elements beyond our control, some elements of tours may have to be altered. Times of some activities may need to be changed or even cancelled due to the conditions. If an activity is cancelled it will be replaced with an alternative activity that is more appropriate for the conditions. Advance notice will be given for any changes where possible, although at times changes may be made whilst the tour is in progress.
Wildlife Encounters
On every trip, we love to see wildlife, but it is impossible to guarantee an encounter or sighting. With that said, wildlife is common in the Bitterroot National Forest and it is likely we will see or encounter something. A note on Grizzlies: Grizzly bears are very uncommon in the Bitterroot. The Bitterroot was once their habitat, but settlers and homesteaders drove them out of this area.
Terms and Conditions
Acceptance of Risk and Responsibility
Nature and adventure travel is by character, an activity that requires traveling in areas that are often remote and the terrain difficult. Whilst every precaution is taken to ensure the comfort and safety of guests, these trips inherently have have elements of risk. By taking part in this tour you acknowledge that there are inherent risks and that you are fully aware of the conditions of travel, accommodation and activities offered. You accept that Bitterroot Backpacking, its staff and sub-contractors cannot be held liable for any accident, illness or similar occurrence. You hereby accept all such risk and release the company from all claims and causes of action arising from any injuries or damages resulting from these inherent risks.
Authority on Trail
At all times, Bitterroot Backpacking's guide or its representative will be final authority on all matters likely to endanger the safety, well-being and enjoyment of the tour. Clients must at all times strictly comply with the laws, customs, foreign exchange and drug regulations of all countries visited. Should the client fail to comply with the above or commit any illegal act when on tour or, if in the company’s opinion, the client's behavior causes or is likely to cause danger, distress or annoyance to others we may terminate that client’s tour without any liability on the company’s part.