Wildflower Hiking, Peaceful Packraft Float + Bring Your Dog!
- Two amazing wildflower hikes near Missoula and the Bitterroot Mountains with one day of peaceful alpine lake packrafting.
- Join a group of like-minded travelers who want to make amazing memories with their dogs!
- Book your own lodging using our recommendations or rent our gear and camp under the stars!
- One night of campfires and stargazing hosted at the Little Smith Creek Ranch!
Trip Itinerary
Day 1 - May 29th
Balsamroot Superbloom
Sunset Hike
Hike Info: 5 mi, 900 ft elevation gain
Afternoon:
Superbloom Sunset Hike - Inez Creek Trail to Legacy Peak
Embark on an incredible journey through the Arrowleaf Balsamroot that surrounds the BItterroot Valley. Learn about the amazing wildflowers that dot the landscape.
Meeting time; 630 pm, Sunset at 9:21 pm. Return to trailhead by 10 pm.
Day 2 - May 30th
Relaxing Alpine Lake Packraft Float and Hike
Hike Info: 9 mi, 1100 ft elevation gain
Morning:
Meet at the Fred Burr Trailhead near Victor MT for a day hike to Fred Burr Reservoir and relaxing alpine lake float!
Meeting time: 9:30 am, return to trailhead by 4 pm.
Evening/Night:
Reconvene at the Little Smith Creek Ranch at 6:30 pm. Campfire, bbq food, pizza, cold drinks, and more! Stay late to see the stars at night!
Trip Breakdown in F.A.Q. Form
How much previous hiking experience do we need?
No prior experience is required! The trails selected are appropriate for beginner hikers with plenty of healthy physical exertion to be expected! We will also take plenty of breaks!
Can I bring my dog?
This trip is meant for dog owners! Please bring your dog!
How much does this trip cost?
There are 3 Tiers:
- BYO Gear - $285
- Gear + Guiding - $325
- Gear, Guiding, and Camping 2 nights - $455
What's included in the trip price?
- Trail guiding services
- All rental gear including packrafting equipment and instruction, backpack, bear spray, ect.
- BBQ and Pizza dinner on the 2nd night at the Little Smith Creek Ranch.
- Group campfire and stargazing night at the Little Smith Creek Ranch also on night 2.
- Gear rentals (optional)
- Camping at the Little Smith Creek Ranch (optional)
- Water, Snacks, Tea, and Coffee on Hikes
What's not included?
- Lodging (we’ll provide recommendations)
- Meals (except for campfire snacks)
- Transportation to and from the trailheads. We can help you arrange a ride!
What should I bring?
Where will I stay if I'm not camping?
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, and pika as well as a plethora of other animals.
Is transportation included?
Transportation may be added onto the trip plan for an additional fee. Bitterroot Backpacking operates a trail-modified 4Runner perfect for accessing trailheads in this rugged National Forest!
How big will the group be?
We keep groups small (8–12 people) to ensure a fun, safe, and personal experience.
What happens if the weather is bad?
We’ll adapt with alternate hikes or activities if needed. Safety and comfort are always top priorities.
How do I get there?
Most travelers will fly into Missoula International Airport (MSO). From there, it’s about a 20–60 minute drive to the trailheads and the ranch depending on where you’re lodging. We’ll share detailed directions before your trip.
Check out our Ultralight Gear:
Some companies don't provide rental gear in trip pricing, but we do!
Our gear is ULTRALIGHT! You'd have to spend thousands of dollars to get this gear!
Virtual Trip Planning
Trip walkthrough and trail planning meeting one month prior to trip!
Google invite link to be sent upon booking!
Pricing
- BYO Gear - $285
- Gear + Guiding - $325
- Gear, Guiding, and Camping 2 nights - $455