Bitterroot National Forest Hiking and Packrafting

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!)

Meeting Point

Coyote Coulee Trailhead

Lost Horse Rd, Darby, MT 59829, USA

There are two trailhead options. Default is Coyote Coulee Trailhead. We will then caravan up the mountain to the Camas Creek Trailhead. Contact Bitterroot Backpacking for other trail options! Please drive slowly and cautiously down dirt roads!

What's included:

• Bearspray
• Guide carries GPS Communicator, First Aid Kit
• Trekking Poles
• One packraft, paddle, life vest per adult.
• Backpacks

Not included:

• Clothing / Hiking Clothing
• Hiking Shoes
• Sunscreen
• Raincoat! (Please bring this NO MATTER THE FORECAST)

What to expect:

Coyote Coulee Trailhead

Embark on a beautiful day hike and float on a serene alpine lake! Hike with a local expert guide up a glacially carved canyon of the Bitterroot Mountains to a high elevation backcountry lake. Along the way, your guide will identify local plants and animals and talk about the natural history of the Bitterroot! Once you reach the lake, you'll paddle around in inflatable packrafts as you take in the incredible scenery. Your guide will also make you fresh tea or coffee for you to enjoy while you float, all while leaving no trace! Then, you'll pack up and head back to the trailhead the same way you hiked up.
Packrafts, backpacks, trekking poles, bear spray, and safety equipment rentals are included in the price. One packraft setup (packraft, paddle, life vest) for each adult or youth ticket. Your guide carries two packraft setups and the rest are carried by other adults.

Trail Mix, Beef and Vegan Jerky, and Cliff/Lara/Granola Bars are given to you in your snack bag!

Your guide will also carry a water filter, first aid kit, Garmin GPS communicator, and other basic tools needed for an outing in the backcountry.

Hikes are around 6 - 8 mi with significant elevation gain (> 1000 ft).