Float and relax on a pristine alpine lake in ultralight packrafts. Hike to and from the lake with a naturalist trail guide through a glacially carved mountain canyon. Learn about plants, animals, etc.

PRICE: See Booking Site

 

Full description
Set off on this unique adventure to a peaceful, beautiful alpine lake and where you’ll float on it in ultralight packrafts. Learn about native plant species, local animals, edible plants, and geology surrounds you on your beautiful hike through a mountain canyon carved by glaciers. Your guide is an expert, local, wilderness first responder, Leave No Trace, and ServSafe Food Handler certified and permitted by the Bitterroot National Forest.

Meet your guide at the Camas Lake Trailhead in Darby, Montana at 9:30 am or otherwise specified. You’ll pack your bags together before heading off to the lake. Your guide may carry 1 or 2 raft setups for you, depending on the number of other people on the tour. Book a private tour to guarantee the guide carries 2 raft setups for you. Each Raft setup + backpack provided are 8 lbs total.

Embark on you hike into the mountains and through a glacially carved mountain canyon to your backcountry destination: Camas Lake. The hike is shaded most of the way, and the trail rises up out of the valley, escaping the heat on hot days!

The trail is considered moderate (for most) or mild (for athletes). At 3 miles (4.8 km) and 1000 ft (335 m) of elevation gain one way, it’ll be sure to elevate anyone’s heartrate! (6 mi total, downhill on the way back.) Our goal is to hike at a 1.5 – 2 mph (2.4 – 3.2 kmh) pace, but we can go faster or slower if requested. Please notify us of pertinent health conditions or injuries before arriving for the tour!

The trail to Camas Lake is well-defined, but can be rugged at times. Cross creeks over wide log bridges, step from rock to rock over snow-melt streams in early summer. Be prepared to potentially climb over recently fallen trees! Your guide will help you through all of these obstacles!

Once you reach the lake, your guide will inflate your rafts for you (or you may help if you wish to have more floating time) and you’ll float on the lake! Ultralight packrafts, paddles, life vests (pfd’s), and other related gear are provided. Rafts are made by Alpacka or Kokopelli and have a long history of durability!

Feel free to bring your fly-fishing rod and valid Montana Fishing License! Camas Lake is full of Cutthroat Trout.

Relax in the sun (or rain!) for as long as 2 hrs. Feel free to bring a bathing suit to swim in the lake on warm days. Water shoes are recommended. Be sure to bring a warm layer or raincoat if the forecast isn’t above 80F!

While you’re there, your guide will filter fresh snowmelt from the lake for you to drink. You will also have the option of fresh tea or coffee on cooler days, or an icy cool beverage on a hot one.

Snacks are included too! Beef and Vegan Jerkey, Trail Mix, Fig Bars, and a variety of other snacks are provided to ensure everyone is fueled for the trip!
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Highlights
Relax and take in incredible views on a serene alpine lake in a packraft.
Hike through a glacially carved mountain canyon in the Bitterroot Mountains.
Moderate (most) or Mild (athletes), 6 miles (9.6 km) and 1100 ft (335 m) total
All Rental Gear, Safety Equipment, Snacks, and Water Included
Learn about the local flora, fauna, geology, and cultural history.

Includes
Backpack
Bear Spray
Packraft
Trekking Pole
Snacks
Water Filter
First Aid Kit
Toiletries Kit
Emergency GPS Communicator
Guide may carry 1 or 2 rafts for you. Book a private tour to guarantee they carry 2 for you.
Plant and Animal IDing
Rock Talk
Hiking Tips from a Pro
Midweight clothing layer (please be sure to bring if the forecast is less than 80 F!)
Raincoat (please be sure to bring if the forecast is less than 80 F!)
Closed-Toe Shoes (Please do not wear sandals for the hike. Even the ones with straps. Please bring closed-toe shoes!
Water Shoes or sandals
Sun Protection
Fishing Rod
Bathing Suit
Transportation
Hiking Clothing

 

 

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