Explore the Bitterroot Mountains: Your Guided Hike and Alpine Lake Float in Judith Basin County, Montana

Summary: This was one of the highligths of our trip though Western Montana. We scheduled a 1/2 day with rafting trip 5 months ago with Luke and from the first contact to the day before he kept in touch with us and offered seveal options as out hiking plans changed. We took a 4-5 hour hike up to Diamond and Cliff Lakes in the Lolo National Forest. Great secluded trail with fantastic views and scenery. Getting up to Cliff Lakes and being able to raft on the most serene alpine lake was amazing. Luke was super knowledgeable and passionate about his love for hiking and the environment and it showed. Brewed us some coffee/tea and provided from tasty snacks for my wife and myself and catered to everythiig we may have needed on the hike. He is very flexible and on point with designing a trip that satisfies and meets all the needs for any type of hike that one would like to do, which makes him unique as a guide. If you are thinking at all about doing a guided hike in the Bitterroot Mountains area, be it a 1/2 day trip or something longer or overnight, you will find no one better to plan and take you non the adventure of a lifetime. Thanks again Luke for a memorable experience.

Summary: I am not a hiking person, but I had a free day in Missoula and decided to spend some time in nature. Luke created a perfect experience for me: he was attentive, communicated well, was helpful, and shared many interesting stories about the area and the many plants and wild life we encountered along the way. He is very bright, sincere, sociable, and very service-oriented. When we were floating on the lake, he made sure I enjoyed myself and even brought me snacks when I was hungry so that I didn't have to get out of the water. It was a lovely day. I can't recommend him and his company enough. He truly creates memories for people

Summary: Our original hike and float plan needed a last minute change but the tour operator (Luke) was able to quickly accommodate our needs with an acceptable hiking alternative. The outcome was fantastic. Luke lead us up a spectacular 8 mile trek (to/back), taking a short stop to boil/filter water for a “tea” and snack break. Luke regularly shared his broad knowledge of the surrounding terrain and wildlife as appropriate. He was professional, friendly and well equipped for wilderness traveling. Great tour! Thank you!

Summary: We had high expectations for our day with Luke after reading the reviews from others who have used Bitterroot Backpacking. Our high expectations were exceeded, The evening before our hike, we had observed smoke and firefighting aircraft converging on what appeared to be our appointed meeting place for the next morning with Luke. As luck would have it, a forest fire had indeed broken out near that meeting place forcing a last minute change of plans. After a phone conversation with Luke, he suggested a Plan B for the next day that did not disappoint! Our day included learning about the flora and fauna of the Bitterroot from Luke, along with history of the area as we made our way to a placid alpine lake surrounded by cathedral spires of rock pointing to the stars. I have enjoyed a large number of hikes to alpine lakes and reservoirs but I have never had the pleasure of being able to float and paddle on their surface while looking up and soaking in the sun from an inflatable raft...until this experience. It was unforgettable and I highly recommend it! The snacks that Luke assembled left nothing to be desired. Sweet, salty, protein, and carbs, in just the right quality and quantity. An unexpected treat was getting to sample wild huckleberries and other wild berries on the trek back to our car. A trek with Luke is an experience that I want every member of my family to enjoy. I cannot recommend this highly enough!

Summary: We had a great day in the Bitterroot National Forest with Luke! Our family of 4 with young kids (5,7) really enjoyed this experience! Lots of great views and information during the hike. Luke has a cool story and has invented an awesome product! Unfortunately it was a very windy day and we didn’t get to float in the pack rafts but the lake was gorgeous and we enjoyed taking a break and having forest brewed tea and coffee. The hike is not strenuous and Luke adapted to our pace, taking advantage of our breaks to show us the best huckleberries and thimbleberries.

Summary: We are experience hikers from the East who had 1 day to get an immersion experience of the Bitterrroot Mtns. Luke was fantastic. He is a seasoned guide, knowledgeable of the geography, geology, flora and historic background of the region. He was funny and patient with our questions and interested also in our backgrounds. I would highly recommend

Summary: Advanced hike but with a great view & wonderful pay off at the end-Fred Burr reservoir. We hiked about 5 miles each way & then used our pack rafts to float the reservoir. Was a great full day adventure, experiencing the best of Montana. Our guide, Luke was wonderful & very knowledgeable.

Summary: The hike and tour was a blast. Luke was a great source of knowledge and showed us a fantastic area. He gave us all the information we needed ahead of time and was both fun and professional throughout the day of the hike. The sights throughout the hike, and especially at the lake, were incredible. While it was too cold to really swim on the lake, the rafting was still a great time as it wasn't that cold sitting in the raft. I would highly recommend this activity to anyone looking for a nice day in the mountains.

Summary: Incredible experience! The hike was very fun and a little challenging which added to the fun! This hike is not for the weak. It will test your cardio, however it will all be worth it at the end when you reach the reservoir and take in one of the most beautiful sights you will ever see. The guide Luke is so friendly and has a great vibe. He comes very well prepared and is well equipped with knowledge of hiking, travel, nature, etc. Overall 11/10 experience.

Summary: Our trip with Luke was something we will talk about and remember forever. From the planning phase and throughout the trip- Luke was so knowledgeable and a joy to be around. We had the BEST snacks (with added local whiskey 😋), he taught us all about the local area/wildlife and we felt totally safe and looked after for our overnight trip. Travelling from the UK, we really only had our clothing but Luke provided everything to a really good standard. We hiked, laughed, sang and danced, swam, floated and shared stories until the milkyway came out. Don't think twice if you're debating booking, just do it - I promise you won't regret it.