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X-FROM-URL:https://www.missoulaevents.net/08/07/2026/relaxing-3-day-backpacking-trip-in-the-bitterroot/
X-WR-RELCALID:Relaxing 3-Day Backpacking Trip in the Bitterroot 20260807T103000
X-WR-CALNAME:Relaxing 3-Day Backpacking Trip in the Bitterroot
BEGIN:VEVENT
URL;VALUE=URI:https://www.missoulaevents.net/08/07/2026/relaxing-3-day-backpacking-trip-in-the-bitterroot/
DTSTART:20260807T103000-0700Z
DTEND:20260807T103000-0700Z
SUMMARY:Relaxing 3-Day Backpacking Trip in the Bitterroot
DESCRIPTION:Hike in with small group of Beginner/Intermediate backpackers on this memorable 3-day trip to incredible alpine lakes of the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness!\n
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We\'ll backpack to and camp 2 nights at Little Rock Creek Lake, a moraine lake surrounded by towering granitic peaks. The trek is 9 miles round trip with 2200 ft of elevation gain. It\'s a tough trip! The trail is also difficult to navigate, and year-round snow melt deters most hikers. You\'ll be glad you had a guide!\n
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On day 2, Choose to relax at the lake or join a group of hikers to venture off-trail to upper lakes past Little Rock Creek Lake! Your guide will teach you how to read a topographical map and how to orient yourself using one in the wilderness. This off-trail trek is about 4 mi with 1400 ft of elevation gain. Even if you don\'t attend this side-quest, your guide will be happy to answer any questions you have about maps, orienteering, and off-trail hiking!\n
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Your guide, Luke, will also host a 1 hr virtual planning meeting prior to the trip to prepare the group for the adventure. You will also be provided a list of resources to help you prepare for the trip and for future trips too!\n
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More information available here: Off-Trail Trip Preview - Bitterroot Backpacking\n
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Trip Overview\n
Highlights:\n
- Backpack and camp 2 nights in the backcountry at beautiful Little Rock Creek Lake in the Bitterroot Mountains.\n
- Alpine Lake Packrafting on some of the most beautiful lakes you\'ll ever see in your life.\n
- Stargaze at the Milky Way under uncertified dark sky sites in the US.\n
Activity Level:\n
Moderate with some Challenging sections - 3/5\n
Inclusions:\n
- Guiding Services\n
- Gear Rental\n
- All Backpacking and Camping reservations\n
- Camping Accommodations for two nights at the Little Smith Creek Ranch\n
- No transportation included. (PLEASE INQUIRE IF NEEDED)\n
Group Size: 4 - 9 people\n
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Itinerary\n
Day 1 - August 7th\n
Backpack to Little Rock Creek Lake \n
4.5 mi, 2200 ft elevation gain\n
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Morning:\n
Light breakfast provided by Bitterroot Backpacking at the trailhead. Embark by 11 am.\n
Day:\n
Backpack up to Little Rock Creek Lake. Arrive at approx. 3 pm.\n
Evening:\n
Set up camp, have dinner, sit by the fire tended by your guide.\n
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Day 2 - August 8th\n
You Chose: Off-Trail Hike to Upper Lakes or Relax by the Lake!\n
Optional 3 mi, 1000 ft elevation gain\n
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Morning/Day:\n
Pack up and leave camp by 10 am for a challenging, yet incredibly scenic off-trail hike to the upper lakes. WARNING: Off-trail hiking can be difficult with uneven and steep terrain. We will be literally ‘bushwhacking’ for short periods of time.\n
Afternoon/Evening:\n
Set up camp by 2 pm and relax for the rest of the day. Float and camp at the lake of your choice. Eat delish backpacking food. Have a warm campfire.\n
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Day 3 - August 9th\n
The Hike Back to the Trailhead\n
4.5 mi 3000 ft of elevation loss and 700 ft of elevation gain\n
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Morning/Day/Afternoon:\n
In the morning, float the lake, have a nice big breakfast, and then head down the final 4.5 mi stretch to the trailhead. Don’t forget about the 700 ft of elevation gain at the very end!\n
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See Signup Link for more details!
LOCATION:Little Rock Creek Lake Trailhead Darby, MT 59829 Darby, MT 59829
CATEGORIES:Event Calendar
PRIORITY:0
TRANSP:TRANSPARENT
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