This trip combines our 4 day backpacking trip in Glacier National Park with our 2 day rafting trip on the Middle Fork of the Flathead River. The trip includes a motel stay to freshen up between the backpacking and the rafting.
On the backpacking part of the trip you'll be visiting the remote parts of the park that most visitors driving through the park don't even know exist. The daily mileage averages 6 to 8 miles a day, and you'll be carrying about 40 pounds. You'll spend the days in subalpine and alpine meadows amongst Glacier's towering peaks. On the trail, your guide will point out features of interest, identify flora and fauna and be on the lookout for wildlife. You'll be camping in Glacier's backcountry campgrounds where your guide will help you set up your tent if need be. Our guides are great backountry cooks so you'll enjoy delicious meals and you'll be able to relax and rest after a challenging day of hiking. All of the campgrounds are located by lakes or streams offering opportunities for swimming and or fishing.
Even though we can't give you an exact itinerary for your particular trip, we can give you an example of what you might expect on your 6-Day Adventure:
Hiking: Day 1 - We meet at our office in West Glacier at 8:30 am, make our final arrangements for gear, safely store your extra luggage and then off we go to the Gunsight trailhead. We will start our 6-mile hike to Gunsight Lake from Going To The Sun Road at the Jackson Glacier Overlook. The trail follows the St. Mary River through a sub-alpine fir forest before gently climbing up along the east slope of Fusillade Mountain. We'll leave the forest and hike through beautiful meadows with glimpses of Mt. Jackson and it's glacier. The campground is at the foot of Gunsight Lake which sits in a beautiful glacial valley with stunning views all around.
Day 2 - After breakfast we'll break camp and head up the trail to Gunsight Pass, a steady 3-mile climb with a 2,500 foot elevation gain. At the pass we will most likely see mountain goat and we'll look down on Lake Ellen Wilson where we'll be camping for the second night. After enjoying our trail lunch at the pass, we will start our 2-mile descent to Lake Ellen Wilson.
Day 3 - This morning we will start our 3-mile hike to Sperry Campground. Since this is a short hike we will have the option to hike up to Sperry Glacier after setting up camp for the third night. This hike offers breathtaking views of majestic peaks all around us, plus it brings us so close to Sperry Glacier that we can almost touch it.
Day 4 - Our last day on the trip is a 6-mile hike down the trail to Lake McDonald Lodge where we will meet our shuttle driver who has prepared a delicious deli lunch which will a welcomed treat after 4 days in the backcountry.
Rafting: Day 5 & 6 - We will meet at 9 am and pack our gear for rafting. Enjoy the next 2 days floating and camping along the banks of the Wild and Scenic Middle Fork of the Flathead River. This river forms the boundary between Glacier National Park and the Flathead National Forest. Flora and fauna abound on it's banks making this one of the most scenic areas in America. While floating the river you may dangle your feet in the cool mountain waters and challenge the most exciting white water around. In camp you'll enjoy dining on our fine cuisine and staring up at the star-filled skies. Check the 2-day raft trip description for more details.
Glacier's backcountry and the Wild and Scenic Middle Fork of the Flathead River are truly places touched by magic and we look forward to sharing them with you.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Other Price: includes 7% Forest Service Fee.
Also see tour packages in:
USA
Montana
Canoeing/Kayaking/Rafting
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