Planning a day in Montana that combines gentle adventure with breathtaking scenery? The Fred Burr Reservoir Hike and Float tour in Missoula offers a well-rounded outdoor escape that’s perfect for nature lovers seeking a mix of active exploration and tranquil water moments. While it’s not a strenuous climb or a full-day marathon, it packs enough adventure and scenic beauty to make it worthwhile.
What makes this experience stand out? First, we love the combination of a scenic hike through a glacially carved canyon in the Bitterroot Mountains—think rugged yet accessible terrain. Second, the float on a backcountry reservoir in a packraft offers a rare, peaceful water-based perspective of Montana’s wilderness. And third, the tour includes snacks and hot beverages, making it a cozy, social outing.
A possible consideration is the moderate 8.5-mile hike with some obstacles like fallen trees and creek crossings, which might be a bit challenging for those with limited mobility or very young children. Still, it’s suitable for most moderate hikers with a good attitude. This tour appeals most to travelers who want a balanced outdoor experience—not too intense, but filled with scenic highlights and a taste of Montana’s wild side.
Good To Know
- Beautiful scenery: Hike through a glacially carved canyon with stunning mountain views.
- Unique water experience: Float on a backcountry reservoir in ultralight packrafts.
- Engaging guides: Learn about local flora and fauna from knowledgeable, certified guides.
- Inclusive snacks: Enjoy hot beverages and snacks included in your tour.
- Moderate effort: 8.5 miles with about 1,000 feet of elevation gain, no steep hiking.
- Small group size: Limited to 8 participants, ensuring a personalized experience.
What to Expect from This Missoula Adventure
This tour offers a thoughtfully designed combination of hiking, floating, and learning that keeps participants engaged without overwhelming. Starting at the trailhead, your guide—who’s Wilderness First Responder, Leave No Trace, and Food-Handler Certified—sets the tone for a safe, friendly, and informative journey. With a maximum of 8 people, you get the chance for a personalized experience, and the guide’s expertise shines through with stories about local wildlife and plant life along the way.
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The Hike: A Scenic, Moderate Trek
The 8.5-mile out-and-back trail is gentle but features enough elevation gain (around 1,000 feet) to give you a satisfying workout without feeling like a mountain summit. We loved how the trail weaves through a canyon carved by glaciers, offering glimpses of towering cliffs and lush greenery.
Expect some obstacles like fallen trees and creek crossings—these add a bit of adventure and require a bit of agility. You’ll probably get your feet wet crossing streams, so waterproof shoes or quick-drying footwear are advisable. The route is designed to be accessible, with no steep or technical sections, making it suitable for most hikers with a decent level of fitness.
The Reservoir: Peaceful Float in the Backcountry
Once you reach the reservoir, it’s time to switch gears from feet on trail to floating on water. The guide will help you hop into a packraft, which is ultralight and surprisingly stable. The float lasts a few hours, giving you ample time to relax, take photos, and simply enjoy the mountain vistas reflected on the water’s surface.
Many reviewers mention how tranquil it feels to float in this remote setting—no engines, no crowds, just the sound of water and distant bird calls. “Relaxing and scenic” is a common description, and it’s clear why—viewing the mountains from the water provides a different perspective that’s both calming and awe-inspiring.
Learning and Edutainment
Your guide enriches the experience with plant and animal identification and rock talks—perfect for those curious about the local ecosystem. Expect to hear stories about the area’s geological history, local wildlife, and tips for spotting flora and fauna. These educational moments add a layer of appreciation beyond just enjoying the scenery.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyPractical Aspects and Included Gear
The tour’s price of $153 per person reflects its all-inclusive nature: a backpack, bear spray, packraft, trekking poles, water filter, snacks, and educational tidbits are all provided. The guide carries essential gear like first aid supplies, GPS, and water filtration tools.
You’ll want to bring your own hiking shoes, warm layers, rain gear, sun protection, and possibly swimwear for after the float. The tour provides a trekking pole and packraft, but you’ll need to be prepared for Montana’s unpredictable weather—layers are king here.
Parking is accessible for RVs and standard vehicles; no high-clearance or 4×4 needed, but drive slowly on dirt roads. The tour typically runs in the morning and lasts a full day, so plan accordingly.
The Experience in Detail
Starting Out: Getting to the Trailhead
The trip begins at a trailhead accessible without special vehicles, which is a relief for those concerned about rough roads. The guide meets you, reviews safety protocols, and then you set off into the wilderness. As we started walking, it was immediately clear how scenic the trail would be—towering cliffs, lush vegetation, and the sound of flowing water kept things lively.
The Hike: A Balance of Challenge and Beauty
Throughout the hike, the guide shares insights about the area’s geology—how glaciers carved out the canyon, leaving behind the dramatic cliffs. The moderate elevation gain keeps the pace relaxed, but the occasional creek crossings and fallen logs require some attention and agility. Reviewers mention their feet might get wet, so waterproof shoes or quick-drying options are best.
The trail is lined with wildflowers in season and offers plenty of opportunities for photos. The views of surrounding peaks are absolutely stunning, especially as you ascend partway through the canyon.
Reaching the Reservoir: The Calm Before the Float
At the reservoir, the atmosphere shifts from trail to water. After a brief safety talk on packrafting, you’ll hop into your boat. The guides are experienced, and the packrafts are surprisingly maneuverable—allowing you to float peacefully or paddle around a little if you wish.
Many reviewers describe the float as the highlight—quiet, scenic, and a great way to relax after the hike. The landscape from the water looks entirely different; mountain reflections shimmer on the surface, and distant wildlife occasionally appears at the water’s edge.
Learning Moments and Relaxation
Educational segments are woven into the experience, making it engaging for all ages. Expect to hear about local flora and fauna, as well as the geological history of the area. The guide’s stories add context and deepen your appreciation of this remote Montana landscape.
Wrapping Up the Day
After a few hours on the water, it’s time to return. The hike back is straightforward, and the group’s conversations often revolve around the spectacular scenery or wildlife sightings. Once back at the trailhead, you’re left with a sense of accomplishment and a camera full of memorable images.
Why This Tour Is Worth It
The Missoula Fred Burr Reservoir Hike and Float strikes a good balance between adventure, education, and relaxation. The price includes gear, snacks, and expert guidance, making it a solid value for a full-day outdoor escape. The small group size ensures personalized attention, and the scenery is undeniably beautiful—perfect for travelers who appreciate Montana’s rugged natural beauty.
This experience is best suited for those who enjoy moderate hiking, are open to water adventures, and want to learn about their surroundings in a relaxed, informal setting. It’s especially appealing for travelers seeking a day of active exploration that still allows plenty of time to unwind and take in the views.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a day that combines gentle hiking with the serenity of floating on a mountain reservoir, this tour offers a genuine taste of Montana’s wilderness. The stunning vistas, educational content, and peaceful float make it a memorable outing, especially for those who prefer a smaller, more intimate experience.
While it’s not a challenging trek, the moderate effort paired with scenic rewards and a laid-back water float make this a fantastic introduction to Montana’s outdoor wonders. With expert guides ensuring safety and enrichment, you’ll come away with a deeper appreciation for the landscapes that make this region special.
FAQs
What is included in the tour price?
The price covers gear such as a backpack, bear spray, packraft, trekking poles, and water filter, plus snacks, hot beverages, and educational activities.
How long does the hike and float last?
The entire experience lasts around one day, with the hike being approximately 8.5 miles and the float lasting a few hours.
Is the hike difficult?
The hike is considered moderate, with about 1,000 feet of elevation gain. It includes some obstacles like fallen trees and creek crossings but is accessible for most hikers with decent fitness.
What should I bring?
Bring warm clothing, a hat, hiking shoes, rain gear, sunscreen, water shoes or sandals for the float, and possibly swimwear for after the float.
Are there any age restrictions?
The tour is suitable for most ages capable of a moderate hike; children should be comfortable with creek crossings and some uneven terrain.
Do I need special driving info?
No high-clearance or 4×4 vehicle is needed, but drive slowly on dirt roads. Parking is available for RVs at the trailhead.
Overall, the Missoula Fred Burr Reservoir Hike and Float offers a meaningful snapshot of Montana’s wild beauty, combining gentle adventure with tranquility. It’s an excellent choice for those wanting to experience Montana’s mountains, lakes, and wildlife in one well-organized, small-group day.
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