Golden Larch Photography and Hiking Excursion
Have you ever seen the only deciduous conifer on the planet in person? Larch in their prime fall foliage are a sight to behold! Don’t miss this 3 day trip with 3 guided hikes amongst the magnificent Larix occidentalis in the Bitterroot Mountain Range of Western Montana.
Oct 5th - 7th, 2026 - 3 Beautiful Day Hikes
Trip Summary
Activity Level:
Moderate
Hikes range from 4 - 7 mi with 1000-1500 ft of elevation gain
Inclusions:
- Guiding Services
- Gear Rental
- 3 Guided Day Hikes with Photography Focus
- 1 Hike with Relaxing Packrafting Included
- Plethora of Snacks on every trip
- 1 Evening of campfire at the Little Smith Creek Ranch
- Assistance in arranging/scheduling accommodations and transportation to and from regional airports
- Photography of you and your family/friend(s)!
Hike Amongst Golden Giants
Experience Montana Unlike Many Have
Peacefully Float on Serene Alpine Lakes
Photograph Amazing Scenery
Trip Itinerary
Day 0 - Before the Trip
Pre-Trip Planning Meeting
When you Book:
We’ll reach out to say hi and ask you about your previous hiking experiences, what you want to get out of the trip, and overall level of fitness. We’ll provide resources with info on how to prepare for the trip too!
2 Months Before the Trip:
We’ll host our virtual, pre-trip planning meeting though Google, where we will discuss all the logistics for our trip, including routes, mileage, weather, timing, and equipment.
1 Day Before the Trip:
There will be an optional in-person meeting the evening before the trip at the Dram Shop on Brooks St in Missoula to make introductions and review trip plans!
Day 1 - October 5th
Sweathouse Creek
5 mi, 1500 ft elevation gain
This spectacular trail heads steadily uphill all the way to the falls. Wear good shoes and be ready to hike over lots of rocks. The trail winds through forest for the most part and is well-shaded.
At the falls, set up for photos with the Larch, and proceed to take photos from both sides of the falls.
Day 2 - October 6th
Wahoo Pass + Lost Horse Canyon
5 mi 800 ft elevation gain
We will spend the full day exploring Lost Horse Canyon and Wahoo Pass!
Lost Horse Canyon is a beautiful granitic, glacially carved canyon in the Bitterroot Mountains. It’s a long drive up the canyon, but we’ll stop along the way and take photos as the sun rises and produces stunning scenes with its golden light on the Larch!
The hike to Wahoo pass is a relatively easy hike with a short section of switchbacks. From there, we will plan to ascend off trail along the ridge, taking photos of the surrounding Larch that dot the landscape!
Day 3 - October 7th
Hike to Secret Larch Location!
5 mi, 1400 ft elevation gain
On the 3rd day, we’ll embark on my favorite hike of the trip, up to a string of 3 lakes in a beautiful mountain cirque of the Bitterroot. The name of the location is a secret because the trailhead here is the smallest, and the landscape the most fragile out of the 3 that we will visit. Camping is not even allowed at these lakes!
There will be plenty of opportunity to set up for photography at any location desired, and we can also do a bit of off-trail hiking around the lakes too. There are some INCREDIBLE vantage points on this one!
Photos From Past Trips
F.A.Q.
How much hiking will we do each day?
5 - 7 mi / day with about 1000 - 2000 ft of elevation gain and loss.
Do you provide the gear?
Rental gear + cost are included in every trip.
What should I pack?
Do you provide food or water?
Snacks and Backpacking meals are provided on this trip. Scroll down for more info about meals and snacks.
We also carry Sawyer water filters on every trip. It'll be the freshest, coldest water you've ever had!
Will we see wildlife?
We may see some wildlife, but encounters are not common. With that said, the Bitterroot is home to bears, elk, moose, wolves, mountain lions and pika as well as a plethora of other animals.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, please bring your dog assuming it loves hiking and can handle the planned hiking mileage!
Are accommodations included?
No, you must book your own accommodations.
Is transportation included?
No, but we can help you find a ride or book a rental car!
Digital Topo Maps and Virtual Trip Planning
Included with this trip:
- Access to digital topographical trail map on Caltopo.com
- Virtual trip planning meeting one month prior to trip on Google Meet.
- Request a topo map of this hike by sending us an email! Topo maps are automatically sent after booking.
Guest Reviews
"Luke was very personable & knowledgeable. He provided thoughtful snacks & a yummy meals. He would give scientific names to the landscapes/ mountains, show the markings on the mountains from glaciers. The FLOATING was amazing, being on a beautiful body of water & surrounded by extreme beauty was amazing. I will definitely hike with Luke again!"
Additional Info
Cancellation Policy
A refundable deposit of 50% of the full amount of the trip is required to secure your spot on this trip. 50% down at time of booking, and the remaining 50% down 60 days from the start of the tour.
If you decide to cancel your trip, the trip is 100% refundable until 59 days before departure. After this, the booking becomes non-refundable.
Weather
The weather can be incredibly difficult to predict for a mountainous environment like the one we’ll be visiting on this trip. We’ll plan for temperatures in the 60s - 80s during the day and 30s - 40s at night. This hike will be hosted rain or shine, but in the event of a thunderstorm, we will take shelter using the precautions outlined by Wilderness First Responder training the guide has received. In the very rare case of dangerous thunderstorms for multiple days, trips can be rebooked or a partial refund of up to 50% can be given.
Disclaimers
Condition Restraints
This tour is, in part, in remote areas. This adds to the adventure and opportunity to enjoy a true nature experience. However, due to the nature of the terrain, weather, road conditions, and other elements beyond our control, some elements of tours may have to be altered. Times of some activities may need to be changed or even cancelled due to the conditions. If an activity is cancelled it will be replaced with an alternative activity that is more appropriate for the conditions. Advance notice will be given for any changes where possible, although at times changes may be made whilst the tour is in progress.
Wildlife Encounters
On every trip, we love to see wildlife, but it is impossible to guarantee an encounter or sighting. With that said, wildlife is common in the Bitterroot National Forest and it is likely we will see or encounter something. A note on Grizzlies: Grizzly bears are very uncommon in the Bitterroot. The Bitterroot was once their habitat, but settlers and homesteaders drove them out of this area.
Terms and Conditions
Acceptance of Risk and Responsibility
Nature and adventure travel is by character, an activity that requires traveling in areas that are often remote and the terrain difficult. Whilst every precaution is taken to ensure the comfort and safety of guests, these trips inherently have have elements of risk. By taking part in this tour you acknowledge that there are inherent risks and that you are fully aware of the conditions of travel, accommodation and activities offered. You accept that Bitterroot Backpacking, its staff and sub-contractors cannot be held liable for any accident, illness or similar occurrence. You hereby accept all such risk and release the company from all claims and causes of action arising from any injuries or damages resulting from these inherent risks.
Authority on Trail
At all times, Bitterroot Backpacking's guide or its representative will be final authority on all matters likely to endanger the safety, well-being and enjoyment of the tour. Clients must at all times strictly comply with the laws, customs, foreign exchange and drug regulations of all countries visited. Should the client fail to comply with the above or commit any illegal act when on tour or, if in the company’s opinion, the client's behavior causes or is likely to cause danger, distress or annoyance to others we may terminate that client’s tour without any liability on the company’s part.