Bob Marshall Wilderness Pack Trips
Montana
USA
Montana is a place of vast prairies, spectacular snow-covered mountains, verdant forests, and wild rivers and streams. Its land is filled with wildlife, its waters bountiful with fish.
The Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex is known as the "crown jewel" of this wilderness system. There is high drama here and there is great peace. Our trips begin where the Great Plains rise to meet the Rocky Mountains. We climb with the land, from trout-rich rivers through lodgepole forest and alpine meadows to towering limestone cliffs. This is the home of the tiny shooting star and the 600 pound grizzly bear, the mischievous Clark's nutcracker and the stately elk. In the glacial sweep of low meadow and aspen groves, we often spot whitetail and mule deer. High basins may yield fossils of unlikely sea plants, sponges and shellfish, as well as today's living inhabitants, the pika, marmot, mountain goat and eagle. These trips are run our guides Ron and Tucker who were born and raised on a cattle ranch in the Augusta area and have packed and guided here since 1959. This is a a small, quality, family operation that takes pride in good stock, equipment, food, camp facilities, and an experienced crew.
The heart of our Montana wilderness operation is a base camp in the White River, just four miles from the continental divide and many well known landmarks, such as the Chinese Wall, Needle Falls, Flathead Alps, Big Salmon Lake and many others. There are also many other areas of interest nearby that not as well known, such as the "Lost World of Peggy Creek," for example. This area affords good opportunities to see wildlife in one of the last natural strongholds in North America, and many opportunities to fish for native cutthroat, both big and small. Montana has been called the "last best place." Come see why.
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Meeting:
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Augusta
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Airport:
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Great Falls MT
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Transfer:
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Great Falls
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Riders:
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Min
5 riders
Max
10 riders
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Trip Rating
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Rates and Dates for 2010
Rates include:
Tent accommodations and B&B on the first night in Augusta, all meals starting with lunch on Day 2, 7 riding days.
| A | 2010 | 7 day Pack Trip, AP + Day 1 in B&B | 8d / 7n | $1845 |
| Single supplement for first night only | $24 |
| Kids under 18 | ($90) |
| Holiday Inn Express Great Falls room/day with breakfast and airport shuttle | $100 |
Transfer Option:
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2010
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Transfer from Great Falls included
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Transfer on Day 1 from Great Falls. Ride start at 7:30 AM on Day 2
Please note you will arrive into Augusta around 6 pm on Day 8 so will either need to book an extra night in town or arrange a transfer back to Great Falls that evening.
Tour Dates
Check here for details and availability
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| A |
2010
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07/05
- 07/12
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8d / 7n
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7 day Pack Trip, AP + Day 1...
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5
/10
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Reserve
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| A |
2010
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07/14
- 07/21
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8d / 7n
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7 day Pack Trip, AP + Day 1...
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5
/10
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Reserve
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| A |
2010
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07/23
- 07/30
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8d / 7n
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7 day Pack Trip, AP + Day 1...
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5
/10
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Reserve
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| A |
2010
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08/01
- 08/08
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8d / 7n
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7 day Pack Trip, AP + Day 1...
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5
/10
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Reserve
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| A |
2010
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08/10
- 08/17
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8d / 7n
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7 day Pack Trip, AP + Day 1...
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5
/10
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Reserve
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| A |
2010
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08/19
- 08/26
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8d / 7n
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7 day Pack Trip, AP + Day 1...
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5
/10
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Reserve
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| A |
2010
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08/28
- 09/04
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8d / 7n
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7 day Pack Trip, AP + Day 1...
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5
/10
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Reserve
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Rates do not include:
Sleeping bags and pads.
DAY 1: Arrival and pick up from Great Falls and transfer to Augusta. Check into local motel. Afternoon check of baggage and re-organizing into duffle bags. Dinner on your own.
DAY 2 Early morning pick up and arrival in Benchmark just after daylight. The wranglers should just be finishing up with the saddling of the stock. After an introduction to safe horsemanship, you will be introduced to your horse for the trip. Riders are matched as closely as possible to their mounts according to individual skills and abilities. Our stock is good, gentle stock. You should be on the trail early in the morning, and riding into the Bob Marshall Wilderness Area. We cross the South Fork of the Sun River via the packbridge, then across the West Fork packbridge. Quite often we see elk, whitetail deer, and mule deer along this stretch of trail while the dew is still on the grass. We often stop for lunch at the Indian Creek Ranger Station, or thereabouts. On some trips we may camp in this vicinity, if we have previously made arrangements.
After lunch we saddle up and start up and start the ride up Indian Creek. This is an especially scenic area. On most trips in late July to mid-August, bears can be seen from time to time, feeding on the berry crop across the drainage. This is also a good area in which to see mountain goats. The scenic ride climaxes on top of the Continental Divide. From here it is five miles down hill to our camp, and a well deserved rest after the 22-mile horseback ride.
DAY 3 After yesterday's hard ride, we turned the horses out to pasture, as we plan to spend most of this day in and around our base camp. Our camp is located at the nexus of the White River and South Fork of the White River, in almost the exact geographical center of the Bob Marshall Wilderness. The White River is 150 yards from camp and affords some really good fishing opportunities for both novice and expert fishermen. West slope cutthroat trout are the primary species. If you don’t wish to fish, you can go for a scenic hike right out of camp, take a sun shower (we cheat and heat the water when necessary), and watch the deer feed in and around camp most anytime.
DAY 4 The daily schedule for any day can be arranged to fit both personal and group desires, and weather conditions. This day we are planning a day ride to the South Fork of the Flathead River. It involves a 7-mile (one way) river grade trip, fishing and swimming in the river (which is about 10 degrees warmer than the White River). On the way we may see wildlife, take pictures in White River Park and Murphy's Meadows, pick out the profile on "Scarface" Mountain, and practice horsemanship. After returning to a delicious meal, campfire talk, songs and good company can be enjoyed any evening.
DAY 5 Today we are going up the White River on horseback, to a "secret" place known only as "the lost World". This place is a remote valley, inaccessible from most directions, and then only by an unmarked trail. Many times, mountain goat, elk and mule deer can be seen. This place gives us the feeling that they are on the moon as the terrain seems to be mostly rock. On the way we will pass Needle Falls, where the mainstream of the White River appears to pass through the eye of the "needle:, a hole in the rock that in recent times formed a natural bridge. By mid-afternoon we should be back in camp, with time left for a hike or to fish after dinner.
DAY 6 This is a good day to go to the "Flathead Alps", up the drainage of the South Fork of the White river. A relatively easy ride, it can be as easy or as hard as you wish as you can hike in the "Alps" while the others catch a nap in the sun or take pictures. Adventure is where you find it, or in some cases where you create it.
DAY 7 This is a special day, one that we have been saving until now. This trip is a must for everyone. Just four miles up the trail from camp, on Haystack Mountain, to the Chinese Wall. This is an overpowering sight, as the mountain appears to have been cut off with a huge knife, some 1,400 feet from top to bottom. This is the Continental Divide. The general area is also referred to as the "overthrust belt". Often we see bighorn sheep and mountain goats, and sometimes a herd of elk can be spotted in the valley below. If you like mountain scenery, you will love this place set in the midst of a panorama of the wildest places in the continental U.S.
DAY 8 We will try to be in the saddle by early morning. We will take the same trail we came in on, but somehow it looks much different going the other direction, but just as beautiful. We should be to Benchmark by mid-afternoon, and you can expect be to Augusta by about 6:00 PM, checking into a motel with a hot tub to pamper your tired body after the trip (motel in Augusta not included) or we take you back to Great Falls for your last night (last night not included).
Please let Hidden Trails know your departure plans and if you would like drop off in Augusta on evening of Day 8 or a transfer back to Great Falls evening of Day 8.
Subject to change
Meeting:
Augusta
Airport:
Great Falls MT
Transfer:
Great Falls
Distance:
52 mildes 1 hour
Transfer on Day 1 from Great Falls. Ride start at 7:30 AM on Day 2
Please note you will arrive into Augusta around 6 pm on Day 8 so will either need to book an extra night in town or arrange a transfer back to Great Falls that evening.
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Tack:
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Western
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Horses:
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Mixed
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Pace:
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Slow, 3 miles per hour. About 4-6 hrs daily. Walking only
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Walk |
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Level:
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(2
to
2
out of 5) Novice
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Age:
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Min
6
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Weight:
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Max
240
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Riders:
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Min
5 riders
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Max
10 riders
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You will be riding our own gentle, well-loved mountain horses. No previous riding experience is needed. A pack string of horses and mules will carry camp goods, food, and duffel. You will have your camera and lunch in your saddlebags, and jacket and rain gear on your saddle.
To convert miles into hours, figure that we ride at 3 m.p.h
Passport and Visa Requirements:
Valid passport required by all nationals referred to in the chart ; validity varies - for most countries the passport must be valid for at least six months from the date on which the holder enters the. more
On average, the warmest month is July. The highest recorded temperature was 103°F in 1961. The average coolest month is January. The lowest recorded temperature was -51°F in 1909. The maximum average precipitation occurs in May.
Suggested Clothing and Equipment
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2 pair of long pants
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pair of shorts
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2 or 3 light sleeveless or t-shirts
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long sleeved cotton shirt
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turtleneck
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changes of underwear and socks (heavy wool socks are good for hiking)
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pair of sneakers (in camp shoes)
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pair of water sandals
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warm sweater or heavy wool shirt
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wind resistant jacket
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RAINPROOF raingear (including rain pants)
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down or fiberfill vest
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bandanna or neck scarf
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Cap or hat (for the sun)
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pair of wool gloves
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long underwear (for p.j.’s)
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sleeping bag: nights may be frosty…... bring a warm one
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boots: riding boots or light hiking boots; some kind of heel and no heavy tread is preferable for safety in the stirrup
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day pack (mostly for hikers)
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canteen or filtering water bottle
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water purification tabs (optional)
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air mattress or thin pad: we recommend the ¾ length self-inflating mattress
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garbage bags (unless you have waterproof duffel). You may also choose to compartmentalize your duffel by clumping different categories of goods in separate bags.
Other Suggested Equipment
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Camera and film with a sturdy Ziploc bag for wet weather, flashlight (little and light), allergy medications, if needed, insect repellent, sunscreen and sunglasses.
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Small notebook for journal
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Washcloth and small hand towel
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Toiletries: contact lenses, toothbrush, floss, chapstick, etc.
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Biodegradable shampoo and soap
We carry a first-aid book and kit in the camp gear
We ask that you keep your duffel to 30 lbs.
Long duffel bags are best for packing. Your 30 lbs should include your bedroll, but NOT your camera, raingear and jacket (which will be attached to your saddle) and NOT one day’s set of clothes (which will be attached to you). DO NOT plan on wearing a backpack while riding. Everything you have with you on the saddle should fit in the saddle bags provided. If not then you possibly should put excess in duffel. Jackets can be rolled up and tied to the back of saddle.
For The Fisher Folk
Bring your family and your pole. You will find excellent trout fishing on the Dearborn and Sun Rivers, and the headwaters of the Blackfoot, the setting of the book on which Robert Redford based his 1992 movie "A River Runs Through It". Fish in all these rivers, primarily cutthroat, rainbow, and brown, feed aggressively on dry flies and small nymphs Our catch-and-release record is 105 fish caught in three hours.
| … this list is only a guideline for you |
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| Travel documents and Voucher |
| Flight tickets |
| Passport (if outside USA) |
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| CLOTHING and Gear |
| boots: riding boots or light hiking boots; some kind of heel and no heavy tread is preferable for safety in the stirrup |
| Riding helmet (recommended) |
| warm sweater or heavy wool shirt |
| 2 or 3 light sleeveless or t-shirts |
| wind resistant jacket |
| turtleneck |
| pair of shorts |
| changes of underwear and socks (heavy wool socks are good for hiking) |
| pair of sneakers (in camp shoes) |
| pair of water sandals |
| Cap or hat (for the sun) |
| pair of wool gloves |
| long underwear (for p.j.’s) |
| Swimsuit |
| Bandana |
| For Camping trips: |
| Sleeping Bag |
| Ground Mat (Thermarest or foam mattress) |
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Washcloth and small hand towel |
| ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING |
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Biodegradable shampoo and soap |
| Insect protection |
| Personal medications |
| Sore cream (for the emergency) |
| Sewing kit |
| Handkerchiefs |
| Camera and enough extra films |
| Sun glasses with strap |
| Sun tan lotion and lip balm |
Sorry, no video is currently available for this tour.
*Important Notice: The following ratings have been submitted by guests and do not necessarily represent the views of Hidden Trails, its partners or employees.
Every care is taken to ensure accuracy but Hidden Trails is not liable for any errors or omissions.
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| Name |  |  |  |  |  |  | Date |
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iain dark
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9/18/2009
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bette huff
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9/18/2008
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dennis rach
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9/6/2008
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patricia o'keefe
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7/27/2007
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..view other reports for different trips
Your first night is included at a motel in Augusta (dinner on your own-not included).
Base Camp - White River:You stay in one base camp and ride out from here on the last day. All trips are guided.
We specialize in good food served in a casual atmosphere around the campfire or wood stove. Guests sleep in wall tents with cots- very comfortable camp.
Our general dinner menus include spaghetti, roast, chicken or turkey, steak, porkchops, hamburgers, green salads, potatoes, pasta or rice and dessert are the general rule. Breakfasts may include, bacon, eggs, pancakes, sausage, oatmeal, french toast and breakfast tortillas. Sack lunches are the general drill. If you have allergies or preferences we will need to know well in advance so we are able to accommodate you
You will be riding our own gentle, well-loved mountain horses. No previous riding experience is needed. A pack string of horses and mules will carry camp goods, food, and duffel. You will have your camera and lunch in your saddlebags, and jacket and rain gear on your saddle.
To convert miles into hours, figure that we ride at 3 m.p.h
|
Tack:
|
|
Western
|
|
Horses:
|
|
Mixed
|
|
Pace:
|
|
Slow, 3 miles per hour. About 4-6 hrs daily. Walking only
|
Walk |
|
|
Level:
|
|
(2
to
2
out of 5) Novice
|
|
Age:
|
|
Min
6
|
|
|
Weight:
|
|
Max
240
|
|
Riders:
|
|
Min
5 riders
|
Max
10 riders
|
|
You will be riding our own gentle, well-loved mountain horses. No previous riding experience is needed. A pack string of horses and mules will carry camp goods, food, and duffel. You will have your camera and lunch in your saddlebags, and jacket and rain gear on your saddle.
To convert miles into hours, figure that we ride at 3 m.p.h
Passports
Valid passport required by all nationals referred to in the chart ; validity varies - for most countries the passport must be valid for at least six months from the date on which the holder enters the USA. If not, the holder will be admitted until the expiration date on the passport; check with the embassy (see Contact Addresses).
Passport Note
(a) For nationals included in the Visa Waiver Program (see below), passports must be valid for at least 90 days from date of entry.
(b) All travellers entering the USA under the Visa Waiver Program require individual machine-readable passports. Children included on a parent's passport also now require their own machine-readable passport. Travellers not in possession of machine-readable passports will require a valid USA entry visa.
(c) Passports issued on or after 26 October 2005 will need to have a biometric identifier in order for the holder to travel visa free under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Machine-readable passports issued between 26 October 2005 and 25 October 2006 require a digital photograph printed on the data page or an integrated chip with information from the data page. Machine-readable passports issued on or after 26 October 2006 will require an integrated chip with information from the data page (e-passport).
The US has announced new measures that require all travellers to provide details online 72 hours prior to travel.
ESTA: The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) came into force on 12 January 2009. It is a fully automated, electronic system for screening passengers before they begin travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. ESTA applications must be submitted at least 72 hours before travel to the USA. Some websites may charge you for the service but you can apply online for free at www.dhs.gov. The granting of an ESTA does not guarantee entry to the USA.
New Requirements for Travellers: As of 23 January 2007 all persons, including US citizens, travelling by air between the USA and Canada, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda are required to present a valid passport, or other approved document, when entering or re-entering the USA. Similar requirements for those travelling by land or sea will be introduced on 1 June 2009.
For further details about the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, visit the website of the US Department of State: (website: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html).
Visas
Not required by nationals referred to in the chart above for stays of up to 90 days except:
1. nationals of Bulgaria, Cyprus, Greece, Hungary, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Romania and Slovak Republic, who do require a visa.
Visa Note
(a) Landed Immigrants of Canada and British residents of Bermuda who are citizens of, and have valid passports from, Commonwealth countries or Ireland are not eligible to enter the USA without a visa. (b) All passengers using US airports for transit purposes are required to obtain a transit visa. This does not affect qualified travellers travelling visa free under the Visa Waiver Program. (d) To qualify for visa-free travel under the Visa Waiver Program, nationals must travel on a valid passport, for holiday, transit or business purposes only and for a stay not exceeding 90 days. (e) Passengers must have the full address and ZIP code of where they are staying in the USA to be able to fully complete the I-94W form. Note: Airlines are also required to collect passenger details, including the address of their first night's accommodation in the USA, before they board the aircraft. (f) 2. Holders of UK passports with the endorsement British Subject, British Dependent Territories Citizen, British Protected Person, British Overseas Citizen or British National (Overseas) Citizen do not qualify for the Visa Waiver Program. A passport which states holder has right of abode or indefinite leave to remain in the UK does not qualify for visa free travel. (g) A visa does not expire with the expiry of the holder’s passport. An unexpired, endorsed visa in an expired passport may be presented for entry into the USA, as long as the visa itself has not been cancelled, is undamaged, is less than 10 years old and is presented with a valid non-expired passport, provided that both passports are for the same nationality. (h) Nationals of countries not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).
Types of Visa and Cost
Tourist, Business, Transit and Student: US$131.
Validity
Visas may be used for travel to the USA until the date it expires. Some visas are valid for multiple entries. The length of stay in the USA is determined by US immigration officials at the time of entry but is generally six months; there is, however, no set time.
Applications to:
Embassy or consulate (see Contact Addresses).
Working Days Required
Usually five after interview. Some cases may take up to 12 weeks – check with embassy/consulate.
| Passport Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
N/A |
| Other EU |
Yes |
| Visa Required? |
| British |
No/2 |
| Australian |
No |
| Canadian |
No |
| USA |
N/A |
| Other EU |
1 |
| Return Ticket Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
No |
| USA |
N/A |
| Other EU |
Yes |
This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not
take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult
the embassy or consulate for updated info.
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