Bob Marshall Wilderness
The 1.5 million acre Bob Marshall Wilderness is considered by many to be the crown jewel of America’s wilderness system. It contains the valleys, lakes and streams that make up the headwaters of several rivers including the Southfork of the Flathead River. Elevations vary from 4000 to 9000 feet.
Adventure Pack Trips
We offer progressive pack trips through this mountainous area that vary in length from 5 to 10 days. You ride horseback and all camp gear is packed on mules. We generally move camp every other day and lay over on the days in between to ride, fish, explore, relax, and enjoy camp life.
You will stay in teepee tents with covered floors and screened doors. Hearty meals are prepared and served under the kitchen fly. We offer “open” trips that anyone can join, up to 10 people. Or with a group of 8 or more you can book your own private trip.
Fisher’s Paradise
Enjoy world-class fishing for native cutthroat on the Southfork of the Flathead River and it’s tributaries! Alpine lakes, glacial streams, and the main rivers offer a wide opportunity for novice and expert alike. With an abundance of trout lying in wait in the cold, clear waters, it is truly a fly fisherman’s paradise.
Wilderness Pack Trip Rates & Dates
Summer 2025 Wilderness Pack Trips
During July and August we offer “Open” scheduled trips that individuals or groups can join.
These trips vary in length from 4-10 days. We are also happy to arrange shorter trips and private custom trips to fit special schedules . We take up to 10 guests per trip. We provide complimentary shuttle service to and from the Missoula Airport. Feel free to email us with any questions that you might have.
Open Trip Rates:
- Adults ……… $550/day
- Youths (6 – 17) ……… $525/day
Summer 2025 Wilderness Pack Trip Schedule
Summer 2025 Wilderness Pack Trip Schedule
#1: NORTH FORK FALLS PHOTO TRIP
- June 1 – 4
- 4-Day Trip
A chance for those with limited time to travel into the Scapegoat addition of the Bob Marshall Wilderness and see the spectacular North Fork water falls. Witness the change from spring to summer in the Rocky Mountains.
#2: NORTH FORK FALLS PHOTO TRIP
- June 8 – 11
- 4-Day Trip
A chance for those with limited time to travel into the Scapegoat addition of the Bob Marshall Wilderness and see the spectacular North Fork water falls. Witness the change from spring to summer in the Rocky Mountains.
#3: University of Montana Class Trip
- June 17 – 21
- 5-Day Trip
Wilderness packing experience for UM students in the Wilderness Policy class.
#4: YOUNG’S CREEK / ALPINE LAKES
- July 6 – 10
- 5-Day Trip
Come join us on a progressive trip over Pyramid Pass and down Youngs Creek to the Hole in the Wall canyon. Great fishing and awesome scenery.
#5: YOUNG’S CREEK / DANAHER LOOP TRIP
- July 13 – 19
- 7-Day Trip
Our most popular 7-day loop. On this relaxing itinerary you can explore and enjoy both the Youngs Creek Drainage and the Danaher Valley. An optional day trip to Pearl Basin to view the Chinese Wall is a highlight. And the fly fishing for native Cutthroat Trout is blue ribbon.
#6: HEARTLAND LOOP TRIP
- July 20 – 29
- 10-Day Trip
Our ultimate heartland trip, this is an excellent chance for you to cast your fly line into the blue ribbon waters of the upper South Fork Flathead River and its tributaries. This itinerary gives us layover days to ride, hike, fish, or just relax and enjoy camp life. There will be an opportunity to visit Big Prairie Ranger Station and the option for a day ride to Haystack Mountain to view the Chinese Wall.
#7: SOUTHFORK HEADWATERS TRIP
- July 27 – August 2
- 7-Day Trip
This is our first trip of the season into the wilderness heartland on the main river headwaters which offers us some of the west’s finest fishing for cutthroat trout. See the Rocky Mountain wildflowers in full bloom and visit Big Prairie on the upper South Fork of the Flathead.
#8: YOUNGS CREEK / DANAHER LOOP TRIP
- August 3 – 9
- 7-Day Trip
Our ultimate heartland trip, this is an excellent chance for you to cast your fly line into the blue ribbon waters of the upper South Fork Flathead River and its tributaries. This itinerary gives us layover days to ride, hike, fish, or just relax and enjoy camp life. In addition, there will be an opportunity to visit Big Prairie Ranger Station and the option for a day ride to Haystack Mountain to view the Chinese Wall.
#8: YOUNG’S CREEK / DANAHER LOOP TRIP
- August 3 – 9
- 7-Day Trip
Our most popular 7-day loop. On this relaxing itinerary you can explore and enjoy both the scenic Young’s Creek Drainage and the spectacular Danaher Valley. An optional day trip to Pearl Basin to view the Chinese Wall is a highlight for many. The fly fishing for native Cutthroat Trout is blue ribbon.
#9: SOUTHFORK HEADWATERS TRIP
- August 10 – 16
- 7-Day Trip
The dog days of summer offer us some of the west’s finest fishing for cutthroat trout. This is the final trip of the season to Big Prairie in the wilderness heartland on the main river.
#10: YOUNGS CREEK / HOLE IN THE WALL
- August 17 – 23
- 7-Day Trip
This is the last trip of the season with this popular and relaxing itinerary to travel, explore and enjoy the 20 miles of the Young’s Creek Drainage and it’s tributaries over Pyramid Pass. And the fly fishing for native Cutthroat Trout in the lower canyon is blue ribbon.
#11: WILDERNESS BASE CAMP PHOTO TRIP
- August 24 – 28
- 5-Day Trip
Leota Park makes a perfect setting to capture the vibrant colors as summer turns to fall in the alpine basins of the Rocky Mountains. From Youngs Creek you have access to several quality alpine lakes and mountain streams as well as day ride options.
#12: WILDERNESS BASE CAMP PHOTO TRIP
- August 31 – September 4
- 5-Day Trip
Leota Park makes a perfect setting to capture the vibrant colors as summer turns to fall in the alpine basins of the Rocky Mountains. From Youngs Creek you have access to several quality alpine lakes and mountain streams as well as day ride options.
#13: WILDERNESS BASE CAMP PHOTO TRIP
- September 8 – 12
- 5-Day Trip
Leota Park makes a perfect setting to capture the vibrant colors as summer turns to fall in the alpine basins of the Rocky Mountains. From Youngs Creek you have access to several quality alpine lakes and mountain streams as well as day ride options.
Other Details
Other Details
NOTICE
Our insurance prohibits pregnant women from riding.
DEPOSITS
A 30% deposit is required to make and hold a reservation. The balance is due on arrival. We accept cash, money orders, traveler’s checks, personal checks and visa or master card.
CANCELLATION POLICY
Deposits are non-refundable. The space is held for you and this means turning others away. Deposits are transferable if you have someone else to take your place for those given dates. We recommend trip cancellation insurance to protect your funds for both our trip and your airline tickets if you must cancel. To sign up or learn more, visit www.montanaoutfitters.org/travelersinsurance/.
What to Bring
In General
- Clothing – We suggest clothing that can be worn in layers as in the mountains temperatures can change rapidly.
- Include: t-shirts, long underwear, long sleeve shirts, vest, jacket, and at least one wool or heavy outer garment Rain coat, slicker, duster or two piece suit (no ponchos please)
- Riding Boots – with minimum 1/2″ heel
- Tennis Shoes
- Swimsuit
- Shorts
- Headlamp, Flashlight, & Extra Batteries
- Broad-brimmed Hat – made of felt or straw with a stampede string
- Gloves – both leather & fleece style
- Bandana or Neckerchief
- Sundries & Extras – soap, shampoo, lotion, mirror, chapstick, insect repellant, sunglasses, sunscreen (All liquids and lotions should be in well-sealed ir unbreakable containers)
- Camera & Film
- Fishing Tackle – rods must be in sturdy containers not to exceed 48″ (shorter is better)
- Montana Fishing License – can be purchased locally in Seeley Lake
- Hobby Supplies
- Special Medications
Wilderness Pack Trip or Alpine Overnight Option
- Personal Water Purification Unit
- Duffle Bag – 32-36” with a full-length zipper works best
- Quality sleeping bag good to 15* degrees Fahrenheit
- Thermo-rest mattress or foam pad
- Toilet Kit
- Towels
- Plastic garbage bags (3-4) for wet and or dirty clothes
- Camp moccasins or comfortable shoes for relaxing in camp
- Writing tablet, pencil/pen
- Good Book to Read
- Flashlight with Extra Batteries
Suggested Fishing Gear
– You can also purchase your fishing supplies locally or at the Rich Ranch Gift Shop
- Fishing Line (weight should be 5-6 with 2-3 pound tapered leaders)
- Flies
- Royal Wulfe Stimulator
- Yellow/Red Humpy
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Joe’s Hopper
- Mosquito
- Pale Evening Dun
- Black Ant
- Hairs Ear Nymph
- Lures/Spinners (¼ to 3/8 oz.) 4 to 8 pound line
- Mepps, Daredevils, Rooster tails, Crocodiles
