Trip Highlights
This winter weekender blends Montana’s snowy wilderness with rich Lewis & Clark history and restorative hot springs, creating a perfectly balanced cold-season getaway. Guests snowshoe through the expedition’s only archaeologically confirmed campsite at Travelers’ Rest, soak in historic mineral springs noted in Lewis’ journal, and trek through canyons with towering, glacially carved peaks. Wildlife viewing and tracking, hearty locally inspired meals, and cozy evenings in Missoula round out a journey that’s equal parts adventure, history, and relaxation. It’s an immersive winter experience that captures the true spirit of Western Montana.
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Bitteroot Mountains Snowshoeing Adventure
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Interpretation, natural history, and storytelling from expert guides
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Small, intimate group size
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Two natural hot springs visits (one visited by Lewis and Clark)
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Iconic Montana features - From snow-capped peaks and meandering rivers, to epic sunsets and alpine vistas
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Charming small town stops and local Montana dining
Trip Details
Trip Starts
Missoula, Montana
Trip Ends
Missoula, Montana
Trip Length
2 days, 2 nights
Trip Type
Hotel based hiking tour
Group Size
4-12 Guests
Activity Level
Most of the the trails on this tour are well maintained. Our Day 2 hike in the Bitterroot Mountains is the only hike with considerable elevation gain (~1000 feet). Expect easy to moderate walking distances each day.
Difficulty
Overall difficulty is easy. This is an active tour, but no single activity will be strenuous.
Transportation
Our daily travel is by van. We will have frequent van entries and exits depending on wildlife and scenery.
Terrain
Hikes and walks range from 2-6 miles with up to 400ft of elevation gain daily.
Weather
Montana's weather is highly variable. Winter day temps can range from -20-50° F. Overnight temps will likely be below freezing, depending on season and elevation.
Trip Pace
We will visit 1-3 locations per day.
Accessibility
This itinerary is not suitable for individuals requiring the use of canes, walkers, and wheelchairs.
Itinerary
Day 1
Your winter adventure begins with a visit to Travelers’ Rest State Park, where you’ll snowshoe through quiet cottonwood forests to the only archaeologically verified Lewis & Clark campsite. Along the way, your guide will share stories of the Corps of Discovery’s winter passage through the Bitterroot Valley, bringing the landscape’s history to life.
A hot trail lunch is served on-site to keep everyone warm and energized. In the afternoon, you’ll continue following in the footsteps of the expedition with a relaxing soak at Lolo Hot Springs—an authentic mineral spring specifically mentioned in Meriwether Lewis’ journal. After unwinding in the warm pools, the group returns to Missoula for a delicious dinner at a local restaurant before settling in for the night.
Day 2
The second day begins with a drive into the stunning Bitterroot Valley. Step back in time by snowshoeing alongside a serene creek dwarfed by massive granite peaks, a visual reminder of the area's glacial past.
Learn how plants and animals adapt to winter extremes, look for wildlife and identify tracks, and hear the stories of the charismatic megafauna once again reclaiming this area. After an epic morning on the snow, enjoy a cozy lunch in the heart of the Bitterroot Valley, warming up with local flavors and hot beverages.
In the afternoon, get ready for a second round of well earned relaxation at Lost Trail Hot Springs. After the soak, settle in for a scenic drive back to your hotel in Missoula, followed by a restorative hour to shower, relax, or sneak in a quick nap. The trip concludes with a flavorful dinner at one of Missoula’s standout restaurants followed by a return to the hotel.
Accomodations
Lodging in Historic Downtown Missoula
Spend your nights amid the charm of Downtown Missoula. Explore the area to find your favorite brewery, catch some live music, or watch a movie at our community cinema. For those seeking solitude, stroll along the nearby Clark Fork River or fly fish for rising trout.
Delicious Meals
We serve locally sourced fare—think Montana bison, seasonal produce, wild-berry desserts—and also highlight Missoula’s culinary diversity, from Mexican dishes to Thai curries and Indian, Italian, and Japanese specialties.
What's Included
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Two nights of lodging in Missoula
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Roundtrip transportation from your hotel
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Drinking water, snacks, and non-alcoholic beverages
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Entrance fees and permits
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Emergency equipment (first aid kit and Garmin InReach)
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Snowshoes
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Expert guides with years of wilderness, hiking, and interpretation experience, medical certifications, and a passion for leading outdoor adventures
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A small, locally sourced gift (each one is different!)
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All meals
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Trekking poles
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Binoculars and spotting scopes
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Hand and toe warmers
What's Not Included
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Water bottles, headlamp, and flashlight
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Clothing, footwear, and raingear
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Toiletries and personal items
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Guide Gratuity (industry standard is 10-20% of trip cost)
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Alcoholic Beverages
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Airport transportation
Trip Dates
Start | End | Availability | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Feb. 21, 2026 | Feb. 22, 2026 | Available | $1100 |
Feb. 28, 2026 | March 1, 2026 | Available | $1100 |
March 7, 2026 | March 8, 2026 | Available | $1100 |
March 14, 2026 | March 15, 2026 | Available | $1100 |
March 21, 2026 | March 22, 2026 | Available | $1100 |
March 28, 2026 | March 29, 2026 | Available | $1100 |
April 4, 2026 | April 5, 2026 | Available | $1100 |
Logistics & FAQS
Where do we meet?
We will meet at 8am in your hotel lobby on Day 1 of your tour.
When do we Start/End?
This trip begins at 8am on Day 1 and ends around 7pm on Day 2. We recommend you do not plan any flights on the final tour day.
Travel Details
This tour begins and ends in Missoula, Montana. Missoula has a regional airport with several carriers providing direct flights to major US cities.
Safety
Safety is our utmost priority. All of our multi-day tours are led by professional guides who are all Wilderness First Responders or EMT's. Our guides have extensive guiding and wilderness experience and comply with standardized risk management protocols in case of any potential or actual incident. Each tour will have both an extensive first aid kit and a satellite communication device. Please feel free to email info@northskyadventures.com if you have any questions.
Group Size
By design, we keep our tours to a size of 4-12. This allows for a more intimate experience and ensures everyone is getting the most out of their trip.
Are there Age Restrictions?
We have a minimum age of 12 for our scheduled tours. For private tours the minimum age is 5.