Four Lakes 3 Day Trek | Montana Backpacking Tour
Backpacking Gear Included
|Fresh Meals Prepared Daily
|Professional Wilderness Guides
Four Lakes 3 Day Trek | Montana Backpacking Tour
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Cost:
$1347
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Type:
Backpacking
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Length:
3 days
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Difficulty:
Advanced (Difficult & Remote)
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Mileage:
22-27 miles
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Season:
June – September
Adventure Details
This diverse adventure bestows stunning views, beautiful lakes, rugged backcountry wilderness, gorgeous meadows, wildflowers, active wildlife, and more! The tough uphill and downhill sections that you must traverse are well worth it once you arrive to your first campsite at Peterson Lake. This is just one of four lakes found on this epic hike! The lakes vary in size, depth, and color however the fishing is stellar with every cast. Cool off with a refreshing dip in the lake or lay out a towel on a warm granite rock to soak up some rays. Take in the fresh air and enjoy the natural beauty of the Rocky Mountains in the Bitterroot National Forest. *Route Variation - Our specific hiking route and campsites on each departure are dependent upon permit availability.
Upcoming Tour Dates
We are taking reservations for 2025 tours. When booking, please select your ideal start date and provide alternate backup dates so we can apply for a permit specifically for your group!Adventure Itinerary
Day 1
We will meet you at our Missoula hotel partner and drive to the Bitterroot National Forest. The first day of our hiking tour in the Bitterroot National Forest begins at the Sweeney Lake Trailhead (6,520ft). The trail starts off on an uphill climb, quickly gaining elevation for nearly 3 miles. Once we crest the top of the trail at 7,455ft we'll descend down the trail to our first campsite at Peterson Lake (6,553ft). Your expert guide will interpret the various rock formations, flora, and if you're lucky any fauna along the way. Once you have arrived at Peterson Lake your guide will set up at one of the campsites near the Lake.Day 2
Awake to fresh coffee and breakfast before heading out for our day hike to the three lakes above Peterson Lake. Our first stop is a short 1.5 mile hike to Duffy Lake gaining about 828ft in elevation. Following Duffy Lake we'll make our way up to Holloway and Mills Lake. From Duffy Lake, its about 3/4 of a mile up a trail with 500ft in elevation gain. The scenery when hiking to Holloway and Mills lake is remarkable, with views of the lakes and Bitterroot Valley below. A serene waterfall greets you as you arrive that opens up to Holloway Lake. From there it's a short hop and skip to the nearby emerald water of Mills Lake. From Mills Lake you can see all four lakes and the Valley below. Quite the sight to see! This day we cover about 7 miles on the trail including the day hike out to the upper lakes and back.Day 3
On the last day of the Sweeney hiking tour, we're up early for a nutritious breakfast before heading 5 miles back to the trailhead. We'll have lunch on the trail and get back to the trailhead in the early afternoon. You will arrive back in Missoula with plenty of time to catch a hearty dinner and cold drink!What's included?
- 5pm orientation the afternoon prior to your hike.
- Backpacking permits.
- Tent camping each night on the trail plus the night of orientation at the backpacker's camp*.
- All food while on the trail prepared by your guide - from dinner at orientation through breakfast on the last day*.
- Double occupancy tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, backpack, trekking poles. A single tent is available for an additional $50.
- A certified, medically trained guide that will lead you safely on your journey.
- An unforgettable experience!
Pickup Locations
Transportation from our Missoula Hotel Partner included in tour cost (hotel cost paid separately)
What to Bring
Our camping and hiking trips include round trip transportation, all pro-quality gear and meals required for your adventure. This includes tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, cooking supplies, trekking poles, and daypacks and/or backpacks. We are happy to accommodate food allergies and most dietary restrictions. Please include your preferences in your Registration Form so that we can prepare accordingly.
Gear Included
Discovery Treks tours are all inclusive tours which include:
- All meals from lunch day 1 through lunch day 3
- An experienced Wilderness First Responder Certified Montana Backpacking Guide
- Necessary pro-quality backpacking gear including 65 - 75L Osprey backpack, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, trekking poles, double occupancy tent, bear cannister (Single tent upgrade available for $50)
- All permits and fees
Don't see a tour date that works for you?
We may still be able to schedule additional tour dates that fall within your travel window.
Please call our office to inquire at 480-247-9266.