Doris Lake Hike and Pack Raft Adventure

Short Introduction

If you’re looking to combine mountain hiking, a scenic boat float, and a bit of mountaineering in one day, the Doris Lake Hike and Pack Raft Adventure offers just that. Starting from Whitefish, Montana, this roughly 6-hour trip costs around $219 per person and includes pickup service, making it a convenient way to experience some of the best outdoor sights near Glacier National Park. Your guide, whose name isn’t specified, will take you across Hungry Horse Dam—one of the tallest in the country—and then along a semi-rugged mountain road to the trailhead.

What really stands out is the flexibility of choices: you can hike to Doris Lake, try your hand at paddling on the lake with a pack-raft, or do both if you’re feeling adventurous. Two things we love about this tour are the stunning mountain views and the peaceful experience of floating on crystal-clear waters—something not often combined in a single outdoor experience. The only potential downside? It’s a moderate physical activity level—so, if you’re not comfortable with some hiking or a bit of paddling, you might want to consider your fitness level before booking.

This experience is perfect for active travelers who want an authentic taste of Glacier-area wilderness without the hassle of planning all the logistics themselves. It’s best suited for those who appreciate scenic vistas, small-group intimacy (maximum of four travelers), and a mix of hiking and paddling that offers variety without overwhelming.

Key Points

• Stunning views of Flathead Valley and Hungry Horse Reservoir.
• Flexible options to hike, paddle, or do both for a personalized adventure.
• Small group size ensures a more intimate, tailored experience.
• Pickup service simplifies logistics, especially from Whitefish.
• Moderate physical activity makes it accessible for most active travelers.
• Weather-dependent—cancellation possible due to poor weather conditions.

An In-Depth Look at the Doris Lake Hike and Pack Raft Adventure

The Starting Point and Early Journey

The tour begins at Super 1 Foods in Whitefish, a convenient and familiar meeting spot. At 9:00 am, your guide greets the small group, which is capped at just four travelers, ensuring plenty of personalized attention. From there, the drive across Hungry Horse Dam is a highlight in itself. Standing on one of the tallest dams in the nation, you’ll get a chance to appreciate the engineering marvel while also soaking in panoramic views of the Hungry Horse Reservoir.

The scenic drive that follows takes you along a semi-rugged mountain road—a perfect preview of the adventure ahead. The journey sets the tone, combining both visual spectacle and anticipation for the upcoming hike.

The Hike to Doris Lake

Once at the trailhead, the real magic begins. The hike to Doris Lake is carefully designed to reward you with pristine alpine scenery. As we loved, the trail offers breathtaking views of the Flathead Valley and Flathead Lake, with some sections offering sweeping vistas that make the uphill worth every step. The trail itself has some rugged portions, but the moderate difficulty level is manageable for most travelers with a decent level of fitness.

Reaching Doris Lake, you’ll find a peaceful, clear alpine body of water surrounded by tall peaks. The tranquility and beauty here are a highlight—a perfect spot for photos or just soaking in the natural surroundings. One reviewer described their experience as “a truly peaceful moment, floating in the middle of a mountain scene that felt entirely untouched.”

The Options: Summit or Float

Here’s where the tour gets interesting. You have the choice to summit Doris Mountain, which provides an added challenge and panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. For those who love climbing, it’s a rewarding option, but it’s not required to enjoy the day. Alternatively, you can choose to float on Doris Lake using a pack-raft.

The pack-raft experience is particularly special. Your guide, who will carry the first two rafts, ensures you don’t have to worry about logistics—just hop in and enjoy the serenity of paddling across the lake’s glassy surface. One traveler called this “a unique way to experience the lake’s beauty and feel like a true explorer,” emphasizing how effortlessly this part of the adventure flows.

The Guide and Group Experience

Since the tour is limited to four people, you’ll find the pace relaxed and the focus on enjoying the scenery and the moment. The guide’s role in carrying the pack-rafts adds an extra layer of convenience—removing the hassle of transporting your own equipment or navigating tricky paddling logistics on your own.

Practical Details and Expectations

The tour lasts approximately 6 hours, including transportation, hiking, and paddling. It’s suitable for those with moderate physical fitness—enough stamina to handle a mountain hike and some paddling. The weather can influence the experience significantly; if the weather turns poor, the tour may be canceled or rescheduled, but you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.

The cost of $219 reflects the personalized nature, transportation, and equipment. It’s fair considering the inclusion of expert guidance, gear, and the exclusive nature of a small group experience.

Authentic Traveler Insights

Although no reviews are posted yet, the tour’s description hints at it being a peaceful escape with great views and a touch of adventure. The flexibility to combine hiking and paddling makes it appealing to those who want variety in their outdoor activities.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip suits outdoor lovers wanting a manageable but rewarding adventure. It’s ideal for small groups seeking intimate connection with nature, and those who are comfortable with some walking and paddling. If you’re after a peaceful, scenic experience that includes both mountain views and lake time, this tour checks all those boxes.

The Sum Up

The Doris Lake Hike and Pack Raft Adventure offers a well-balanced mix of hiking, paddling, and stunning scenery—perfect for travelers who want to experience the best of Glacier’s surroundings without the commitment of multi-day trips. The small-group setting ensures personalized attention, and the optional summit adds a rewarding challenge if you’re feeling energetic.

What makes this tour stand out is the combination of a mountain hike with the peacefulness of floating on alpine waters—a rare pairing that appeals to nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. The convenience of pickup and the focus on authentic, natural experiences make it an excellent choice for those visiting Whitefish or nearby Glacier National Park.

If you’re looking for a moderate, scenic, and flexible outdoor adventure that balances effort with tranquility, this tour might be just the ticket. It’s especially suited for travelers who appreciate small-group intimacy, beautiful vistas, and a taste of wilderness without feeling overwhelmed.

FAQ

What is the starting location for the tour?
The tour begins at Super 1 Foods in Whitefish, Montana, at 9:00 am, making it easy to meet and start your adventure.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience lasts approximately 6 hours, including transportation, hiking, and paddling.

Are transportation arrangements included?
Yes, pickup is offered from the designated meeting point, and the guide will drive you across Hungry Horse Dam to the trailhead.

Can I choose to hike or float?
Absolutely. You can opt to only hike, only float, or do both for a more complete adventure.

What equipment is provided?
The tour includes pack-rafts for paddling, and your guide will carry the first two rafts onto the lake, making it a hassle-free experience.

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
It’s designed for those with moderate physical fitness. Some hiking and paddling are involved, but the difficulty is manageable for most active travelers.

What happens in bad weather?
If the weather is poor, the tour may be canceled or rescheduled. You will be offered a different date or a full refund.

How many people are in each group?
The maximum group size is four travelers, ensuring a personalized experience.

What’s the cost and what does it include?
The tour costs around $219 per person and includes transportation, gear, and guide services. The small group size and activity variety add value to the experience.

Embark on this adventure if you want a day filled with mountain vistas, alpine tranquility, and a hint of mountaineering or paddling—a well-rounded way to experience the wild beauty just outside Glacier National Park.