Included: An experienced, local hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area Three days of guided hiking (beginner or intermediate, choose your ideal itinerary) Campsite accommodations (tents included) All food and snacks for the duration of the tour, as in the itinerary Coffee and tea All group gear Personal gear — backpacks, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, hiking poles, headlamps Cooking gear, mug, bowl, spork, water filters, food bag, bathroom kits (trowel, toilet paper, hand sanitizer) Not included: Transportation to Whitefish, Montana Accommodations before and after the trip Anything not mentioned above Guide gratuities — optional Insurance — available to add at checkout

How fit do I need to be?

While no multi-day backpacking and camping experience is required, good fitness and the ability to hike 2-8 miles (3-13 km) per day with ~40 lbs pack are. For the beginner hike , you’ll hike 2-8 miles (3-13 km) per day and gain up to 2,270 ft (690 m) in a day. You’ll definitely be able to skip some of the optional hikes and instead relax at the camp—check out the itinerary for day-by-day distances and options. For the intermediate hike , you’ll cover 6.3-9 miles (10.1-14.5 km) per day and gain up to +2,339 ft (713 m) in a day.

What do I need to bring?

Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring: Backpack large enough to carry all the items listed (can be provided by guide) Hiking poles — optional (can be provided by guide) Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity) Lightweight hiking boots or shoes Spare clothes for layering and 3 days of hiking Waterproof rain jacket Sunhat Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.) Headlamp or flashlight Sunglasses Camera — optional (but recommended) Sleeping bag and sleeping pad (can be provided by guide) The sleeping bag, sleeping pad, tent, hiking poles, backpack, and cooking system can be provided by your guides. If you need hiking and camping gear, make sure to notify your guides in advance. Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

What's the food like?

All food, snacks, coffee, and tea are included in this backpacking trip! All cooking gear as well as bowls, sporks, and anything you might need—that’s all included as well. Breakfasts usually consist of oatmeal variations. Lunches include sandwiches and tuna or salmon packets with crackers. Dehydrated backpacking meals are provided for dinner (gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, and more possible). Snacks are available throughout the day, ranging from salty to sweet and high-calorie options. Most food allergies and special diets can be accommodated, but please let us know in time.

Group sizes and age requirements

Group sizes and prices: For this all-women Whitefish backpacking adventure, the max client-to-guide ratio is 10:1. It takes a minimum of 2 people for these tour to operate. For this all-women adventure, you’ll have two women guides on your trip. All hikers and guides on this adventure are women. This adventure is LGBTQ+ friendly! Hiking in Whitefish can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements. Min. age requirements: If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.

Getting there and meeting location

To get to Whitefish, MT, most people fly into Glacier Park International Airport only 15 minutes away from Whitefish. The airport has daily direct flights from most major cities in the US. From there, you can take a taxi or a shuttle service to Whitefish. Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, your guide will suggest the best place to meet, which will usually be at Whitefish Depot Park . Once you reach the meeting location, you will distribute gear and go over the game plan. Your meeting location will have safe (and free) parking and a safe place to store your car keys while you are in the backcountry. Meeting time on Friday morning departure date will most likely be around 9 am. Return to your meeting location will depend on the hiking pace of the group but will be no later than 3-4 pm.

Safety measures and insurance

We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout. Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations! Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.

Whitefish | Montana

All-Women Backpacking Tours in Whitefish, Montana

5.00

A picture of hikers smiling above the camera

Three backpackers enjoying lake views in Whitefish, Montana

Group meditating near a lake in Whitefish, Montana

Happy backpackers on a trail with greenery in Whitefish, Montana

Middle Fork Flathead River Montana, white water rafting. Clear water.

Mountains with some snow in the Whitefish area, Montana

Backpacking - Camping with Tent in the Mountains after day of hiking

Happy women and dogs in Montana mountains.

Panoramic view of Jenny lake and tall trees in Whitefish, Montana

Two hikers enjoying the views of the lake and trees

A golden dusk illuminates pine trees and birch trees that line a meandering Swan River that feeds into Flathead Lake near Big Fork, Montana as autumn color envelops the birch trees.

A person resting in a hammock with mountains in the background

Stunning areal view of lakes and woods in Montana

All-women backpacking. swimming in lake, Montana

Camping all women backpacking in Montana

A dog crossing a bridge in a forest in Whitefish, Montana

From $1,380 ()

Cancel in the first 48h for free

Reserve your spot with a minimum deposit

Travel and medical insurance available

Got questions or need a private booking?

Book a call

Intro
Itinerary
Brochure
Reviews
Things to know

Duration

3 days

Season

June through September

Group size

Up to 10 people

Accommodation

Standard: Camping (tents)

Stunning mountains of Montana are waiting—with trails to wander, lakes to dip into, and moment of quiet to savor. This is the perfect short getaway, just three days of hiking designed to reset and recharge. Whitefish is full of backpacking possibilities, but we’ve curated the most beautiful trails paired with perfect camp spots—with options for both beginners as well as those looking for a bit of a challenge. If you’ve never spent a night in the wild, that’s totally fine, we’ll cover all the basics. This trip is LGBTQ+ open and inclusive, and our two lovable dogs will join us, adding a pair of furry friends to the adventure. More than just backpacking, these trips are a mindfulness retreat in Montana’s wilderness—complete with tea by the fire, swims in mountain lakes, and meditation sessions.

Madison Browning

Adventure highlights

Learn the ropes of backpacking

Gain comfort and learn the skills needed to backpack in the backcountry, including setting up a perfect campsite
Total reset of mind and body

Relax, swim, meditate, journal, and camp out near beautiful alpine lakes
Beginner-friendly & more challenging options

Trails are well maintained, with options ranging from gentle beginner routes to more rewarding intermediate journeys

From $1,380 ()

Cancel in the first 48h for free

Reserve your spot with a minimum deposit

Travel and medical insurance available

Got questions or need a private booking?

Book a call

Highlighted reviews from other travellers

Tricia S.

|July 2025

Absolutely beautiful. The hiking was difficult for me but worth it.

Katie G.

|July 2025

Incredible experience .. I’d live it all over again if I could!

Kristen J.

|July 2025

Beautiful scenery not seen by most, even some locals didn’t know where we went.

Show all reviews

Available itineraries

Download itineraries

All-Women Beginner Backpacking in Whitefish, MT

Join us for a beginner-friendly retreat into the stunning mountains of Montana! During this all-women, 3-day backpacking trip, we’ll be immersed in the alpine beauty surrounding Doris Lake and Doris Peak. Each day offers optional stretching, meditation, and journaling guided by your hosts—adding a peaceful, retreat-style rhythm to your backcountry experience. Think of it as a chance to reconnect with yourself, sip tea by a crackling fire, dip into crystal-clear alpine lakes, and make lasting connections with like-minded adventurers.

Meet your guides at the designated location in Whitefish, Montana, where they’ll walk you through gear checks, food planning, and how to properly pack your backpack. Then, we’ll drive to the trailhead and begin our journey into the conifer-covered mountains. Along the way, you’ll learn backpacking basics—everything from gear usage and camp setup to navigation techniques.

Once we reach our campsite near Doris Peak, we’ll set up our home for the weekend. We’ll have the afternoon free to relax by the lake, get to know our trail companions, or join an optional day hike to summit Doris Peak (3 miles round-trip with 1,000 ft of elevation gain—without your pack!). Cool off with a refreshing swim in the alpine lake or join your guides for optional stretching, journaling, and meditation. After dinner, we’ll wind down by the fire and tuck into our tents—solo or with a tent buddy.

Hiking: 5 miles (8 km) — 2.5 miles to camp, optional 3-mile hike to the peak and back
Elevation gain: +1,660 ft (506 m)
Meals: Lunch, snacks, dinner
Greet the day with your morning coffee and optional stretching session before breakfast. Since this is a basecamp-style trip, we’ll be staying at the same site all weekend—an easier setup for those new to backpacking.

Today’s main activity is a scenic 8-mile round-trip day hike to Jenny Lake. Guides will help us prep our lighter daypacks for the journey. If our group didn’t summit Doris Peak on Day 1, that shorter 3-mile round-trip hike is another option. Want to take it easy? Feel free to relax at the lake, journal, nap, or go on a gentler guided hike nearby. Depending on interest, we can split to accommodate different goals. Later in the afternoon, we’ll regroup at camp for optional stretching, journaling, and quiet time in nature.

Hiking: 3-8 miles (5-13 km)
Elevation gain: Up to 2,270 ft (690 m)
Max elevation: 7,222 ft (2,200 m)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, snacks, dinner
Savor your last morning in the alpine with coffee, optional movement, and maybe a final lake dip. We’ll pack up camp at a relaxed pace. If weather or prior changes kept us from summiting Doris Peak and our group is eager, this could be our chance to do it before heading out.

We’ll hike the familiar 2.5 miles back to the van, where cold drinks and salty snacks await our return. Guides will then shuttle us back to the original meetup spot in Whitefish, where our cars or rides will be waiting.

Hiking: 2.5 miles (4 km)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, snacks
This itinerary is flexible and will be adapted based on group pace and ability. Please note that weather conditions and fire bans may impact the route or limit campfires. In the backcountry, adaptability is key—your guides are trained to make the safest and most rewarding decisions for the group.

All-Women Intermediate Backpacking in Whitefish, MT

Escape to Montana’s stunning mountains on this all-women’s backpacking trip—perfect for anyone ready for a rewarding challenge. While this is a bit more difficult than the beginner option, this is still open to first-time backpackers and those wanting to spend the night in the wilderness! In just three days, we’ll explore Upper Holland, Sapphire, and Necklace Lakes, surrounded by stunning alpine beauty. If you’re feeling up to it, your guides will offer stretching, meditation, and journaling time every day. As you’ll have all meals included and plenty of optional activities to try out, you can relax and look at this trip as a quick getaway from your everyday life!

Meet your guides at the meetup location in Whitefish, Montana, where we’ll go over gear, food, and how to properly pack your backpack. From there, we’ll drive to the Holland Lake trailhead and begin our hike through thick forest, waterfalls, and open views as you climb steadily toward your camp near Upper Holland Lake.

Along the way, we’ll learn backpacking basics—from gear use and navigation to how to set up camp. Once at our lake-side site (what we call the honeymoon spot), we’ll unwind with a dip in the alpine water, lounge in the sun, or connect with your hiking companions. Your guides offer optional guided stretching, journaling, and meditation to help you settle into your new mountain rhythm. After a hearty dinner and a (fire-ban-permitting) cozy fire, we’ll drift off under the stars—either solo or with your tent buddy.

Hiking: 6.3 miles (10.1 km)
Elevation gain: +2,339 ft (713 m)
Meals: Lunch, snacks, dinner
Wake up to mountain air, coffee & tea, and a gentle morning stretch with your group. After breakfast, we’ll pack light daypacks for a beautiful loop to Sapphire and Necklace Lakes—tucked even deeper in the mountains. First, we’ll hike 2 miles (1,000 ft gain) to the striking blue Sapphire Lakes. After a snack or a swim, we’ll continue 2.5 miles (661 ft gain) to the Necklace Lakes—known for its peaceful alpine meadows and chain of clear glacial lakes. Take a long break, soak your feet (or more!), and enjoy the peace and serenity.

This day hike totals 9 miles round-trip with approximately 1,661 ft of elevation gain. After our adventure, we’ll return to basecamp for dinner, fire (if allowed), and another chance to unwind with stretching, conversation, or lakeside relaxation.

Hiking: 9 miles (14.5 km)
Elevation gain: +1,661 ft (506 m)
Max elevation: ~7,500 ft (2,286 m)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, snacks, dinner
Enjoy your final morning with coffee by the lake and a quiet moment to soak it all in. Take a refreshing swim if you’d like before packing up camp at a relaxed pace. Then, we’ll hike the familiar 6.5 miles back down to the trailhead. Once at the van, cold drinks and salty snacks await! Guides will shuttle us back to the meetup point in Whitefish, where our cars or rides will be waiting.

Hiking: 6.5 miles (10.5 km)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, snacks
This itinerary is flexible and will be adapted based on group pace and ability. Please note that weather conditions and fire bans may impact the route or limit campfires. In the backcountry, adaptability is key—your guides are trained to make the safest and most rewarding decisions for the group.

Women-only adventure tours

Hikes & walks (31) | Wellness trips (8) | Food & wine tours (2) | Mountaineering (4)

Explore similar adventures

All-Women Backpacking Tours in Whitefish, Montana

Adventure Brochure

Brochure sent, check your inbox

If you have questions or need help with planning a trip, schedule a call with one of our adventure experts.

Meet your guides

5.00

Madison Browning

Madison has been a guide for over 5 years and lives to be outdoors. She considers backpacking, climbing peaks, and sleeping under starry skies a form of self-care, so when she isn't backpacking, she's planning her next adventure.

5.00

Sally Stecher

As one of the founders and lead guides of Wild North Guides, Sally thinks backpacking is meditative and wants to share the backcountry with more people, especially women. She loves her daily yoga, running and meditation routine.

5.00

Poppy

Poppy is the smallest and the most energetic dog from Wild North Guides. She has what seems to be endless energy, she’s constantly on guard! If there are mosquitos bugging you, she will make it her top priority to chase them away ASAP. Poppy is Frankie's sidekick in terms of safety—she follows Frankie's instruction and continues to provide hikers with further peace of mind and safety while sleeping out in the woods. Poppy and Frankie have really nice sniffers that warn them as well as hikers if there are any predators around. Poppy is also their resident therapy dog, as she is happy to provide all the comfort and positive vibes—plus, she's stinkin' cute.

5.00

Frankie

Frankie is a loyal Great Pyrenees/Blue Heeler babe. While she is 2% chihuahua, her Great Pyrenees side really shines in the backcountry, and she is a solid addition to the guides of Wild North—her instinct is to protect her people! She comes along on every single trip for extra safety, humor, and entertainment, as a playdate for Poppy, and an extra warm cuddle buddy. Frankie is one of the reasons Wild North guides feel extremely safe when in the backcountry. She is obsessed with exploring everything and meeting new ladies each year from all over the world. Frankie is their more serious and stoic pup cause she knows her duties, but she can also melt into goofball mode.

Watch our webinar

Watch now

Women who Stride: Backpacking in Montana’s Mountains

Sally Stecher

Co-owner of Wild North Guides

5.00(11 reviews)

Tricia S.

|July 2025

Absolutely beautiful. The hiking was difficult for me but worth it.

Katie G.

|July 2025

Incredible experience .. I’d live it all over again if I could!

Kristen J.

|July 2025

Beautiful scenery not seen by most, even some locals didn’t know where we went.

Show all reviews

Things to know

Included:
- - An experienced, local hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area
  - Three days of guided hiking (beginner or intermediate, choose your ideal itinerary)
  - Campsite accommodations (tents included)
  - All food and snacks for the duration of the tour, as in the itinerary
  - Coffee and tea
  - All group gear
  - Personal gear — backpacks, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, hiking poles, headlamps
  - Cooking gear, mug, bowl, spork, water filters, food bag, bathroom kits (trowel, toilet paper, hand sanitizer)
Not included:
- - Transportation to Whitefish, Montana
  - Accommodations before and after the trip
  - Anything not mentioned above
  - Guide gratuities — optional
  - Insurance — available to add at checkout
While no multi-day backpacking and camping experience is required, good fitness and the ability to hike 2-8 miles (3-13 km) per day with ~40 lbs pack are.
- - For the beginner hike, you’ll hike 2-8 miles (3-13 km) per day and gain up to 2,270 ft (690 m) in a day. You’ll definitely be able to skip some of the optional hikes and instead relax at the camp—check out the itinerary for day-by-day distances and options.
  - For the intermediate hike, you’ll cover 6.3-9 miles (10.1-14.5 km) per day and gain up to +2,339 ft (713 m) in a day.
Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
- - Backpack large enough to carry all the items listed (can be provided by guide)
  - Hiking poles — optional (can be provided by guide)
  - Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity)
  - Lightweight hiking boots or shoes
  - Spare clothes for layering and 3 days of hiking
  - Waterproof rain jacket
  - Sunhat
  - Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)
  - Headlamp or flashlight
  - Sunglasses
  - Camera — optional (but recommended)
  - Sleeping bag and sleeping pad (can be provided by guide)
The sleeping bag, sleeping pad, tent, hiking poles, backpack, and cooking system can be provided by your guides. If you need hiking and camping gear, make sure to notify your guides in advance. Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.
All food, snacks, coffee, and tea are included in this backpacking trip! All cooking gear as well as bowls, sporks, and anything you might need—that’s all included as well.
- - Breakfasts usually consist of oatmeal variations.
  - Lunches include sandwiches and tuna or salmon packets with crackers.
  - Dehydrated backpacking meals are provided for dinner (gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, and more possible).
  - Snacks are available throughout the day, ranging from salty to sweet and high-calorie options.
Most food allergies and special diets can be accommodated, but please let us know in time.
Group sizes and prices:
- - For this all-women Whitefish backpacking adventure, the max client-to-guide ratio is 10:1.
    It takes a minimum of 2 people for these tour to operate.
  - For this all-women adventure, you’ll have two women guides on your trip. All hikers and guides on this adventure are women. This adventure is LGBTQ+ friendly!
Hiking in Whitefish can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

Min. age requirements:
- - If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
To get to Whitefish, MT, most people fly into Glacier Park International Airport only 15 minutes away from Whitefish. The airport has daily direct flights from most major cities in the US. From there, you can take a taxi or a shuttle service to Whitefish.

Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, your guide will suggest the best place to meet, which will usually be at Whitefish Depot Park. Once you reach the meeting location, you will distribute gear and go over the game plan.

Your meeting location will have safe (and free) parking and a safe place to store your car keys while you are in the backcountry. Meeting time on Friday morning departure date will most likely be around 9 am. Return to your meeting location will depend on the hiking pace of the group but will be no later than 3-4 pm.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout.

Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations! Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.
Deposits

Secure your spot either by paying in full or with a 50% deposit! The remaining 50% of the trip price must be paid 120 days prior to departure, at the latest. If booking within 120 days of departure, the full amount is required at the time of booking.

Cancellations
- - If cancelled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
  - If cancelled 120 or more days before departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  - If cancelled within 119 days of departure, no refund will be issued.
  - Booking fees are non-refundable after a 48-hour grace period.