What you get on this adventure: An experienced, local hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area Three days of hiking Campsite accommodations Food and snacks for the duration of the tour All group hiking and camping gear What’s not included: Transportation to Whitefish, Montana Accommodations before and after the trip Anything not mentioned above Guide gratuities — optional Travel and medical insurance

How fit do I need to be?

No prior multi-day hiking experience is required for this hiking adventure, but you do need to have a good fitness level . Check out the itinerary for detailed day-to-day distances and elevation gains, but in general, if you can hike for a maximum of 13 km (8 miles) per day and overcome up to 730 m (2,400 ft) of elevation gain a day, you’re good to go! Your guides will accommodate less fit hikers with more frequent breaks, and you can always choose to spend more time at the camp.

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 5 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.

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. 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 both medical and travel protection . To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible , simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner ! Redpoint tailors their 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. Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!

Whitefish | Montana

All-Women Backpacking Tours in Whitefish, Montana

5.00

A group of women and dogs in Montana mountains.

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 $1,390 ()

Duration

3 days

Season

Late June through mid-September

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Intro
Itinerary
Brochure
Reviews
Things to know

For outdoor adventures in Glacier NP, Flathead National Forest, and Montana’s Rockies, there’s no better base than Whitefish. Though our backpacking options are endless here, the most serene and relaxing hikes in the area include alpine lakes. We can head on an out-and-back hike from Bond Lake, known for its cliffside vistas and log bridges, to Crevice Lake, a wildflower paradise often visited by marmots and pronghorn. Or you can join us on a backpacking trip to the foot of the stunning Doris Peak! Our two incredibly kind dogs will follow us along, so you’ll also have furry friends to hang out with. Think of these trips as a mindfulness retreat to Montana’s pristine wilderness—and as a chance to reconnect with yourself, to sip on tea by a cozy campfire, and to dip in stunning alpine lakes.

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, and camp out near beautiful alpine lakes
Perfect for beginners

The trails are well-maintained, with very manageable intermittent climbs

Itinerary

Download itinerary

Retreat to Montana’s mountains on this all-women backpacking trip! Over the course of three days, you’ll be immersed in the alpine wilderness around Doris Lake and Doris Peak. If you’re feeling up to it, your guides will offer stretching, meditation, and journaling time every day. Spend your days swimming in lakes and your nights warming up next to a campfire. 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!

Start walking through conifer woodlands of Montana’s mountains. Go through backpacking basics, from gear to setup to map reading. Once you reach your campsite for the night near the Doris Peak, set up camp and spend the rest of the afternoon however you’d like. Relax at your camp and get to know your hiking friends or go for an optional hike to the peak without your backpack (about 2.5 extra miles with 1,000 ft of elevation gain). Your guides also offer optional guided stretching, journaling, and meditation. After a delicious dinner and a warming fire, you’ll get cozy for the night in your tents with your new tent buddy.

Hiking: 5 miles / 8 km (2 miles to campsite, 3 miles to the peak and back)
Elevation: +1,660 ft/ +506 m
Meals: Dinner
Watch the sun go up with your morning cup of coffee. To kick off your morning, do some guided stretching, after which you’ll have breakfast. Go over how to break down a camp, repack your backpacks, and set off to your new campsite. Once you arrive at your next stop, there’s an option to hike to Jenny Lake (8 miles round trip). Another option is to enjoy your time at the campsite or head on another shorter guided hike—your group can split into two and pick your goals for the day. Once you all regroup at the camp, stretch, journal, and meditate.

Hiking: 3-8 miles / 5-13 km
Elevation: up to 2,270 ft / 690 m, max elevation 7,222 ft/ 2,200 m
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dInner
Rise and shine with more coffee and stretches. Take in your last morning swims and pack up at a leisurely pace to head out. Once back at the cars, you’ll have much deserved cool drinks and say your goodbyes.

Hiking: 2 miles / 3.2 km
Meals: Breakfast

Women-only adventure tours

Hikes & walks (32) | Wellness trips (8) | Food & wine tours (2) | Mountaineering (5)

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All-Women Backpacking Tours in Whitefish, Montana

Adventure Brochure

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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.

5.00

Wild North Guides

Wild North Guides was founded by Madison Browning and Sally Stecher, two local guides and backpacking enthusiasts. They are at their happiest when they’re out on the trail, climbing peaks, and sleeping under starry skies, and they delight in sharing the meditative benefits of Montana’s backcountry with more people, especially women. They have the cutest dogs who follow them along on all trips, providing an extra layer of safety and entertainment.

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Women who Stride: Backpacking in Montana’s Mountains

Sally Stecher

Co-owner of Wild North Guides

5.00(7 reviews)

Jacqueline Jones

This was a great backpacking trip! I completed this trip with my 2 sisters. Ages 72, 71 and 66. We trained for a couple of months walking on hills and carrying 30-35 lbs in our pack. The scenery was gorgeous, the sweat was profuse and all 3 of us would do it again! In fact next year we’ll be going to Iceland on 6 day retreat again though 57 Hours. Our guides were fabulous! Always ready to help in every way they could with a smile. Our guides were very experienced and I felt completely safe. If you’re hesitant, don’t be! You’ll never regret or forget the new friends you made, the beautiful scenery and satisfaction of completing this goal you set for yourself!

Bex Feldman

Had a friend take this trip last summer and she couldn’t recommend it enough to us. We heard such amazing things and couldn’t wait to experience it for ourselves! This was the perfect beginner trip to learn all things backpacking. What an amazing way to connect, feel empowered and learn while in the great outdoors. Sally and Madison are extremely knowledgeable, patient and prepared for anything. They were super responsive and available to answer all questions pre-trip. We left with our cups full and overflowing with joy and gratitude for this group of women. This trip has forever changed us!

Lana Sullivan

This past July was my first 3 day backpacking experience but under the guidance of Sally and Madison I was in wonderful company. It was a trek I will always remember! They were soooo informative, supportive and inclusive of my beginner abilities. I left with wonderful memories of the whole experience and with a tear in my eye that I had to leave them and the two other wonderful women I met on my trip. A must do for anyone interested in outdoor pursuits or just wanting to connect with nature and making new friends!

Show all reviews

Jacqueline Jones

Bex Feldman

Lana Sullivan

Ann-Marie Fitzsimmons

By far – two of the kindest, most knowledgeable young ladies I have ever met. I’ve always dreamed of visiting Montana and was immediately drawn to this adventurous all woman’s backpacking trip after finding it on 57 hours and watching Madison and Sally’s video. They provided two novice New Yorkers with everything we needed to enjoy and feel brave and successful on this trip – from supplies to personal motivation and an endless supply of knowledge and expertise. I attended this trip with my 21 year old daughter. The ages of the women ran from 21 to 70 – all different abilities. Madison and Sally made sure each and every one of us met our own personal goals and enjoyed our journey. Each is filled with an abundance of knowledge – we always felt supported and adventurous. We will NEVER forget our time in Montana and hope one day to return. Thank you for everything Madison and Sally. PS – Big shout out to Amanda for the yoga too!

Jemma M.

One of the best trips I’ve ever been on! I felt so safe even in the middle of nowhere on my first backpacking trip. The guides were helpful, supportive, and a ton of fun! Would love to go again if I get the chance!

Emily H.

I can’t recommend booking a trip with Madison and Sally enough! They answered all of my questions leading up to the trip and were so patient and helpful throughout the entire experience. I gained so much knowledge and confidence from backpacking with this group of women. Well worth every penny!

Rebecca F.

10/10 would highly recommend! Check them out! We had a great time and the guides were fun!

Things to know

What you get on this adventure:
- - An experienced, local hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area
  - Three days of hiking
  - Campsite accommodations
  - Food and snacks for the duration of the tour
  - All group hiking and camping gear
What’s not included:
- - Transportation to Whitefish, Montana
  - Accommodations before and after the trip
  - Anything not mentioned above
  - Guide gratuities — optional
  - Travel and medical insurance
No prior multi-day hiking experience is required for this hiking adventure, but you do need to have a good fitness level. Check out the itinerary for detailed day-to-day distances and elevation gains, but in general, if you can hike for a maximum of 13 km (8 miles) per day and overcome up to 730 m (2,400 ft) of elevation gain a day, you’re good to go!

Your guides will accommodate less fit hikers with more frequent breaks, and you can always choose to spend more time at the camp.
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 5 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.
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.
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 both medical and travel protection. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner!

Redpoint tailors their 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.

Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!
When booking a trip, you can either pay for it in full or reserve your spot with a 50% deposit. The remaining 50% of the trip price is to be paid 120 days prior to departure, at the latest.

Cancellations
- Booking fees are non-refundable.
- In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
- For cancellations 120 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a 50% refund of the trip price.
- For cancellations 0-119 days before the trip, there is no refund