Trip Descriptions
Pack trips consist of horse travel and overnight camping in the wilds of the Rocky Mountains. All gear and supplies are transported by pack horse or mule. Home cooked meals are served under a dining fly and guests sleep in light weight tents on cots and foam pads. Normally, there are two persons per tent. In the Rocky Mountains weather must be considered. During the summer months, days are usually warm with blue skies above, but we must be prepared for cold and wet. Guests receive a list on recommended items to bring.
On some trips fishing is the main focus, while other trips are geared to horseback riding, nature hikes, sightseeing and photography. Relaxing around a campfire at night is a favorite. Your Outfitter, who is both owner and operator, is on all trips. Alcohol can be brought on these trips, but in very moderate quantities.
Bob Marshall/Scapegoat Wilderness Trips DHO offers during July
#1 North Fork of the Sun River (5 days using one campsite)
The North Fork of the Sun is gentle country which will fit the novice rider well. Its wide-open views make it one of the most picturesque drainages on the East side of the Continental Divide in the Bob Marshall. It’s an excellent wild cutthroat trout fishery.
Book North Fork of the Sun River#2 South Fork and North Fork of the Sun River (6 or 7 days using two campsites)
The South Fork of the sun is a good fishery for both rainbow and cutthroat trout. Combining the South and North Fork is my recommendation to the fisherman wanting to experience the best fishing on the East side of the Bob Marshall.
Book South and North Fork of the Sun River#3 Chinese Wall via the North Fork of the Sun River (7 days using three campsites)
Viewing the China Wall is one of the most sought-after trips in the Bob Marshall. We prefer using the North Fork of the Sun to access the Wall. This trip requires some serious time in the saddle.
Book Chinese Wall via the North Fork of the Sun River#4 Dearborn River / Scapegoat Mtn. / Half Moon Park (5 days using one or two campsites)
This is one of Dave’s favorite trips. Viewing Scapegoat Mountain is awesome and equals the Chinese Wall. The trails work well for novice riders. Mountain goats inhabit the area. This trip does not include fishing.
Book Dearborn River / Scapegoat Mtn. / Half Moon ParkTrips Dave Hettinger Outfitting offers during August
#5 Youngs Creek (5 days using one camp)
This is a fishing deluxe tributary which joins the Danaher Creek drainage to form the South Fork of the Flathead River. It’s a great fishery, but requires 6 plus hours of riding time depending where we camp.
Book Youngs Creek#6 North Fork of the Blackfoot River and Scapegoat Mtn. (5 days using 2 camps or 6 days using 3 camps)
Scapegoat Mtn. equals the China Wall as far as being a spectacular sight, it is just not as long in miles. The North Fork of the Blackfoot River is a pretty area, but not to be considered for a fishing trip.
Book North Fork of the Blackfoot River and Scapegoat Mtn#7 Youngs Creek / Danaher Meadows / Canyon Lake (7 days using 3 or 4 camps)
This trip is the best we offer for those riders wanting to make a large loop. In the Canyon Lake area, there are 2 other lakes, Otatsy and Camp Lake. Both fish well for smaller trout.
Book Youngs Creek / Danaher Meadows / Canyon Lake#8 Youngs Creek / South Fork of the Flathead River (7 days using 3 camps)
This would be the ultimate fishing we offer and requires some long horseback mileage. We move from camp to camp every other day, giving guests a break from the saddle. The dry fly fishing for wild cutthroat is rated excellent.
Book Youngs Creek / South Fork of the Flathead River#9 Canyon Lake Base Camp (4 days using one camp offered the last week of August only)
Book Canyon Lake Base Camp2024 Schedule & Rates: During July and August, 5 day trips begin on the Monday of each week and 6 and 7 day trips begin on the Sunday of each week.
You choose the trip off of our list of 9 and the week you desire.
Our rate is $500 per day per person with a 15% discount for individuals 18 years of age and younger and a 10% discount for groups of six.
Deposit & Refund Policy: Pack trips require a 50% deposit to confirm a reservation. Deposits are non-refundable, but should a cancellation take place, Dave Hettinger Outfitting will credit the deposit toward a future trip the following year.
Transportation: Guests supply their own transportation from airports to motels and trailheads. We do meet guests at a designated time and town and lead them to the trailheads if necessary.
Group Size: We will book as few as 2 persons on a trip, but reserve the right to add other individuals or groups. A group wanting their own personal trip must consist of 6 persons. Six is the maximum size group we prefer.
Age Limits: We have taken youths as young as 8, but feel that 12 or older is a better age for the trips we offer. We will consider this on an individual basis.