The Field Journal Experience

A guided backpacking trip in the backcountry of Northwest Montana

Send us an email if you’re interested in joining us and wish to reserve a spot.

Are you dreaming of sleeping under a blanket of stars and hiking along a ridge with views for miles at the Crown of the Continent? If you’re looking for an epic adventure in nature this September, join us for four days of guided backpacking in the beautiful Flathead National Forest. We’ll balance out the trail time with plenty of space for reflection, journaling, and deep relaxation in camp, each night on the shores of a different alpine lake. This trip is open to all experience levels, and is designed to give you confidence in your natural history knowledge, deepen your nature journaling practice, and teach backcountry travel skills.

The Trip at a Glance

Embark on an off-the-beaten-path adventure in Northwest Montana that will foster your connection with nature. Our guided backpacking trip will take you deep into the heart of the backcountry, where you'll hike through stunning landscapes, camp in remote locations, and take time to relax and connect with the natural world. You'll also have the opportunity to document your experiences through nature journaling, capturing the sights and sounds of the wilderness in a way that will deepen your appreciation for its beauty.

  • Dates: September 5-9, 2023

  • Location: Whitefish, Montana

  • Guides: Allie Maloney, Abigail Wehner, Kelsey Sholund

  • Guests: 6 spots are available

  • Price: $550/per person or $750/per person with gear rental, plus an additional $100 for special dietary requests

  • What’s Included: We want you to have the best experience possible. That's why we've made sure to include everything you need to focus on enjoying the adventure. With us, you'll have transportation to and from the trailhead, so you don't have to worry about getting there. Our professional and experienced guides will make sure you stay healthy, happy, entertained, and safe throughout the trip. And don't worry about bringing your own food, snacks, or drinks, we've got you covered with all meals and refreshments provided.

    We also want to make sure you have a way to capture your memories of this incredible experience, so we'll give you a copy of The Northwest Montana Field Journal. You'll learn more about the area's flora and fauna and have plenty of space to jot down your thoughts and reflections.

    And since we want to inspire your creative side, we'll provide high-quality art and journaling supplies, including watercolors, sketchbooks, and pens. That way, you can capture the beauty of nature in a way that resonates with you.

    Finally, we'll supply shared backpacking gear like kitchen items, tarps, first aid supplies, and bear canisters, so you don't have to worry about the logistics of camping in the backcountry. Just show up with your personal gear, and we'll take care of the rest!

Join us for an unforgettable adventure in the Whitefish Range, located next door to Glacier National Park but a world away from the tourist crowds. During this epic journey, we'll traverse the range from east to west, summiting three major peaks and taking in the breathtaking beauty of the landscape.

The trail will lead us up Moose Creek to the alpine meadows, and all the way up to the 8000ft peak of Nasukoin Mountain. Each night, we'll camp at a different pristine lake, where you can wash off the trail dust and enjoy a relaxing evening. You can even try your hand at fishing for trout, or just hang up your hammock and soak up the magnificent view of the sunset.

Be prepared to tackle over 9,000ft of total elevation gain and 9,800ft of total elevation loss on this rugged and challenging trail. This trip is ideal for folks who have some previous backpacking experience or hikers who are already comfortable on the trail and have a good level of physical fitness. But for those who are ready to take on this incredible journey, the rewards are immeasurable. Don't miss your chance to experience the majesty of the Whitefish Range in all its glory!

  • Travel and Camp

    We’ll hike 5-10 miles each day, taking plenty of breaks, eating delicious snacks, and letting the scenery unfold under our feet. Camp will be near clear alpine lakes, well after mosquito season, with the chance of huckleberries. We’ll use great bear camping protocol and sleep securely each night.

  • Journal and Relax

    This is a nature journaling journey. There will be plenty to record each day, with prompts and activities offered up each morning, and time for optional sharing each evening. Whether you enjoy drawing, painting, writing, or you like to capture memories using statistics and graphs, you will be welcome. We’re here to support and teach based on guest desires.

  • Learn and Connect

    Hauling water for morning coffee, offering a hand over a rocky outcrop - you might not know each person when you start out, but there is no better way to build a friendship than during a well-planned backpacking trip. Not only will you connect with the people on this experience, but you’ll build a deep bond with the place as well.

 FAQs

  • Allie Maloney will be the lead guide. She has been a backpacking guide and outdoor educator since 2005, and holds a current Wilderness First Responder certification. She is the author of The Northwest Montana Field Journal. She will be joined by a co-guide with equal outdoor expertise and an even higher level of medical training.

  • You do not need to have any experience with journaling to come on this trip, but a willingness to try out some of the activities and art supplies is encouraged. If you’re more into photography or napping than writing or drawing, that’s fine with us. The goal is to deepen your sense of place and connection to nature.

  • We’ll set you up with a great packing list that outlines what to bring and what to leave behind. If you need good backpacking gear, we can arrange a local rental for your backpack, sleeping bag, tent, etc.

  • Each day we will move between 5-10 miles. The first day will be mostly uphill, the middle days will be well balanced with small ups and downs, and the final day will be mostly downhill.

  • Yes. You will need some decent fitness to enjoy this trip. We won’t be moving fast - you don’t need to be an ultramarathoner - but you do need to be able to walk on uneven ground with 40lbs of extra weight for at least 5 hours each day. (We will take lots of breaks!)

  • Simply taking a walk wearing a backpack with some weight in it can help out quite a bit. Coming from a flat area and concerned about elevation gain and loss? Try climbing up and down stairs with a weighted backpack. Core exercises and ankle exercises can also be beneficial.

  • There will be ample food. Expect things like curry, burritos, pesto, oatmeal, chia pudding, and flapjacks. We like to throw some fresh fruits and veggies in the pack for snacks and there is always a treat for after dinner. And yes, we pack instant coffee and tea for breakfast. Please let us know of dietary restrictions and preferences in advance. We are happy to accommodate when possible.

  • Before the trip, a guide will do a gear check "shakedown" to make sure you have all the necessary items in your pack. They may recommend that you leave any unnecessary personal items behind. Carrying too much weight in your backpack can increase your risk of injury. We will set you up for success with a comprehensive packing list.

  • If your guide does an outstanding job then you are encouraged to show your appreciation with a tip.

  • The trip costs includes a 15% non-refundable administrative fee. This trip may be cancelled up to 2 months before the trip for a refund (minus the 15% fee). Within 2 months, a 50% refund will be offered. Within 48 hours, a refund will only be offered if the Field Journal Experience cancels due to severe weather.

  • We hike rain or shine! Sometimes, wildfire, thunderstorms, ice, snow, or extreme cold may be considered severe weather. In these circumstances, we may change trip itinerary or cancel the trip.