We are working on more of our “frequently asked questions” and ready to help you plan your vacation on the rivers & trails of Montana and Idaho, whether it’s whitewater rafting, canoeing, hiking and / or just general questions about travel, weather, lodging, dining, family friendly trips and special places in our area.
Below are our recommended gear lists and other recommendations.
- Gear List – Missouri River 3-4 day trips
- Gear List – Lolo Trail
- Gear List – Missouri River – Lolo Trail Combo Trips
- Gear List – Salmon River
- Lochsa Provisions and Gear List
- Recommended Reading Lodging
Reservation form and waiver
Guide Gratuity is probably the #1 question.
Our guides work really hard to make sure you are safe and have a good time! Show them you appreciate their hard work with gratuity.
Here are some guidelines:
For day trips, you can tip your guide directly, 10% of your trip fee being the baseline and can go up from there, if your trip included lunch or more elaborate dinner or your guide went above and beyond to make your trip special.
For multi-day trips the gratuity is usually pooled together and split equitably. You can give the gratuity to a lead guide, the owners Wayne & Gia, leave in an envelope at our office in Missoula or mail a check and we will make sure it is given to your guides. If you have a particular guide that made your trip special or went above and beyond, feel free to give them extra gratuity directly or indicate that to us. Again, 10% is the baseline and if your trip included extra amenities like tents & cots set up in advance, sit-down dinner, etc… additional gratuity is certainly appreciated.
Thank you so much for your participation and showing your appreciation for the crew!
Other Trip Info
Deposits & payments
Salmon River, Missouri River and Lolo Trail multi-day trips require $200 deposit per person to confirm each space. The balance of the trip fee is due 60 Days prior to departure. Lochsa River and Lolo Trail 1-day trips require $25 deposit and full payment is due day of trip.
Alberton Gorge trips can be guaranteed with credit card and paid in full day of trip. Groups of 10 or more may require a deposit to secure spaces.
Cancellations
Deposits and all trip fees are non-refundable. Space is limited on all of our trips and once you have signed up, we no longer have the opportunity to sell your reserved spaces. However you can transfer your space to another person. We recommend trip cancellation insurance www.insuremytrip.com has a variety to choose from. It is extremely rare, however reserve the right to cancel a trip due to weather, water conditions or insufficient reservations, in that case a full refund would be issued.
Responsibility
At LCTA we make every effort to provide top-quality service for all our guests. Inherent risk however is involved in any adventure activity. Participants have the responsiblity to select a trip appropriate to their abilities and interest. We are happy to discuss the trip options with you if you have any questions or concerns. Trip members are responsible for being in sufficient good health to undertake the trip.
Loss
LCTA assumes no responsibility for things including, but not limited to inclement weather, delays, personal injury, evacuation costs, loss of articles or belongings or financial loss due to cancellations. Warning: do not bring expensive cameras, electronic equipment, excessive cash or other valuables. We strongly recommend that trip participants purchase travel, cancellation, and accident insurance coverage. www.insuremytrip.com has a variety of options.
Medical conditions
Participants need to let their guide/s know of any medical history that could inhibit their ability to participate in the activities. People with a history of heart trouble or any other potentially serious medical condition should consult their doctor before coming on a rafting trip.