Reservations:
Reservations should be made as far in advance as possible so that we can meet your specific needs. Initial questions are often easiest asked and answered by e-mail, however, we believe a visit by telephone is important. It allows us to learn from you firsthand your expectations for the trip and general abilities in the outdoors. A phone call gives you an opportunity to establish personal contact.
Deposit & Balance of Payment:
A deposit of 50% of trip fare per person will reserve any date of your choice that has available space. Payment may be made by Visa or MasterCard. The final balance of payment must be received prior to your expedition's departure.
Cancellation Policy:
After you have made your reservation we will likely turn away other clients for the same dates. For this reason the deposit is non-refundable. Any payments made toward final balance of trip fare (beyond deposit) will be fully refunded should you be unable to make the trip. The deposit amount may be forwarded to a trip the following year only.
References:
We are able to offer client references and will gladly do so with the friendly understanding that this courtesy be handled with the utmost consideration and the least imposition to our past guests.
Indemnities:
We strongly encourage our guests to purchase travel, health and cancellation insurance. Each participant will be required to sign a waiver releasing Lost Fork Ranch from all risks.
Limitations:
We do not recommend these expeditions to anyone with respiratory disorders, heart trouble, or any condition that may be aggravated by altitude. As horses are physically limited in how much weight they can safely carry, we have a guest weight limit of 235 pounds. Due to the rugged character of the country and the inherent dangers associated with travel by horseback, we generally limit the age of our backcountry participants to no less than twelve years of age.
Custom Designed Trips:
If you don't find destinations you are looking for among our scheduled trips, please e-mail or give us a call to discuss the possibility of a custom-designed trip. This type of arrangement can accommodate small or large private parties and offers a lot of flexibility in dates, length of trip, destinations, and activities. There is a minimum of four participants to do a custom trip. We require this minimum level of revenue in order to meet the expenses associated with the pack trip. The maximum number of guests we can accommodate on a custom designed trip is ten.
Connecting Travel:
Should you choose to fly, West Yellowstone is serviced by Sky West Airlines (a Delta connection) or Butte is serviced by Delta or Northwest Airlines. Flights into either are often booked well in advance. If you are driving, let us know if you need information or directions on the best routes.
Pre & Post Trip Accommodations:
If you fly into West Yellowstone, there is a central lodging reservation number (888-646-7077). We will pick you up at the motel on the morning of departure and return you there at the conclusion of the trip. If you fly into Butte, we will pick you up at the airport, bring you to the Old Hotel in Twin Bridges, and return you to Butte at the conclusion of our trip.
Gratuities:
The guides, packers, and cooks we have on staff are professionals. They work hard to insure you have an enjoyable vacation. If the quality of service you received justifies a thank you... it is customary to personally give a modest gratuity to staff at the conclusion of the pack trip.
Equipment List:
We will send you recommendations on personal equipment as well as fishing equipment when you book your trip. Participants are limited to 35 lbs. of personal gear. Lost Fork Ranch works under the authority of the USDA Forest Service and the National Park Service. Both agencies mandate the use of as few pack mules as possible on our pack trips. Going light is an essential part of the wilderness experience.
E-mail: lostfork@3rivers.net
Phone: (406) 684-5191
Fax (406) 684-5946
Lost Fork Ranch
75 Pennington Rd.
Twin Bridges, Montana 59754
