Kootenai Valley

Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness, Bitterroot National Forest, Montana

A really pretty day to end 2016. Brisk 10 degrees at the trailhead when I got started, don't think it ever went up from there all day. Lots of ice on the rocks on the side of the valley with deep snow in the bottom. Had to climb up a bit into the sun to get this photo.

At 5 miles into the canyon there is a nice bench that opens up some views. Snow was upper thigh deep on me at this point. Even though it was a bit past 2pm the sun was blocked by the ridges and temps stayed on the cooler side.

Finally made it to some great views of Bass Peak, and in this area were tracks from some wolves. Critter tracks were all that were in the snow this far back. All the human sign stopped before I got 3 miles up canyon. Always makes me feel that I am the only one to see such a sight, and I enjoy having this piece of the wilderness all to myself. Love to get up the peak in winter conditions but for now the snow is pretty avalanche prone. I do think I can get partway up safely staying in the treeline. Turned back shortly after taking this photo. When I got back to the trailhead the temp had dropped to 2 above. Fortunately I never felt cold all day.

Bass Creek Canyon Unexpected Snowstorm

Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness, Bitterroot National Forest, Montana

Winter weather was on its way, but wasn't supposed to arrive for another day. At least that was the local weather forecast when I left the house. Only 30 short minutes later and the weather folks were wrong again for it was snowing lightly at the trailhead. With 2 sets of footprints in the fresh snow I started out. For 2 1/2 miles it was easy sailing, then it started snowing harder. The young couple who belonged to the footprints were turning around and on their way back to the trailhead as I pushed up the valley. Now the fresh snow was closer to 4 inches deep. This is the log I normally use to cross the slower water. Wasn't going to risk a slip into the water today.

Views up canyon should have had lots of craggy ridges, today it was only an image of one.

Up a bit further and even the critter tracks were all gone. It was if I was the first to travel through this winter scape. As often as I am up this canyon, this was one of the funnest trips. If I didn't know where the trail was it would have been easy to lose the route.

Just past the 5 mile mark there is a great side crew where i often get a drink. Enough ice and snow almost covered it. Still got something to drink there. Sure was some brisk water!

Close to 7 miles up canyon the snow and wind really picked up. Powder was 8 to 9 inches deep. Winter was trying to make up for the late start. Hard for me to show how hard it was coming down...this is the best I can do.

When i turned around to head back to the trailhead I was surprised to find that in less than a half mile of walking my tracks were starting to fill in already. With 12+ inches expected tomorrow, all signs of my passing today will be gone. Next time I'm up this way it will be on snowshoes.

Blodgett Canyon Black Friday

Bitterroot National Forest, Montana

Wanted to avoid the post thanksgiving holiday crush so off to the woods I went. Saw 9 people on the trail so I didn't avoid all the crowds, but these were manageable. Trail was starting to show a bit of winter, even in the lower reaches of the valley bottom. A bit slick in the rocky sections.

The beaver have been busy along the creek, flooding much of the wide areas in the first few miles of trail. The slower water is iced over and starting to collect some light snowfall.

The south side of the peaks and spires are free of snow. Hard for snow to stick on vertical rock anyhow. Always like this view because I know that soon I will be past where most of the day hikers turn around at.

Ice is even beginning to form along the faster sections of the creek where water splashes up. In 2 weeks the ice will be predominant along the waterways of the Bitterroots. Then I get to see the weird shapes it creates.

Further up the valley as the trail once again enters the trees the trail got a bit more difficult. Two sets of people footprints before me along this section, and one big cat. Not sure if it was a mountain lion or a bobcat, but they did keep me looking around for the owner.

Had to turn back for the truck as the sun started going down. Had some great views of the surrounding cliffs but as the sun disappeared the valley temps really started dropping fast. I think the hiking conditions have made the switch to winter enough that I will have to change what I carry with now. Snowshoes are soon to be in use.

Sweeney Ridge

Seaway-Bitterroot Wilderness, Bitterroot National Forest, Montana

Vivid blue sky to start the day so off to the high country I went. Decided on the Sweeney Trailhead as it is so close to the house. The last miles of the dirt road to the trailhead were worse for wear from all the recent rain, but still easily navigated in 2 wheel drive. Lower parts of the trail were carpeted in the fallen larch needles so it was like following the yellow brick road. There is a nice view off the trail a bit after a mile or 2. That was when I decided to head for the connecting ridge to Sweeney Peak to see how much snow was up there..

Took some off trail scrambling but the end of the ridge was soon close at hand. Then it started getting interesting.

The patchy snow became full coverage. Animal tracks and sign were all over the place. Some recent elk rub on this poor tree.

And this bird was likely something I would eat. Lots of grouse in the area. Tracks make for a mighty this stew though.

As I continued on the snow became deeper. In places I was breaking through to thigh deep cold. A lot of the top was still firm from cold temps from the night before. The 27 degree start 5,000 feet lower had to be really cold up here.

After playing around and taking to many photos I headed back down. I didn't have all the gear for the snow that I should have brought with me. Took a different path back down, sure was fun navigating this section.

On the way back I ran into the same flock of turkeys I saw on the way up the valley. While they look like they would go well with stuffing, it was their lucky day. I know where they hang out now so they best be stealthy. Thanksgiving is coming...

Bitterroot Route Exploration

Segway-Bitterroot National Forest, Montana

Lots of unnamed high points all along the valleys of the Bitterroots. Today I did a recon to see if my thoughts for routes to some of them would work. Some yes, some no. But any time spent in the
mountains is good so the day is a win. After days of rain the sky was mostly clear and lots of yellow along the approach trail. Looks warm enough in the picture but it was just a little above freezing.

Lots and lots of different mushrooms showing themselves along the valley floor. I ran across this purple one. This is the only one I saw that was this color. I have no idea what kind it is.

The larch are all getting ready to drop their needles, so the patches of them on the hillside were spectacular. I like looking up into their golden glow.

Mostly I was just below the snow line. As I looked further back into the mountains I could see lots of snow of Bass Peak and some of the other higher summits. Winter is coming very quickly. That point on the left of this picture is one I want to get on top of, I got close earlier this summer but ran out of day to finish it.

Wagon Mountain Summit via Lewis and Clark's Route

Clearwater National Forest, Idaho and Lolo National Forest, Montana

Geri and I went to follow the Lewis and Clark route from Wagon Mountain to Lolo Pass on the Idaho-Montana border. With all the rain of the past week and overnight the forest was dripping wet. Every tree and bush we touched helped to soak through shoes and clothing. Geri was smart enough to wear her rain jacket so her upper body stayed dry. The water droplets on every needle of the pine trees did look like glistening stars, only wish I could have captured the beauty better with the camera.

In places the forest service has put up new markers along the trail route, Lewis and Clark Trail markers on one side and Nez Perce Nee-Me-Poo Trail markers on the opposite side of the trees. This section of the route does double duty.

Much of the route is overgrown and has plenty of downed trees, just as described in the Corps of Discoveries Journals. Makes one feel as if they are experiencing the trip with the explorers.

Geri took a few moments to enjoy the view looking to the south-west.

With the exception of the 2 lane highway and a small clearcut from logging in years gone by this is the same view that dashed the hopes of a quick water crossing to the Pacific side of the mountains. Pretty view though.

Near the top of Wagon Mountain many plants are showing red, giving their warning that winter is coming soon. I always think the colors are pretty, but know that they signal the end of summer.

Once back at the truck we had a great picnic lunch and even had time for a quick stop at Jacks Place for some adult beverage time. Good place to dry out some and enjoy the local mountains a bit longer.

Diablo Mountain Lookout (Summit)

Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness, Clearwater National Forest, Idaho

I had a great opportunity to help out the USFS as a volunteer at a Fire Lookout deep in the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness. I spend enough time in this wilderness so it was great to give something back. The summit of Diablo Mountain is one of 4 manned lookouts in the Powell Ranger District, an area the was the most difficult for Lewis and Clark on their journey westward. This is the great place I spent my week.

No people came my way all week long, but there were 2 fires I was keeping an eye on. Fortunately a storm came in with snow up high and rain lower down. Really stopped the spread of both fires, but left some hot spots behind. Gave me more time to watch the animals. Had 2 big elk fight it out, photo isn't great but you can see lots of antlers in this shot. They sure were noisey. First time I have witnessed an elk fight first hand. Way better than seeing it on a nature show.

Had several pika in the rocks right by the summit, fun to watch but skittish as all get out. I like these little guys.

Lots of deer...

and birds hung out with me...

...and lots of these Golden Mantled Ground Squirrels. They are just fun to watch. They only have 2 speeds, full tilt and stop.

In the evenings I explored all over the mountain. Pretty rugged terrain, but quite majestic at the same time. Great sunsets...

Sunrises were just as good...

I put the lantern on one evening then went out to look around a bit. Took this shot. Thought it was pretty cool.

Here is what the inside of the fire lookout looks like...

The "bathroom" was a bit down a side trail...

...but the view was really good.

Made this pancake breakfast my last morning in the lookout. They were great. Wish I could make them on backpacking trips. Loved the Forest Service logo on the plate. They have to be pretty old. Love to find one or two to have my own.

Saint Mary's Peak

Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness, Bitterroot National Forest, Montana

A nice short day hike with a steady climb that only gains a bit over 3,000 feet in close to 4 miles. At a mile and a half or so there is a short spur to a spring. This time of year the water is slow and best left for the dogs who will be with their owners on the way up the trail. You could filter the water but I am so spoiled by all the clear water sources around the local mountains that I don't carry a filter most of the time.

Much of the trail looks like this. Whitebark Pines for the most part, showing the stress of the beetles and other diseases. Still a beautiful trail with the views and colors of the trees. Even a lot of the dead trees look pretty cool. Wouldn't notice the transition from multi-use forest to wilderness if it wasn't for the sign telling me when i was in the wilderness area.

Out of the white bark pines and the fire lookout is clearly seen. It is manned by volunteers who are up for 2 weeks at a time.Like many of the volunteer towers in the area, most are retired USFS who just want to keep on doing something in the wilds.

As the trail climbs over the last 1/4 mile it is on a rocky bare shoulder of the peak. The wind was blowing strong along this section.

Once up on top I located the benchmark. Noticed it is off by about 20 feet in the new official elevation.

Views were a bit limited by the smoke from the 4 fires to the west. The closer in crags are still pretty clear but looking into Idaho gets really fuzzy.

Had a snack and started down. While I had the route up all to myself, I met at least a dozen while on my way back to the trailhead. A few of whom I doubt ever made it to the top.