Bob Marshall Wilderness, Lolo and Flathead National Forests, Montana
Started later in the day than normal from the Pyramid Pass trailhead. Had to chuckle because there is a new sign that says the pass and the Bob Marshall Wilderness are 4 miles away. It has always been 6 miles in the past. The GPS still had it at 6 miles. But it was a beautiful day and as the pass became closer some wonderful views opened up. Eventually I was going to be on that ridge up there, 2,500 feet higher.
First I had to cross this little creek a few times. The water is clear and cold, and it tasted great as I was working up a sweat while climbing up towards the pass.
This little unnamed lake sits right at the pass. It has a few good sized tout in it but no place along its shore for a proper backcast. Pyramid Peak is the high point in the back.
Skirting the unnamed lake I started right up the ridge. The original plan was to get up to the summit of Pyramid Peak in the morning but figured there was still enough time to make a summit bid and still get down to the bigger lake I wanted to camp at. No trail goes where I was headed, so it was just a steep pick a line and go for it.
I made it to the top and considered spending the night right there but after having dinner I started down towards the lake to camp.
Ended up staying by the outlet of Pyramid Lake with a great view of the peak. Funny but the photo sure makes it look smaller and easier than it was. Had deer walking through my camp all night long. Something a lot bigger went through as well to get a drink. Thought better of it and didn't shine my headlight in its direction.
Up with the sun (a bit after 5 am) on packed up and on the trail by 5:15. It was a ways to get to where the old trail for Crimson Peak was supposed to be. It has not been maintained in a while, and all the downed trees from a fire a few years back didn't seem as if they would be much of a help. Kept seeing deer, does with fawns, groups of does, some bucks in velvet, and one big ol boy that would have all the hunters drooling. I tried to get a picture of him, but he was way to skittish. Also came across a few of these mushrooms, this one was the size of a dinner plate. I thought it looked more like coral and belonged in the ocean.
Don't know what this flower is but it caught me eye. Need to get a new flower ID book.
There was a small patch of Yellow Columbine, don't see many of them so was happy for their company.
But the best find of all was a section along a lower hillside that was full of wild strawberries. The ripe fruit was only the size of a large blueberry. But the flavor was so great. I spent 20 minutes picking and eating the ripe ones. If only there had been more!
Some other wildlife kept me company, but beetles didn't delay me for long.
The old trail was pretty bad. Only 20 yard long sections every now and then could be found. Slow going up and over all the deadfall but eventually I made it up higher than the old treeline and started dealing with rock. I kept the camera put away with all the up and over deadfall so I wouldn't lose it. I got it back out here. A bit of exposure in some spots along the way.
There was one narrow section that I took my time through. A good place to not fall. It's a long way down.
Eventually I made it to the summit. The sky was starting to really change with the cold front getting closer. This was not someplace I wanted to be if the weather crumped.
Near the summit there were sections with lots of stonecrop getting a bloom on. I like these little plants.
Not much activity anymore up on this summit as even the USGS survey marker is getting overgrown.
Looking for a route up nearby Leota Peak I went down Crimson on the other ridge, where there was a great game trail that I was able to follow for well over a mile. The elk know the easy was to get around on this mountain.I saw what i think is the best way up but my legs thought better of trying today so it was back towards Pyramid Pass and the small unnamed lake for the night. It did start to rain as I got to where I planned to camp, but it only lasted for an hour or so. It was a much cooler night and I was lots more tired than a 24 mile day should have left me. A good nights sleep, up with the sun and out to the trailhead. Good trip.
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