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.