Lolo National Forest, Montana
Warm weather across western Montana this week for a change. I headed up to the high country where it turns out winter is still keeping its grasp on things. But I did start at a lower trailhead to try and keep out of the snow...and it worked for a bit. At least for a mile! I used the Monture Trailhead and almost right away turned onto a little used trail. This sign was on a tree right when I turned off the mainline trail.
Within a mile I was getting into some of the worst blow downs I have ever experienced, and that's where the snow started as well. Odds are this trail has not been maintained for quite some time. Saw lots of elk along the way and antlers are well into the growing season.
Then it was no trail but find your way through the snow. After several hours of slow going I made it to the high point of an unnamed peak that was between me and Spread Mountain. The ridge had quite a dramatic profile thanks to all the snow.
As I transitioned down and around another ridge towards Spread Mountain I got a look at the lake I had planned on spending the night at. I knew that option was out and I would have to find somewhere else to camp.
As I worked up to the summit of Spread Mountain the snow was getting softer and I found myself sinking in past my knees on every 3rd step, slowed me down and sure made me tired. Since I was wearing shorts it soaked my feet and kept my legs cool. Same thing happened on the way to the summit of East Spread Mountain. This doesn't look steep in the picture but it was 36% when I checked it.
50 feet of so from the summit of East Spread there was an outhouse. Only thing I can figure is that at one time there was a fire lookout on the summit and somehow the outhouse remained. It is the only structure up there.
Found what looked like a quick drop off the mountain and a way to get below snowline so I headed down the north side. Had one "interesting" creek crossing on the way down.
After a bit over 2 hours I wound up at Camp Lake. Mostly had snow around the edges but I found a dry spot for my bevy. This bird sat in a nearby tree and sang for a long time.
Day 2 started cold. Packed up and headed for Camp Pass and my planned 2 summit day. I saw another unnamed peak and it had a snow free summit area and I was sure it had good views of where I wanted to go today so up I went. Glad I did, because thunderstorms were building fast. When they are that big at 10 in the morning its time to go elsewhere. There was a grouse up at the summit in full mating dance. I have seen lots of grouse over the years but this was the first time I had ever seen this behavior. Poor guy is probably still the only grouse anywhere around but he is sure enthusiastic.
Bears are out...this was really fresh. Not the only scat I saw. All were below the snowline.
Close to where I parked I found this Fairy Slipper. One of my favorite flowers so a good end to 2 days in the hills.
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