1st Day of Winter

Bitterroot Mountains, Bitterroot National Forest, Montana

The first day of winter, but one of the warmest days in over 2 months. Unfortunately the road to the Bear Creek trailhead was so icy I turned around. Wasn't sure that I could get out if I got into the trailhead parking. Slope is too steep. The ice was between 1/2 and 1 inch thick. Made for some really slow going!

Came back up the valley where the ice at the Kootenai trailhead kept others away but was easy going with the gear I had along. Creek looks like winter with lots of ice. It was cold enough in the valley bottom that there was no melting going on, while in the main Bitterroot valley the temps hit 50 degrees.

About 2 miles up Kootenai Creek and up a ways on the south facing slope is a great place for spending the night. I often have a snack here or in todays case, lunch. It's flat, really protected by a big tree and the cliff face and almost never has any snow. Over time the rocks have been built up to make a great wind break as well. It was the only dry spot I had all day long. After my very leisurely lunch I kept going towards the Idaho line for a bit before heading back to the trailhead and home.

Rattlesnake Recreation Area

via Grant Creek and The Ravine Trail
Lolo National Forest, Montana

Only 2 to 3 inches of fresh snow as I started the trail, but mine were the first footprints in the fresh powder. Steady climbing quickly got me to deeper snow. Always fun to be the first through any snow.

I followed the Ravine trail for the first 2 miles, then I went off trail working my way to the ridgeline. Usually there is enough wind through this canyon that the trees are quickly blown free of the snow on the branches. Not today though so there were some interesting views as I went along.

At times it was a challenge to find my way through the interlaced branches. I followed a game trail for a bit and that helped but deer are lower than I am and fit better in places.

But I kept getting snow down my neck from every little branch I bumped. Normally I like the way the lichen is on the trees, but not so much today.

While near the top of one ridge I could look south towards the next one over. That was as clear a view as I got all day long. It looked like winter.

By the time I got back near the trailhead, others had been on the lower stretches of the trail and the snow was tracked up. Made for a cold but pretty day. Not a lot of color today but it was a fun trip and I always like exploring off trail. I also knew I had left some snacks in the car so the kept me moving once I got back on trail.

Lower Blodgett Canyon

Bitterroot National Forest, Montana

With a short window between storms I headed off towards the southern end of the Bitterroot range. Many of the roads leading to the trailheads become icy so I was hoping for good roads as well. Blodgett Canyon is always pretty so it became my destination. Moose and elk frequent the canyon and within the first 1/2 mile I found evidence of their being around. This sapling was just right for one of them to use for an antler rub.

Saw more beaver dams along the creek than ever before. They must be doing well. The slow water behind them will be good for fishing next summer!

Continuing up the valley I could see the storm ahead. At times visibility dropped to no more than 100 yards, then it would open up for a mile. I was defiantly hovering right along the lower edge of the snow and icy rain. Made for some really pretty photos.

When I got to the stock bridge a bit over 3 miles from the trailhead there was a clearing of the weather for about 20 minutes. Then it really started coming down. Had to put the camera away but I did get this pic of the bridge.

Went another mile or so up the canyon but then turned back. Lower down I went the better the weather got. By the time I got near the the tiger rock faces I got the camera back out. This pic of the Shoshone Spire is my favorite from the day.

I got one shot that has the 3 popular climbs in it. Not one person was doing any technical rock climbing today. In fact I only saw 4 other people the entire day.

The last bit of trail heading towards the Bitterroot Valley was the calmest portion of the day. I could still see weird weather behind me but it was nice getting back to the trailhead.