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.
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