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.