I read and doze after another dunk in the river. Dont become the next 127 Hours. Any food allergies or limitations must be indicated to the leader as far in advance of the trip as possible. Mon 9am - 4pm. The descent was muddy, and eventually the storm hit, with a heavy hail storm as we rushed to get below tree line. @danqm The Chinese Wall runs through the heart of the Wilderness area and offers plenty of recreational opportunities. So probably fine during runoff as long as youre heads up about wood. Day 4: Today well hike northward along the Chinese Wall before turning east onto the Moose Creek trail to camp near Alces Creek. Please dont overlook this suggestion! Scapegoat Mountain: Solo trip into "The Bob" - Big Sky Walker We will have a group first-aid kit; you should bring personal supplies and medications (particularly blister supplies). Maybe @twofeathers has seen that section before? Bathing in the frigid waters of the mountainous wilderness is not for the faint of heart. As soon as we arrived to our campsite, we could tell that the trail was heavily utilized by horseback riders. Pick your route. Once at the bottom, near the headwaters of the White River, the woods were like a rain forest. Bring a water filter to treat your water before you gulp it down. Looks like another good on. Trail conditions in the wilderness can change very quickly and game trails can be very deceiving. in Montana, when a sickening vibration started in the front end, leading us to pull over in Butte. If I make it out there this year I imagine Ill do the bottom 4 or 5 miles of the Dry Fork into NF Blackfoot. Falcon, 2001. Good morning, Bob Marshall Wilderness, I think to myself. It's mega windy today. Get Backpacking Light news, updates, gear info, skills, and commentary delivered into your inbox 1-2x/week. If you're looking for elevation gain, Bob Marshall Wilderness has you covered. Trip members furnish their own backpack, sleeping bag, tent and other personal gear, including eating utensils. Website. According to users from AllTrails.com, the best trail to hike for backpacking in Bob Marshall Wilderness is. Despite the smoke from our campfire, a persistently curious mule deer doe greeted us during our morning coffee, while Grandpa David and I discovered that an unseen, more mischievous woodland creature had chewed through essential portions of our hiking boots during the night. Additional trip details, and rates, can be found here. Straddling the Continental divide, you can experience dramatically different ecosystems. (406) 461-2114 But the slog was worth the effort. . This must not weigh more than 25 pounds - and if you can keep it below 20 pounds, all the better. Check back soon. We got up on day four and continued down the Flathead. Todays distance is about 9 miles. This makes our Montana pack trips the perfect way to explore the incredible landscape of the Bob Marshall Wilderness. Encased in a down sleeping bag, I wriggle a bit to readjust the pile of clean clothes contained within the pillow case beneath my head. The wind through the skeleton forest whistles in an eerie way. After following a promising side trail towards the river, we find a beautiful undercut cliff illuminated by reflected light from the green water--but no campsites. Camp out among the grasses and gentians of glacial meadows, in craggy garden nooks full of nature's darlings. Pack a blister kit with band-aids, tape, moleskin, etc. Trail Conditions & Safety Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation Are you looking for lush forest and mountain lakes? There are 9 backpacking trails in Bob Marshall Wilderness. Backpacking Areas. My stepfather (now known as Grandpa David) is our humble leader, both on the trail and in determining our route. However, we would like to meet the whole group at 5:00 p.m. the day before the official start of the trip to have an orientation, review packing suggestions, and eat dinner together at a local restaurant. But other folks who have paddled that stretch will probably have more info. Any pre-planned assistance of any kind is forbidden. In The Lower 48's third-largest wilderness, a rarely hiked park packed with grizzlies OutGlacier National Park and its soaring rock walls above wildflower-carpeted meadows, legendary wildlifeand 2 million annual visitors . I hope at least a few folks float the Dry Fork. Jul 31, 2015. We finally lose the bear tracks when we turned south along the West Fork. Molvar, Erik, Hiking Montana's Bob Marshall Wilderness. We recommend flying into Great Falls Airport. It doesnt matter how short your hike is youre going to want a map. Please keep in mind that this is just a starting point! Are some of the ranger stations even open right now? We used Kokopelli packrafts in Alaska, but I decided that if we were going to do this type of activity more often, then I wanted something lighter and more packable. Participants will share cooking and clean-up activities with guidance as necessary from the trip staff.Accommodations before and after the trip are not included in the trip. (unless otherwise noted) Each packer has up to 4 head of stock to haul in group gear such as food, tools and kitchen equipment. Off we went to explore the sculpture park, as we have plenty of time while waiting to hear about the fate of our truck. Well be in an ideal locale to reflect on the role this area plays in the Yellowstone-to-Yukon movement, as embodied in the proposed Rockies Prosperity Act. Indulge in day rides and hikes through the fifth-largest wilderness area in the lower 48 states. Dont overpack (especially if youre backpacking), but make sure you have what you need to stay warm. Full set of long underwear, warm pants for evening, wool or fleece shirt/sweaters/jackets, Hiking socks and camp/sleeping socks (one pair that you dont hike in! We knew we had a steep climb up to the top of the Chinese Wall at Larch Hill Pass. On day one, we hiked southwest along the South Fork of the Sun River, and made our . Box 1515 Andthere are ALOT of burned trees waiting to topple. The Bob provides great habitat for both grizzly and black bears. A small pack stringconsisting of our horses and mulescarries food, personal items and group gear while you enjoy the days hike carrying only your daypack. Start will be the South Fork Teton TH, finish the Sunset Hill bridge on the Blackfoot River, just upstream from the Clearwater. This was the day we would stand witness to Ptarmigan Peak the muse that had captivated my attention and drawn me to this area of the wilderness. The usual guidelines apply. Your email address will not be published. Because we cater to foot travel, our trips concentrate on what we think makes for exceptional hiking adventures beautiful vistas, remote locations, distinctive and often rarely used routes, and small group sizes. It was getting late, and we rushed to find a campsite, and ended up settling on the flattest spot we could find. Keep researching, and if its your first visit, try to go with someone who has Wilderness experience so they can show you the ropes. Tracy and I had an uneventful, relaxing hike back to the trailhead. Backpack the Bob Marshall Wilderness, Montana - Sierra Club Deer, elk and bears are the native wildlife here and we are traveling in their home. We dont have a deep pool, but we are out of view of the trail, and blissfully protected. George first shows me a hopelessly lumpy and softly vegetated spot in thick understory. Lots of solitude. No linear travel on the surface of paved roads. He often took day hikes of 40 miles. Andrew I have been to the pass between Flint and Observation point a few times. Come visit Roger, then youll understand. Trip costs include meals, guiding, logistics, permit fees, one food drop, airport shuttle, group gear, photo-sharing coordination, a lunch bag and trip map. If I recall from the 2018 event where we started from the N. Fork Blackfoot TH, there were some sketchy sections below the TH. We were on our way to drop Little George and a friend . by Jenny Golding | Aug 28, 2022 | Adventures, Yellowstone Life. Explore the most popular backpacking trails in Bob Marshall Wilderness with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. Andrew, what happened to keeping route info a little close to the vest this far out ;) Put on some skis and investigate! or We stopped for lunch at the Big Praire bridge, and when we got back on the water, the rivers personality completely changed. See more tips on choosing your route below. But, yes punishing the raftless more than usual this year. Bring layers. Explore the most popular backpacking trails in Bob Marshall Wilderness with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. In just the first hour we see bobcat, elk, deer, bear, and fox tracks. At camp, George works on building rope out of fireweed stalks, hoping to start a bow drill fire. Come prepared for challenging conditions which can easily, with improper luck or preparation, turn life-threatening. HIGHLIGHTS from an Easy-Peasy backpacking loop in the Bob Marshall Plan a route which allows for flexibility should you encounter unforeseen issues. After about three hours on Danaher, we met the confluence with Youngs Creek, and now we were on the South Fork of the Flathead River. Ive had to paddle like mad to avoid being pushed by big waves into corners. All backcountry projects will have stock to haul in group gear. Choteau, MT 59422 However, we would like to meet the whole group at 5:00 p.m. the day before the official start of the trip to have an orientation, review packing suggestions, and eat dinner together at a local restaurant. After shaking morning rain from our tents, we set out upon the leg of the trip I most anticipated. Review your route to see if youll make any major stream or river crossings, and have a backup plan if the water is too high to cross safely. Upper Holland Lake, Necklace Lakes, and Pendant Lake are . 148 Reviews Want to find the best trails in Bob Marshall Wilderness for an adventurous hike or a family trip? The mountains can get very cold at night or at the summit, even in the middle of summer. Know safe stream crossing techniques. We made camp on the side of the West Fork of the South Fork of the Sun River in a beautiful outfitter camp. Our main goal is to reach the famous Chinese Wall, a 1000-foot, 40-mile-long escarpment that is the result of an upheaval, creating a split from Glacier Park almost down to Yellowstone Park. At high water levels, even the N Fk below the TH and above Kleinschmidt flats is pushy and technical. If you're looking for elevation gain, Bob Marshall Wilderness has you covered. We believe in eating well on hiking trips and plan for a variety of tasty, nutritious food. Well follow the South Fork Sun River toward the north, and then move to the West Fork of the South Fork Sun River for about 9 miles to our first campsite at Reef Creek. Available gear rental includes tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, hiking poles and backpacks. We also had a couple of nice campsites, including a beautiful site in the meadows near Basin Creek Guard Station. -Any form of human-powered locomotion is allowed within the identified course area. Finally I can relax. There is vulnerability in being in such a remote area, but also a sense of serenity and belonging. Perhaps you are new to backpacking and are looking to hike into a lake, set up camp for a few days and fish. Break in your new hiking boots before you go. We finish the trip on Saturday, July 9. Originally protected as primitive areas in 1941, this wilderness complex was designated in 1964 as part of the original group of lands in the Wilderness Act. Hood, Oregon, Totally Remote: Backpacking the Brooks Range, Alaska, http://www.sierraclub.org/lewisandclark/report00/rocky.asp, http://www.nps.gov/glac/resources/bio3.htm#Diversity, http://www.nps.gov/glac/resources/bio4.htm#Island, http://www.nps.gov/glac/resources/bio5.htm#Vortex, http://www.wildrockiesalliance.org/issues, High, Wild, and Remote: Backpacking the Wind River Range, Wyoming, Volcanic Views and Hiking Trails: Service at Lassen Volcanic National Park, California, Coast, Whales, Pilgrims, Music, and Dance: Service in Plymouth, Massachusetts, Backpack Skill Building in the Ansel Adams Wilderness, California, Privacy Policy/Your California Privacy Rights, Explore a portion of the iconic Bob Marshall Wilderness, Enjoy the stunning sight of the Chinese Wall, Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex Southern Half, Cairn Cartographics, Missoula, MT, "Bob Marshall," "Great Bear," and "Scapegoat Wilderness Complex," USFS Northern Region, 1990. While we offer day hikes, stock-supported hiking tripsare our most popular offering and are what we specialize in. You may need to reassess once you arrive if your site is surrounded by dead trees, the creek has dried up, or theres nowhere to put a bear hang so have some backups picked out! Drilling in this area was turned back a few years ago only by an outcry by local citizen groups while national focus was on areas like the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Will encapsulated the range of possibilities well. Its been remarkably wood free for years now, but who knows when that will change. Tue . Day eight was a tough day. - John Muir, The National Forest Service describes the Bob Marshall Wilderness (or just the Bob) as one of the most completely preserved mountain ecosystems in the world, the kind of wilderness most people can only imagine: rugged peaks, alpine lakes, cascading waterfalls, grassy meadows embellished with shimmering streams, a towering coniferous forest, and big river valleys. Located just below Glacier National Park, this million-acre wilderness is part of the larger Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex, composed of the Bob, the Scapegoat Wilderness (240,000 acres), and the Great Bear Wilderness (290,000 acres). This trail is 86.1 km long with an elevation gain of 2,382 m. According to AllTrails.com, the longest backpacking trail in Bob Marshall Wilderness is Chinese Wall Loop. It's mega windy today. Take care to preserve the backcountry by leaving no trace of your presence. The river was mostly easy class I this day, and we just enjoyed the float. HUNDREDS OF TRIPS ARE WAITING! Even on the surface of a paved road? The leader will provide more information and driving directions for approved participants. Mon 9am - 4pm. With the power to make us all halt mid-conversation to stare in awe and sudden awareness, it didnt precipitate a feeling of fear so much as it instantly demanded respect. Day 10 dawned, and Layne decided to float the West Fork of the South Fork down to its confluence with the South Fork of the Sun River. The BMWC is grizzly bear country! -You must be entirely self-supported and self-contained. So, 3 hours from home, we rented a car and determined to finish our trip. Review LNT principles and plan how youll implement them. New WEBINAR Thu July 13 @ 7 PM US MDT: How to Pitch an Ultralight Tent. Course area is all public land in Montana. We were on our way to drop Little George and a friend at camp, and then embark on our first-ever foray backpacking the. Like knock dead trees over kinda windy. Day 1: West of sleepy Choteau, Montana, our hike will start at the South Fork Sun trailhead near the Benchmark Campground. Motorized and mechanized uses are prohibited in wilderness. The Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex south of Glacier Park is one of the great Montana places - 1.5 million acres of beautiful back-country that is as primitive as any found in the lower 48. There are endless views and several mountain lakes to fish at and enjoy. BPL Member it's official https://bedrockandparadox.com/bob-marshall-wilderness-open/ The 2021 Open will start at 0800 MDT, Saturday May 28th. The wilderness now bears his name. -8 C (or -8 F) beats the hell out of +40 C! the end of the road TH that heads up to HQ Cr Pass? Audible gasps, momentary motionless shock and a fair amount of floundering about ensued, but none of us could deny the invigorating results or the contented sleep which followed. As the snow begins to melt in May, rivers become swollen with runoff. Know what to do with your waste. Review safe bear country practices before you go. Full video coming out some t. Continue talking to the horses or mules as the entire string passes. The Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex is a robust and wonderful fishery. Outside by Nature - Inspiration for Adventure. Like knock dead trees over kinda windy. Tracy and I decided we would simply hike out the remaining eight miles to the Benchmark Trailhead. Plan on six hiking days with packs and one layover day for a total trip mileage of around 53 miles. If I have found anything with the ability to shatter the peacefulness of my unity with nature, it is the sound of a bears roar as it echoes across Lena Lake. For years, I had been wanting to explore the Necklace Lakes, an enticing group of small lakes of the western edge of the Bob Marshall Wilderness in Montana, . Of course, we went about 200 yards, rounded a bend in the creek, and ran right into a major logjam. TRIP 1: North Fork of the Sun - June 26-30; 5 trail days, 2 ranch nights $2750 plus tax ** FULL ** Highlights from a 9 day 100 mile solo backpacking trip in Montana's Bob Marshall and Scapegoat Wildernesses. The Club will provide commissary equipment, including pots, stoves, cooking utensils, and all food. Here at Dropstone, we believe the hunt is as important as the harvest and that having a true desire to be in the mountains is an important part of the adventure. Bob Marshall Wilderness Photos (62) Directions Print/PDF map Length 53.5 miElevation gain 7,814 ftRoute type Point to point Experience this 53.5-mile point-to-point trail near Augusta, Montana. P.O. We know that decisions are temporary and can be changed by new administrations and new government officials. Dave, I was eyeballing the Dry fork and reading your notes on it in the Packrafting the Crown book. Understand basic navigation skills and how to read topography lines on your map so you can find your location. Remember, mules are courageous critters who will defend the herd if feeling threatened. Please understand that the route may need to be changed for your safety, depending on trail conditions, weather, or the groups ability. Exploring new wild places by foot or by horse is an amazing way to reconnect with nature, see breathtaking sights, slow down and decompress. The trail wove along the three Pendant Lakes before a final crossing of the Swan Range this time via low-lying Pendant Pass. Below its sheer rock wall, fed by snow which never fully melts away, the mountain cradled the blue-green waters of Lick Lake. The final two miles up to Pagoda Mountain gained about 2,000 feet of elevation, but it wasnt a terrible climb. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 24 h 11 min to complete. There was a trail crew working on the trail, but we passed them within the first 20 minutes. The Birch Creek area is a corridor used by mule deer and elk as they migrate from the interior of the Bob Marshall Wilderness to the Rocky Mountain Front. We dont have a deep pool, but we are out of view of the trail, and blissfully protected. It was named to honor Bob Marshall, the co-founder of the Wilderness Society who worked tirelessly to protect and preserve primitive lands in the lower 48 states as well as Alaska. Backpacking the Bob Marshall Wilderness - A Yellowstone Life Their food and treats will need to be stored in a bear safe manner with your food when in camp. With Wild and Scenic rivers and high alpine lakes, a fisherman can find plenty to do when traveling in The Bob.
