Tag: CDT

CDT Montana 2016

Day 32, August 6, Saturday

Start beyond 24-093XX, 9.8 trail miles inside Bob Marshall Wilderness

Stop SB-020M, mile 2.1 of western alternative trail in Bob Marshall Wilderness

Miles walked: 22.1

In the Bob Marshall Wilderness, most trail are named after the stream of water that they follow along. Typically the trail is up a hundred feet or more up the side of a mountain to even out the winding of that body of water and avoid the thick vegetation growing along banks. Here is West Fork Sun River as seen from West Fork Sun River Trail.

Today we get to experience something special, the Chinese Wall.

Behold a first look at the Wall in the distance

Continue reading “Chinese Wall”

CDT Montana 2016

Day 31, August 5, Friday

Start near 23-455M along Straight Creek, 12.9 miles from Benchmark Trailhead

Stop beyond 24-093XX, 9.8 trail miles inside Bob Marshall Wilderness

Miles on CDT: 22.7

The trail continues along Straight Creek for a bit.

An alternate trail to Benchmark continues along Straight, and, looking back, that should have been my route.

Instead we zig-zag up a different path. Rock bluffs look down on the trail.

Continue reading “Benchmark”

CDT Montana 2016

Day 30, August 4, Thursday

Start 23-186WT lake

Stop near 23-455M along Straight Creek, 12.9 miles from Benchmark Trailhead

Miles walked: 27.1

After climbing up from the dry lake, the path continues on high ridgeline with vistas.

Readers back east might not understand the extent of changes to the forest due to beetle kill or fire. In this photo all mature trees dead, including the background mountain. All mature trees gone.

Just think what that does to habitat for deer, bear, and other wildlife.

Now we take a break from high ridges as we parallel the Dearborn River for several miles.

Rocky bluffs can be admired while walking the river section.

Departing Dearborn River, the path follows Welcome Creek, jumps over Straght Creek Pass, and then follows Straight Creek for miles. More rock bluffs can be enjoyed on the trail.

I ended up camping in a burn area along Straight Creek, being careful not to pitch the tent near any tall dead trees still standing.

Met southbounder Legend today.