CDT Montana, Day 4 to 6, July 12-14

Day 4, July 12: 14 miles

Day 5, July 13: 16 miles

Day 6, July 14: 14 miles to Miner Lake and trail town Jackson, Montana.

After two previous tries I was so happy to finally hike to and across Lemhi Pass, where the Lewis & Clark Corp of Discovery reached the Continental Divide on their way to the Pacific Ocean. I was apprehensive about starting uphill over 1500 feet from the pass with 4 liters of water because the next water source at Goldstone Pass was 19 miles away! It went well! I camped about 5 miles south of Goldstone Pass.

The next morning I reached the spring near the pass where I rested a drank plenty of water. Thunderstorms were in the area as I climbed over the next ridge above 9000 feet. After taking shelter to asess the risk, I continued safely. A few lingering snow patches remained from the heavy and much needed winter snowpack. The hike down into the next valley was exhilarating as I turned on the numerous, rocky switchbacks that were sometimes covered by snow. Lower, the amazing wildflowers, especially Lupine, graced the trail in the valleys. Hiking uphill at 9000 feet and above is still very tough, and the concept of Staying In My Own Lane works…slowly and steadily I will get along the trail!

On Day 6, July 14 my goal was to reach Minor Creek where I would walk 3 miles to a campground and, hopefully, get a ride to the tiny town of Jackson. Along the way I enjoyed lush green meadows, wildflowers, ponds, streams flowing over the trail, two fords over knee-deep creeks and…mosquitoes! I really enjoyed seeing Beargrass in full bloom with tall, white stalks reaching toward the sky. Beargrass was an important resource for Native Americans, who used the strong grass-like blades to construct baskets and other containers. I think deer like the white petals. The hiking was easier, thanks to good trail conditions and no steep, rocky ascents.

The walk to the Miner Creek Campground was hot, and I was hopeful to get a ride to town. There was not much traffic leaving the drive-in campground, and I was resigned to camping there and possibly yogiing some beer and food from a group of three men camped next to a campsite I was eyeing for the night. But, fortunately, I flagged down a vehicle along the dusty campground road just before it left me in the dust! By 7 pm I was eating a burger at the Jackson Hot Springs Restaurant! The historic Bunkhouse was a delight to stay for the night even though I camped comfortably on the grassy side yard.