Well, Jamie and I set out to reach Bass Creek Crags a couple days ago, but we didn't quite make it on our first attempt. Fall quickly became winter, and a combination of a light covering of snow on the steep terrain with off-trail bushwacking and climbing over deadfall, etc. really started slowing us down. At about four hours in, we got to an overlook of Kootenai Canyon, saw a glimpse of what we had left to get to the crags in the blustery cold weather, and decided it was best to finish this trip on another day without snow on the ground. This is definitely a tough one, starting from the valley below and gaining a lot of elevation. We'll likely shoot for this one again next year.
This was a pretty cool overlook, but we didn't hang out long here. I knew we would be heading up to winter on this trip, so we did come prepared for it. But the slippery snow on the ground really made a difference on our progress. This was a good point to evaluate our decision to turn back, as we really just didn't have enough time to finish what was left. Next year with dry ground and longer daylight will make this challenge more doable. And we'll have better views when we do reach the crags. :)
This is on our way back down. Winter meets fall in this section. I love the colors! :)
As we came back down a little lower, the snow let up for bit and we got back to bare ground once again. At this point there are still only game trails to follow every so often until we get down further. We still have a long ways to go to get back down to the valley.
The morning snow and clouds had shrouded this mountain view on our way up. It was nice to get a better glimpse of it coming back down in the afternoon.
The air was still bitter (our water had started icing over), but the warmer ground temp was melting some of the snow we had dealt with on our way up. When we eventually got back down enough, we thought we had found fall again and left winter behind "up there". But as usual, it eventually started snowing on us again. That's fall in Montana. We usually get quite a mix of weather and temps this time of year and have to keep adjusting our layers. Prepare for everything. :)
A quick little video at our turn-around point overlooking Kootenai Canyon. Enjoy! :)
Two final notes (and advice) from this trip:
#1: While I failed to reach my goal this trip, I take satisfaction in the fact that I got out there and made an attempt at it. I am quite determined to reach that elevation pin on the high point of the crags someday. I will be back again!
Don't give up. :)
#2: I tried to poke my eye out with a broken off dead tree branch on the way up.
Don't ask. Let's just say it's a reminder to not only watch the ground when off-trail hiking, but the eye-level stuff, too! Dangers are lurking everywhere in the mountains. Like I always tell my kids on their adventures...
Be safe and have fun. :)
