All four of us resolved to hike together. Dave did such a good job
of picking out the Scalplock Lookout hike that we let him research the
hike for the group. He picked Elk Mountain because it was “only” about
three miles up once the trail started. Unfortunately, it was also 3000
feet of vertical climb. We did not reach the summit, but it was a great
adventure.
The trail is not well-marked, and we drove past the turn-off twice
before we drove out on to a gravel access road at the base of the
mountain. Even then, we had to use my
Gaia app and
research some trail maps before we confirmed that we were in the right
spot. The right spot is on Road 1066 directly across from Mile Marker
192 on Hwy 2.
There is no trailhead sign that we could find, but we did find an
unmarked trail to the right of the gravel road (and just before all of
the “no trespassing signs”), which leads to the railroad access road.
That access road crosses the tracks. Soon after that, there is a
trailhead sign for Elk Mountain.
This
hike was a lesson in patience. Everyone has different hiking styles.
Dave and I like to get up and go. Ruth and Julia prefer to rise a bit
later and enjoy a pancake breakfast. As a result, by the time, we
started hiking, the sun had already come up over the mountain.
The steep ascent grew hotter and dryer as we climbed. The hike was
challenging for all of us, but Ruth had never hiked anything quite so
challenging. Ruth is almost always in a good mood, and that changed as
the hike became more and more brutal.
We took a long siesta in a meadow to discuss whether to proceed.
Ruth
was willing to continue or wait for us as we continued, but we decided
as a group to head back down. While the descent was not as
heart-pounding, it wasn’t easy either. I slipped a few times and almost
ended up flat on my butt. Turning around improved Ruth’s mood. Soon,
she was back to smiling and singing. We made it to the railroad tracks
and back to the vehicle, no worse for wear.
The women decided that the hike wasn’t nearly as beautiful as some of
the other trails that we hiked in the park. On the other hand, Dave
and I appreciated the challenge of the hike. We also appreciated the
solitude of not seeing another hiker for four hours. That doesn’t
happen on the popular trails.
Someday, I’d like to finish that hike, but there are so many great
trails in the area. I know one thing. I want to return to this area of
Montana again but with the Brew Hut (Scamp trailer).
That night, we celebrated our hike with excellent “Jersey-style” pizza at
North Fork Pizza
in Columbia Falls. Then we hung out at the Farmer’s Market, which
included live music. A great day with friends! One more day to hike,
and then it’s time to go back home.
Comments