Tags
birds, bison, camping, Colgate Licks, Idaho, Lochsa River, Montana, natural hot springs, sightseeing, Wild and Scenic River, wildlife
Toward the end of May I set out on a long-awaited visit to Banff and Jasper National Parks, followed by a week-long stay at the Mammoth Site in Hot Springs, SD.
A casual drive northward delivered me to renowned Highway 12 that cuts, like a necklace, west to east across Idaho just below the panhandle. This two-lane highway keeps company with the Lochsa, a National Wild and Scenic River which drains the prodigious snowmelt of the Bitterroot Mountains that stymied Lewis and Clark’s quest to find and securie a northwest passage to the Pacific Ocean. In late May, the river was running fast and muddy, luring river rats from across the nation to test their skills on levels III-VI rapids.
The first night I camped off a side road. The only other rig I saw on this road was a Fish & Game truck, which was gone by the time I drove out the next morning. A one-mile loop trail at Colgate Licks, in the company of a chorus of birds, jump-started the morning. This natural mineral lick is the result of 106°F water seeping from the earth’s surface in an grassy glade. The hot water carries calcium, sodium and potassium to the surface soil, attracting deer, elk, and moose who round out their diet by licking the mineral-rich earth and rocks. The location took its name from the hapless camp cook of a hunting party in the early 1890s. Trapped by heavy early snow, the hunters had to walk out, abandoning George Colgate who was too sick to walk. (Suppose his own cooking did him in?) The next spring, his remains were found and buried near the licks.
![](https://rangewriter.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/img_8272_colgatel.jpg?w=1024)
![](https://rangewriter.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/img_8273.jpg?w=1024)
Next up was the National Bison Range in Montana. I stopped at a wildlife underpass which doubles as a great nesting habitat for cliff swallows. Across the road a herd of Bison conveniently munched verdant spring grasses of the bison refuge.
![](https://rangewriter.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/img_8280_natlbisonrange.jpg?w=1024)
![](https://rangewriter.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/img_8281.jpg?w=1024)
![](https://rangewriter.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/img_8287nbr.jpg?w=1024)
![](https://rangewriter.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/img_8288mission.jpg?w=1024)
![](https://rangewriter.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/img_8295.jpg?w=1024)
West of Flathead Lake I drove to the top of Blacktail Mountain ski resort, from which the gems of the Mission, Lewis, & West Glacier mountains gleamed. Also, perhaps Canadian ranges of Waterton and Fernie were observable. The day ended on a side road off a side road north of Olney, MT. It wasn’t an ideal spot, but it was quiet. Campgrounds, which I’m not fond of, were full with the Memorial Day crowd.
![](https://rangewriter.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/img_8293blacktail.jpg?w=1024)
![](https://rangewriter.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/img_8296.jpg?w=1024)
Oh wow – love the first photo – looks moody and and refreshing at the same time. Thanks for reminding me that western Montana is such a gorgeous place – it’s been so long since I’ve been there. I’ll always remember Weir Creek Hot Springs along Hwy 12 in Idaho. We went in the evening, the forest of cedar trees was mysterious and we had that beautiful place all to ourselves! You pick great places to explore.
LikeLike
Highway 12 is really a unique and special route. I’m so glad that we’ve been able to protect this unique corridor through some of Idaho’s most unique and historic country.
I’m not a fan of hot springs, so Wier Creek is totally off my radar. But I can totally relate to your description of an evening in the mysterious cedar forest.
LikeLiked by 1 person
<
div dir=”ltr”>
LikeLike
Oh my. Amazing? I’m not so sure. But thank you. I can’t wait to see you and the tribe in the fall!
LikeLike
You, my friend, are one adventurous person. Thanks for sharing your treks with your readers. The pictures provide a wonderful visual chronicle of what you’re experiencing. I look at them and I think about how we’re slowly destroying all this natural beauty. Thanks again.
LikeLike
Yes, I’m a reclusive adventure lover. It seems like a weird space to occupy, but at this age, I simply can’t deny it. I’m unafraid of solo travel, I know what interests me and what doesn’t, and I agree that we are destroying the beautiful places. I had the opportunity to view the Mendenhall Glacier in Alaska many years ago. But I was part of an Elderhostel Tour group and so we were unable to get as close as I would have liked. I find solo travel suits me well.
It makes me feel good that perhaps the crappy little cell phone images I capture actually have meaning to other people. Thank you for your kind encouragement.
LikeLike
Gorgeous! I am looking forward to more info and pictures of your trip.
LikeLike
Thank you, Janis. I’m happy to oblige.
LikeLike
I like the intimate photos as well as the big views. Such beautiful country!
LikeLike
Thanks for the perspective, Jane. I agree. The landscape is astounding. I couldn’t get enough of it and found it difficult to not keep snapping photos of the same essential scene over and over.
LikeLike