The Longest Mile - Spring Training and Treasure in Montana s Bitterroot Mountains
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Travel Leisure -> subcategory Destinations.
The Longest Mile: Spring Training and Treasure in Montana's Bitterroot Mountains
Summary
Discover the unexpected treasures of Montana's Bitterroot Range on a springtime hike into the mountains.---
On a perfect spring day in Montana's Bitterroot Range, our plan was a simple hike up Bass Creek from the Charles Waters Recreation Area. Just a mile up the trail, we aimed for a serene beaver pond where the canyon opens up, offering stunning views of the surrounding peaks. Surprisingly, that mile felt endless!
Our adventure began at the Bass Creek Campground, where we caught up with the campground hosts. Their pomeranians and our little Pom, Koda, all share a family lineage from Nampa, Idaho. Every visit is a mini family reunion.
As we set off from the campground, I quickly returned to the car to grab the camera, then caught up with my group as we entered the Bass Creek Trail. It was springtime, meaning conditions were uncertain. In past years, starting too early meant snowy, icy trails. But this May day was dry, warm, and delightfully sunny. It was a perfect day to stretch our legs on our traditional spring trail.
Our group?"my wife Ev, son Geno, friends John and Jane, their energetic border collie Woody, and our pomeranians, Tina and Koda?"set a lively pace. The excitement of spring energized us as we raced along the first third of a mile. We soon arrived at a remarkable spot with cliffs and overhangs, where fallen rocks create pools and waterfalls along the creek?"a great turnaround point for families with kids or small dogs.
Despite the steep climb ahead, John and I pressed on. We were only a third of a mile in, and I wanted to get a full spring workout. The puzzling part was how those next two-thirds of a mile felt so much longer compared to the initial stretch.
Carrying a 30-pound backpack for training, I tried keeping up with John as the trail's inclines seemed never-ending. Each bend teased us with the promise of leveling out, revealing instead yet another climb. But the perseverance paid off. Finally, we topped the last hill, and the canyon opened to reveal meadows and a beaver pond?"a breathtaking mountain scene surrounded by tall pines and dramatic ridges.
We found a perfect spot by the water to enjoy lunch, immersed in the beauty of Montana's backcountry. Our website gallery captures this stunning scene at [Montana Adventure](http://www.montanaadventure.com/).
Heading back, the trail's steepness confirmed the morning’s hefty workout. This delightful first hike of the season into the Bitterroot Range is one I'll always share with others as an “easy” outing. Still, it’s amazing how long that single mile feels. Access to the trail is straightforward, just 25 miles south of Missoula, Montana, along Highway 93, with lodgings available in nearby Lolo, Missoula, and Hamilton.
Happy Trails! For more details, visit [Montana Adventure](http://www.montanaadventure.com/out/state/us-mt.html).
You can find the original non-AI version of this article here: The Longest Mile - Spring Training and Treasure in Montana s Bitterroot Mountains.
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