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“The Eagle looked down on the river below,
and he wrapped his wings ‘round him and fell like a stone.
The big salmon fought, but the talons held true.
Suddenly the world turned from silver to blue.”
Steve Earle, “Me and The Eagle”
Needless to say I was tired when we finally
reached Bryant Lake. It had been a long day. We started hiking
before 9 a.m. and arrived at the lake late in the afternoon.
My feet, legs, shoulders and back were all sore, but the view
was invigorating.
The crystal-blue mountain lake reflected the
surrounding granite cliffs and peaks perfectly on its glassy
surface. The wildflowers bloomed around the shores and somewhere
across the water a fish jumped.
We set up camp near the head of the lake,
erecting our tent in a small grassy meadow surrounded by alpine
shrubs. We filtered our drinking water form the small stream
that fed the lake. I spent the afternoon casting flies in the
shallow water around the edge of the lake and was delighted,
over and over, at seeing the small rainbow trout rise to my
imitations. At night the world was silent – only the sound of
the wind on the rocks and through the trees.
Bryant Lake sits high in the Bear Creek Drainage,
west of Victor. The hike in is about nine miles and the trail
is clearly marked. And as peaceful as the lake is, late during
the second night, we did get a thunderstorm through the basin
and the thunder shattered the silence over and over, like a
big base drum. Lightning danced on the rocks way overhead and
rain came down in wild sheets. This world, miles away from civilization,
is anything but tame.
But living in the Bitterroot Valley provides
us quick access to this unique world – a world still natural
and untrammeled by man. It’s not always easy, some of the trails
on the west side of the valley can be very difficult, but the
challenge is part of the reward.
Camping in the Bitterroot Valley and surrounding
mountains can range from the backpacking trips to RV and car
camping. The Forest Service has several campgrounds appropriate
for RVs and tents: Lake Como, Blodgett and Rombo being three
of the more popular campgrounds. These campgrounds have designated
fire rings, campsites and toilets. They also charge a nominal
fee.
Camping is of course allowed almost anywhere
on the National Forest, but campers must take responsibility
for their camps. During the late summer, campfires are often
outlawed on the forest due to fire danger. When campfires are
allowed, making sure they are out cold before you move on is
essential.
Also take the extra time to make sure all
the trash is picked up and when camping in the wilderness make
sure you employ “Leave No Trace,” tactics.
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