Friday, July 26, 2013

The Beaten Path

Every trip I've taken into Montana's Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness has been amazing. Summiting Granite Peak from Avalanche Lake was one of the most demanding, and rewarding experiences of my life. A multi-day exploration of the West Fork/Lake Fork Rock Creek region ranks up there as well. But my latest adventure may have topped them all: four days, twenty-eight miles, numerous lakes, countless waterfalls, and stunning views along a legendary route known as The Beaten Path.

Rimrock Lake
The wildflowers were incredible.

A gorgeous Golden-Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout hybrid.
 
A mountain goat takes in the view.
Gripping and grinning below Impasse Falls.
An unnamed cascade and pool along E. Rosebud Creek.

The appropriate conclusion to a great trip: the Grizzly Bar in Roscoe!


7 comments:

  1. God damn. Looks like a great trip. Fantastic photos.

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    1. Thanks, Josh. It was a great trip. Our itinerary was a bit ambitious... I guess I forgot how much work it is to haul around a 50-60 pound pack for days on end. Pretty exhausted at trips' end, but it was worth it.

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  2. I bet that was an amazing trip start to finish! One you'll be talking about for awhile.

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  3. Wow that looks refreshing! Its been so long I've forgotten what it's like...............hooking up with something so big it bends the top guide on your rod completely flat.......not knowing whether your connected to a trout or a beaver. Whatever happened to fishing trips with old friends anyways!? Especially when your in the neighborhood? I know Karen is a sweety but comon!!!!! she's not that sweet! (don't tell her i said that!!!! seriously!) Lets go fishing soon......I've got some pretty exciting prospects that are in need of some exploring (i've got private access)!

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    1. Haha. Whats up Jess!?! Funny, I was telling Karen that story when we were driving up to E. Rosebud... I still wonder what was on the other end of your line that day! I fished briefly at the inlet of the lake... would love to get up there this fall. We need to go do some fishing soon. Maybe meet up halfway for a day of throwing hoppers on the 'stone.

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  4. Wow Will, spectacular country, and that photo of E. Rosebud Creek is incredible, it looks like an angler fishing at the dawn of time. Nicely done.

    Iain

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    1. Hey Iain,

      Thanks! I've actually got to give credit where it's due... my girlfriend took that photo of the creek... I was blown away when I saw it, it was the best photo of the trip.

      How has your summer been? Any big trips?

      Best,
      Will

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