Springtime in the Rockies

This is a beautiful week in the back country.  We don't see many people this time of year, but we do see lots of wildlife and lots of wild flowers.  Due to the nature of higher mountain valleys, spring comes a later than most anywhere else.  We usually cross hardened snow drifts on the mountain passes, and often snow will linger in the shady areas quite a ways down the valleys.  In the river valley fllors, where this trip primarily travels, the snow is melted off, and the grass and trees are bursting with spring foliage.  By far this is the most colorful trip of the year as all the mountain wildflowers are out in splendor.  Additionally, the wildlife is more common at the end of June as they are moving from winter range to summer range, chasing the green grass as they go higher in elevation.  The rivers and streams will be full with winter run off.  There isn't much for fishing this time of year due to he murky nature of the streams. 

Day 1: Our first day we depart the trailhead at Swift Dam and ride around the west side of Swift Reservoir.  This is a particularly scenic day as we have contrasts of bright green grass, stunning wildflowers, the deep blue reservoir, and the mountain peaks capped in snow.  We end our day up the North Fork of Birch Creek where we overnight.  Ride approx 9 miles. 

Day 2: Pack up and travel west over spectacular Badger Pass.  This is another incredibly scenic day.  From the top you will see deep into the Bob Marshall and Middle Fork Flathead country.  We often see mountain goats and big horn sheep in this area.  Our stop tonight is at Strawberry Creek, where we camp overnight.  Ride appox 8 miles.

Day 3: Pack up and travel down Strawberry Creek then up through Gateway Gorge to Big River Meadows.  This is a leisurely ride with more amazing panorama as we ride through the 1,000 ft cliffs of Gateway Gorge.  We camp this night at Big River Meadows, which is a large and beautiful meadow at the very headwaters of Gateway Creek and directly under the continental divide.  Ride distance 10 miles.

Day 4: Non travel day.  There is tons of hiking and exploring options in Big River Meadows.  The wildflowers are abundant, and we often will see elk and moose in the valley.  A great day to explore.

Day 5: Pack up and ride over the divide then down the South Fork Birch Creek.  This is a broad, open valley with extensive vistas throughout.  Our day ends at the Swift Dam trailhead, where we started.  Riding distance approx 14 miles.