I finally got around to the first backpacking trip this summer; a 3-day trip into the Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness.
Day 1: Headed up the Middle Fork of Rock Creek from the Rock Cr TH. 6 miles and around 1800 feet gain later I landed at Upper Phyllis Lake. I haven't been to this lake before so it was a treat. Outside of the most brazen chipmunk that kept after my food even when I was standing over it, it was a quiet visit. A gal from Missoula (Liddia?) was also at the lake for a couple days, doing day hikes out her camp.
Day 2: I continued on the trail that I was on to the next saddle and then diverted off to a cross-country venture that ended at Oreamnos Lake. I have been over this route several times over the years in some fashion and directions. With both the East & West Pintler Peaks; a couple lakes, it is a unique area for some off trail travel. There was a father and daughter at the lake from Missoula. That evening the wind really got going up around the peaks. It sounded like a jet engine as it circled the upper basins and peaks. But it never got down to the lake as my tent barely stirred.
Day 3: Headed over Pintler Pass, down past Johnson Lake then back to the trailhead. Fires have destroyed all the timber from Johnson Lake to the TH. It is around 5 miles of a sun beatdown. The only real shade in the middle of the day is the stock bridge at the falls or if a couple snags line up for a sliver of shade. However water is very plentiful as there are at least 7 year-round streams that cross the trail. The trail itself is rocky and rough, definitely a slower pace. It was 91 at the TH when I got back to the truck.
For you road-warriors out there that don't mind a good drive. I left the house in Hayden at 5 am, arrived at the TH at 11 (mountain) and was at Phyllis Lake around 4.
For you filthy hikers (you know who you are) Don't forget to take a dip in Moose Lake at the day-use area on the way out. There is a new dock to jump off of.
