The Bob Marshall Wilderness (or “The Bob” as it is called by locals) is located in Montana, just south of Glacier National Park. Spanning two national forests, it is easier to visit than most national parks, with fewer regulations as well as visitors. It seemed like a good place to find something approaching solitude. But that does not mean being alone. The Bob is home to the greatest concentration of grizzly bears in the lower 48 states. I started in the east, near the town of Choteau.
The Bob has more plenty of streams, but most of them seemed to be hidden in the woods. This one had a chance to see the light of day – at least on one side.The Bob does not have very many lakes, but it has some gems, such as Dean Lake.A segment of an unknown wallThe mountain on the left contains a part of an unknown wall
Wall and mountainsA panoramic view of mountains and a wall, with a semi-wall in the middle. Why is it that The Bob has these walls in various places but other mountainous areas do not? It’s hard to find a good geologist when you need one.Closeup of the wallA quiet little lake where everything is greenOn some trails, spiders would build webs right across the trail, and you could see them in the morning sun if the lighting was right. If the lighting wasn’t right, you could walk right through them.Thanks for the sign (or at least half of one). Now I know which path to take.Lake Levale was another pretty lake. A trail led straight to it and no more as if to say, “OK. Now you’ve seen it. Be on your way.Approaching the south end of the North Wall, which is the second most famous wall in The Bob, after the Chinese Wall.Lake Levale was another pretty lake. A trail led straight to it and no more as if to say, “OK. Now you’ve seen it. Be on your way.A long view of a segment of the North WallUp close, walls were aways imposing. I assume it’s due to their verticality.The Bob may not have many lakes, but it has plenty of streams. Thanks to a wildfire, this one is easy to view, unlike many others, leading to the dreaded Green Tunnel phenomenon.I was amazed that a deer would wander this close to my camp site. This isn’t the greatest photo, but it was an experience.I was going to make a second trip into The Bob, but wildfires in that area convinced me to find a safer place to go. I chose Glacier National Park.
My trip was backpacking over a week. 123 miles in 6.3 days.
Adventure After 60 