The Bob is one of those unique places that any adventurer needs to add to their resume. Located inside Flathead National Forest just south of the famous Glacier National Park, The Bob is a stunning attraction filled with deep forests, pearl lakes, thrusted cliffs and glacial remnants. It is also the home of one of the longest escarpments in North America called the Chinese Wall. The wall is a thrusted sheet of towering rock cliff tracing nearly 60 miles through the wilderness area. We had intended to visit the wall, but forest fires in the area closed many of the trails and rerouted us to a trek along the Flathead river. While several still mornings held smoke in the valleys, the bulk of the trek was smoke free and offered spectacular views of the glacial carved peaks.
Our Itinerary –
Flight to Helena MO departing from Great Falls. Outfitter picked us up from a hotel in Helena dropped us off at the trail head, stored our extra gear and picked us up at the trail end for transfer to hotel in Great Falls.
Day 1- Outfitter picked us up after breakfast for the 3 hour drive to the trail head. From the trail head we headed south along the South Flathead River. Immediately immersed in the wilderness experience we hoofed it to a beautiful campsite along the river near Meadow Creek. It was early September and elk hunting season would begin within a couple of weeks. Day one (and practically every day after) we observed hunting outfitters hauling in mule and horse trains loaded with gear to set up wilderness camps for the coming hunt.
Day 2 – Continuing along the river the trail ascended some of high ground surrounding the river corridor. From the heights we could observe the huge suspension foot bridge from over a mile away. After crossing the bridge and arriving at the ranger’s cabin there was no one to be seen. We continued to a stunning campsite on the north shore of Big Salmon Lake.
Day 3 – A long day. Early morning was very still, Smoke from the fires near by settled into the valley and obscured many of the towering peaks. We had intended on taking the switch-back filled ascent to the summit of Garnet Peak, but with the lack of visibility took a pass. We trekked around the lake and stopped for some fishing at the south shore outlet stream. Large brown trout were clearly visible in the clear water but had no interest in our lures! So after a few hours we headed out for a long afternoon arriving after 5:00 at our camp near the join with Cataract Creek.
Day 4 – This was our most strenuous day as far as elevation goes. We made the big ascent up Pendant Pass. Arriving above tree line with smokeless skies offered terrific views of the peaks and valley we had just traversed. After a nice break at the top of the pass we descended to Upper Holland Lake. Yet another stunning campsite along the shore of the remote upper lake we crashed early, ready for our last day on the trail.
Day 5 – Once again early on the trail we circled the lake and rapidly descended the high valley. Views of Lower Holland and the surrounding countryside were packed with memories. The rapid descent brought us to the shore of Lower Holland Lake where we stopped for Lunch. While pulling out our remaining rations a boat pulls out on the lake from just hundreds of feet away. Two of us split off to see where it was coming from. Low and behold there is an exquisite resort right there next to us! Taking less than 1 minute to agree, we all headed to the resort, rented a cabin and hit the bar and restaurant for the night. What an end to a fantastic wilderness adventure! The Outfitter even delivered our stored gear and street cloths that afternoon. So we had all the comforts of home.
Day 6 – The outfitter picked us up and drove us to a Great Falls Hotel. We explored Great Falls for the day and prepared for the flights home early the next day. The Bob is a wonderful area well worth several visits. I am sorry we did not get to see the Chinese Wall – but that alone is reason for a return!
