Hidden Teepee Creek and Tongue River Country WY
Jul 28, 2021 16:03:10 GMT -8
zeke, rebeccad, and 7 more like this
Post by rangewalker on Jul 28, 2021 16:03:10 GMT -8
Northern Wyoming-Bighorn National Forest in Wyoming. My friend and I took three days to rattle around one of the larger sections of old-growth roadless areas left in the region. Both 60 plus. My friend is newer to backpacking. I have fifty years. No trailhead. For some years, I have explored the area, hiking in the four north-south canyons that feed their waters into the North Tongue River. The place has not a fierce name, a National Park designation, or a famous Wilderness Area. It is a roadless area. The area is protected by the 2001 RACR or Roadless Area Conservation Rule. There is a web of elk trails and hunter-outfitter engineered sections, but most human travel through the area seeks out and finds the paths of least resistance. The benches and cliff bans are thick with springs and bentonite bogs.
People have occupied these canyons for summer hunting camps for thousands of years. The rugged terrain and ancient character of the trees made timber harvest uneconomical. The prime benefit of these lands is the varied habitat they provide, from dark to well-watered parks.
The hike was relatively short. The wild stuff starts only a half-mile in. We encountered a few forest birds, elk in the early morning and evenings along the forest edge and moose yearling hell-bent for travel flushed up my friend. Our gear is very much a mix of UL and recent lightweight. Trending more UL except for packs and footwear. We both need leather and framed tools for the job.
Bonnie
First elk neighbor
Second elk neighbor. The bulls behavior is consistent in summer. They come out of the deep timber in late afternoon and graze.
Parks end
Bear Vault BV450's in their natural enviroment.
Camp. One Light Heart Gear Solo Awning and a BA first generation Fly Creek UL 2
The post dinner scans for wildlife.
What old growth Spruce looks like in the absence of fire for hundreds of years.
More exploring along the line.
People have occupied these canyons for summer hunting camps for thousands of years. The rugged terrain and ancient character of the trees made timber harvest uneconomical. The prime benefit of these lands is the varied habitat they provide, from dark to well-watered parks.
The hike was relatively short. The wild stuff starts only a half-mile in. We encountered a few forest birds, elk in the early morning and evenings along the forest edge and moose yearling hell-bent for travel flushed up my friend. Our gear is very much a mix of UL and recent lightweight. Trending more UL except for packs and footwear. We both need leather and framed tools for the job.
Bonnie
First elk neighbor
Second elk neighbor. The bulls behavior is consistent in summer. They come out of the deep timber in late afternoon and graze.
Parks end
Bear Vault BV450's in their natural enviroment.
Camp. One Light Heart Gear Solo Awning and a BA first generation Fly Creek UL 2
The post dinner scans for wildlife.
What old growth Spruce looks like in the absence of fire for hundreds of years.
More exploring along the line.
