Its a long, slow drive down the Boulder River Road from Big Timber, but we had gotten an early start, so we were underway by 10:15. THe hike starts in heavy timber.
There are some views along the way, provided by big piles of talus.
After about 3.5 miles along the East Fork of the Boulder River, the trail crosses on a very nice bridge.
A nice trail along the left side of the East Fork. We stopped for a quick lunch along here.
Through the woods. \
At about the five mile mark, you can take a side trail to Lake Kathleen. We saw a lady camping with her kids there, and despite the fact that this is Labor Day weekend, we would see no more people for nearly two days.
After the lake, the Rainbow Creek trail splits off, and we followed that for the next 4 miles. The climbing felt pretty significant with our loads. Things open up when you arrive at the meadows along the Creek.
Roger was ahead of Susie by maybe 150 yards at this point, and he spotted a great little spot, just off the trail, to make camp. We had hiked 9 miles and climbed about 2500 feet, so that was enough accomplishment for one day.
Roger returning from some picture taking.
One of the photos he was taking.
Looks Roger is all cleaned up and pondering which meal to have for dinner.
Nice lighting in the morning, but it is time to get underway.
This looks to be near the split of a trail taking off to the east, whiile the Rainbow Creek trail heads north to - what else, the Rainbow Lakes.
Susie is heading east and will do a bit of climbing to a saddle on a ridge to the east.
Roger at the saddle. An elevation of 9633 feet, or about 650 feet above our last camp.
The route is essentially flat, past a few small lakes.
OK, there is one slight drop, but nothing serious. Susie is just trying to stay on the official trail, although obviously, off-trail travel is pretty easy.
Roger along the trail.
Passing another lake.
We have set up camp at Owl Lake. We wanted a short day (less than 4 miles or so) to provide ample time for poking around.
After lunch, we took off to check out our surroundings. We are looking down the valley of Wounded Man Creek, and that is likely Barrier Lake in the distance.
Heading northeast from Camp.
Roger looking north down the headwaters of the West Fork of the Stillwater river.
Lake Diaphanous. I liked the island in the lake.
