I love camping with buddies at Lolo's Pass. It's secluded, and free, and gorgeous. You can go with a big group and there is space to spread. You don't have to worry about reserving ahead of time because it's first-come-first-serve. So make sure that you get out there early to grab the spots by the river.
Tupelo was being obnoxious as usual. She prefers a human bed and the comforts of the indoors to camping. She likes it for the first hour or so, and then she's over it. She also refuses to lay on bare ground. Fucking princess.
A quick drive down Lolo's Pass takes you to the trail head up to Bald Peak, a hike that was suggested by my buddy Nicholas. There are great spots for Rockhounding and mushroom hunting along the way.
I was slightly surprised to find snow on the Bald Peak Mountain hike. Tupelo was overjoyed and kept sliding down and sledding on her belly. The hike is 6.6 miles, but we bombed right past the trail on the PCT and had to run back and forth to pick it up with a short jaunt bushwhacking up the mountain. We ended up doing more than 10 miles. *sigh*
Don't forget to attach your hiking permit to your backpack in case you die and they have to identify your body. Not creepy at all.
The view was worth it. So was the pizza I bought in Rhododendron after coming back. AND, I was lucky enough to get not 1, but 2 rides up the mountain on the back of a motorcycle from another camper at Lolo's Pass. There really is nothing better than riding up the mountain at sunset with the wind blowing through your hair with a belly full of cheese pizza. You should try it.
Don't forget to attach your hiking permit to your backpack in case you die and they have to identify your body. Not creepy at all.
The view was worth it. So was the pizza I bought in Rhododendron after coming back. AND, I was lucky enough to get not 1, but 2 rides up the mountain on the back of a motorcycle from another camper at Lolo's Pass. There really is nothing better than riding up the mountain at sunset with the wind blowing through your hair with a belly full of cheese pizza. You should try it.