- Joined
- Dec 23, 2013
- Messages
- 3,722
It was time for my annual September trip into Yellowstone. This years destination was campsite WB1, located on the Gallatin River in the northwest quadrant of the Park. As in the past, on this trip we would set up a base camp at WB1, with one day hike to Big Horn Pass, and a second day hike to Fawn Pass.
Day 1
Seven of us gathered in West Yellowstone in the early afternoon at the Visitors' Center Backcountry Office to pick up our official permit. The gentleman staffing the office and getting us our permit remembered us from last year's off-trail route to Joseph's Coat Springs.
![01.jpg 01.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/125/125975-0bd2bd89bbbc9794c5de7087d711f49d.jpg)
@TractorDoc up to his usual trip planning changes no doubt.![Smile :) :)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
After getting the permit (we didn't have to watch the safety film), we headed over to Ernie's for some lunch. After eating we headed out for the Bighorn Pass Trailhead. Two of our group decided that they needed to run to a nearby grocery store to get some tea for the backcountry. I asked if they wanted me to wait for them, or did they just want to meet us at the trailhead. They agreed to meet us at the trailhead. This is when I told them that the trailhead was located 20 miles north of West Yellowstone on the right hand side of Highway 191. They said, "OK" and left for the grocery store while the rest of us headed north to the trailhead.
Everyone was able to find the trailhead, located right after the 20 mile marker on 191, except the two jokers that had to go get tea.
We waited for about thirty minutes and decided that they must be lost. @TractorDoc, Brent and myself hoped in the Subaru and headed back towards West Yellowstone to see if we could get some cell reception and contact them, if they were still in town. We'll we couldn't contact them, and after driving most of the way back to West Yellowstone, we turned around and headed back to the trailhead. When we arrived, Cody told us the others had showed up about five minutes after we left to search for them. Turns out they had driven further north towards Black Butte Ranch before realizing that they must have missed the trailhead. 20 miles north of West Yellowstone! They wouldn't live this down for the rest of the trip.
![01b.jpg 01b.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/125/125976-190488e0d03a81b71444b37b10e368bc.jpg)
Heading to Ernie's. The two in the middle were the ones who got lost.
![02.jpg 02.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/125/125977-99ccee366c94d5d0e2cdf0f895a66517.jpg)
The sign for the Bighorn Pass Trailhead with Highway 191 off to the left
It was about 4.4 miles into campsite WB1 from the trailhead, and Danny and Mark (The Lost Ones) took off for camp before we returned from looking for them. So the rest of us got our gear ready and started off on our way.
![Gallatin_River_Trip_09_07_23.jpg Gallatin_River_Trip_09_07_23.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/125/125978-aaba5cb79a06b219ec5248d6b9b2156f.jpg)
Overview map of entire trip
![02b.jpg 02b.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/125/125979-fb43b313f009799d20c6e1f54bf22666.jpg)
Ready to head to WB1
![03.jpg 03.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/125/125980-4b27801407375b2fc8f0942386536cf6.jpg)
Mileage sign near trailhead
![04.jpg 04.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/125/125981-6406d4ec49552ca1f704f166fe2676d9.jpg)
Horseshoe bend in the Gallatin River
![04b.jpg 04b.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/125/125982-a19539c788c27d561811396452449741.jpg)
@TractorDoc happy to have a footbridge across the Gallatin
![05.jpg 05.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/125/125983-cfb45b5c2b7732d008439d7498da9a72.jpg)
The Gallatin River
![06.jpg 06.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/125/125984-5a5b828087e1919f674c4008c534c480.jpg)
Waiting for the Scatman
![07.jpg 07.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/125/125985-9e391d901af6118006f13f660b936c94.jpg)
The Bighorn Pass Trail
![08.jpg 08.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/125/125986-1bef1b9be83cc896a2218a6565807518.jpg)
Entering the Gallatin River Meadows. I thought the meadows were beautiful.
![09.jpg 09.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/125/125987-edc644213ae0fa1370187777e6ac5f02.jpg)
Back on the Gallatin
![10.jpg 10.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/125/125988-2ea6f92d6d7ec9fee7a66cb36d7bb2aa.jpg)
Arriving at our campsite. It looks like I need to rotate my lens hood.![Smile :) :)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
We arrived at camp around six in the evening, a little later than I would have liked, and we set up our tents and got ready for dinner. I thought WB1 was and excellent campsite with nice views up and down the river, and a nice water source (the river).
![10b.jpg 10b.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/125/125989-9df7db8fae8f475bddfd7f08b18d6b4b.jpg)
![10c.jpg 10c.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/125/125990-e0a05f45eaaff495636abcb65d7decb7.jpg)
![10d.jpg 10d.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/125/125991-7f10066ece4c6a3695e5660ccfd9706f.jpg)
![10e.jpg 10e.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/125/125992-a783367ec124dbdec89ad069124b7425.jpg)
![12.jpg 12.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/125/125993-8f7c8bcd862e5aa7ecaa1705c030a0ed.jpg)
![12b.jpg 12b.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/125/125994-f2f3f79c67da2a1124710a32c34d44e4.jpg)
Our tents
![13.jpg 13.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/125/125995-c99d3d2b9019152259d159e3e79ea19b.jpg)
20 miles!
looks like this guy could use a Cold Smoke, or maybe some toilet paper.
![14.jpg 14.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/125/125996-7c72b2a2c345926d760bdc4e5c39d142.jpg)
Must have been a Cold Smoke.
![14a.jpg 14a.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/125/125997-ffa5b3fcbded72df1cd3081e65423585.jpg)
@TractorDoc enjoying some ice cream
![14b.jpg 14b.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/125/125998-6a5361c614e487a8ee2a8aad3c0c7d82.jpg)
Don't look for too long for it will burn your retinas.![Er... what? o_O o_O](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
![15.jpg 15.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/125/125999-f1ee413c12fb8971782f7d3446a84105.jpg)
Each evening, clouds would buildup and we would get some rain.
Day 2
Today's day hike would be to Bighorn Pass which was about 14 miles away from WB1. I felt a bit sluggish on day two and quickly fell behind the rest of the group on the way to the pass. Dave and Cody broke off and went to check out a waterfall to the north of the trail. The rest of us would get a peek at it on our way back down. We soon crossed the Gallatin Bear Management Boundary, which meant no off-trail travel while in the BMA. After taking a break, the real climbing to the pass began. I fell behind rather quickly again, but the views were wonderful. At the pass, we took a break and had some lunch and enjoyed the views.
![16.jpg 16.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126000-a135e21a181f0cefc098999c5892642e.jpg)
Time for breakfast on day two
![17.jpg 17.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126001-13d2f59c7a5f46a6be7dcdc5bc25884c.jpg)
Gallatin River east of WB1
![18.jpg 18.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126002-8913b2b106538783d2907e5a8e0cba76.jpg)
![19.jpg 19.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126003-485066f620bad8e52d159bb5496e897a.jpg)
We passed other campsites along the way
![20.jpg 20.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126004-1a62b7c3beef54e0967f92820dbc4777.jpg)
Looking back the way we had come
![21.jpg 21.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126005-83ba6ea6b9ab6810608e9c2c38cd91c1.jpg)
Some Harebells still in bloom
![22.jpg 22.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126006-3b14be35fe448770a712508e6935711e.jpg)
Tributary of the Gallatin
![23.jpg 23.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126007-a9b8d265561540ca27c7e93cafa5b42f.jpg)
Another campsite post, this one for WB6
![24.jpg 24.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126008-8c6ceab80622da2547d25d2b1adeae09.jpg)
First sign of bear
![26b.jpg 26b.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126009-e2f965bb803065820378e3ea965001d1.jpg)
Bull elk up on the hill at the top of the center clearing
![27.jpg 27.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126010-2788b8d01b9ba3b24050eec4e9f536e3.jpg)
View to the north of the trail
![28.jpg 28.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126011-1f7f9d8c9d5cef3726a7866621a06177.jpg)
View back down the Gallatin River drainage
![29.jpg 29.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126012-77f873d263990feda1ee2ebd0b5afdda.jpg)
Thistle was plentiful in this area
![30.jpg 30.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126013-fc61fe0f5316219acebd07c6d8c71703.jpg)
View to the east, climbing to the pass. Looking at the west side of unnamed peak 10,163.
![31.jpg 31.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126014-40638ce7decac52e406616720e2e21c4.jpg)
Nearing the pass
![32.jpg 32.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126015-6cf80defb2db6fdf2ffedc9a847034f8.jpg)
Another look back down the Gallatin River drainage
![33.jpg 33.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126016-b2440e914a91ad41a1f3649de3ae808f.jpg)
At the pass.
![34.jpg 34.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126017-c0007b494e72e219087ebd47eec6e443.jpg)
Time for lunch
![35.jpg 35.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126018-686c6e49610fd18df100297defd7bf3c.jpg)
Great view off the east side of the pass. Way in the distance is Bunsen Peak
![36.jpg 36.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126019-9296a8addee4e37c59c2aee4b625d7c6.jpg)
Quadrant Mountain
![37.jpg 37.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126020-b607f5f3a0d7c31170d7a20883375b07.jpg)
Bannock Peak
![38.jpg 38.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126021-ace49b498756c7c1dfb366398c75d044.jpg)
Pink at the Pass!![Big Grin :D :D](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
![42.jpg 42.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126023-279753336f846ca405329b53dd740489.jpg)
Group shot
![43.jpg 43.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126024-81a239b0dd0ad89e15427e70ce88ed82.jpg)
Getting the perfect angle, on our way back to camp
![44.jpg 44.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126025-612695e3d5f34718a9c051c228335bef.jpg)
Camp is around the bend
![45.jpg 45.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126026-a4895ff6bd478e9d79ed0872253d9c6c.jpg)
![46.jpg 46.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126027-6938d80f7d2bc0398b7a6fe508f5d312.jpg)
![47.jpg 47.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126028-b58fdd258d272615864a6547d8c2feb2.jpg)
![48.jpg 48.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126029-60e3eb2628b5781f2ce767f03761002e.jpg)
Wildflowers
![49.jpg 49.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126030-68a7e53df516a406862ff744778b6ac2.jpg)
Bringing up the rear once again.
Heading down to see some falls.
![50.jpg 50.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126031-458a195678b46d650ad9c6d41317d476.jpg)
Mushrooms
![51.jpg 51.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126032-47eeaeef1e8d39f78fc9d12d8dbba759.jpg)
Coyote track
![52.jpg 52.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126033-f450caba74a9b79301c39d4a48f8a730.jpg)
Heading towards Stone Hollow Falls
![54.jpg 54.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126035-5282539c49245b5510960782b6c97ae1.jpg)
![53.jpg 53.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126034-b480e41a97f005ecf37984b62597e99b.jpg)
Stone Hollow Falls - an extremely slippery approach to these falls, so watch your step.
![55.jpg 55.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126036-d8431115d93563004a39117797743eb7.jpg)
Back at camp and dinner time before it rains
![56.jpg 56.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126037-6e6191f98662d48faf89b06ae91cb9c4.jpg)
My dinner.
![57.jpg 57.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126038-d40c2fc2262aa8dbe218af4ca70b45b4.jpg)
Well deserved today.
![58.jpg 58.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126039-fbfc61fc60ea3de0e32b7188aa57ec8d.jpg)
Dave had the same idea for dinner
![59.jpg 59.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126041-90d76763899452591d23111c60267f04.jpg)
View to the east from my tent on the evening of day 2
Day 3
After day two, I thought day three would be a slog for me, but I woke up feeling good and ready for the hike up to Fawn Pass. While a shorter hike than the previous day's, the climbing on this one would begin right off the bat as opposed to at the end on Big Horn.
![60.jpg 60.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126042-dc449982febffd312076119e37e56aae.jpg)
First hill ahead
![61.jpg 61.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126043-eaad54453012469b437190d42a50be4c.jpg)
The Fawn Pass Cutoff Trail
![62.jpg 62.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126044-69ea54bcd17472d2f4e7f45efbf0de06.jpg)
Heading up the hill on the Fawn Pass Cutoff Trail
![63.jpg 63.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126045-bb4f6dd1e673eed78783393f9aef1dd5.jpg)
Gaining some elevation
![64.jpg 64.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126046-388cfc8777148592111fea0b9dccabdc.jpg)
At the junction with the Fawn Pass Trail
![65.jpg 65.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126047-b2371543025b3a620be12842da52246e.jpg)
View towards the Lee Metcalf Wilderness
![66.jpg 66.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126048-47a9a102e17a4c62036c787d70ae197e.jpg)
View to the south
![67.jpg 67.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126049-d42df8e31d44fe2328323c97624801c6.jpg)
Looking up the Gallatin River below. Where we had hiked the previous day.
![68.jpg 68.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126050-74d00b0b4ae99aef2029b6882ef2ccea.jpg)
A hawk above us
![69.jpg 69.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126051-254e9d943b0d97d0f625c1ed55dacb4e.jpg)
Fireweed
![70.jpg 70.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126052-b1a507998468ab0b6ebe8e03d0a8b483.jpg)
Bear track. There were not as many on the Fawn Pass Trail as there had been on the
Bighorn Pass Trail the day before.
![71.jpg 71.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126053-8faf40ca1221124d27f757698a9a9e37.jpg)
Looking back down towards camp
![72.jpg 72.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126054-47db585a8495ad18fa7da1ddb4f56fb9.jpg)
Blue stain fungi caused the ring you see on the sewn log
![73.jpg 73.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126055-0ea65a457383f6dafc8d6eae860816e4.jpg)
Unnamed Peak 9676
![74.jpg 74.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126056-5037837a19dc5dfc7afe2304afba35f4.jpg)
Looking over at Crowfoot Ridge
![75.jpg 75.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126057-bffcd59a3ac44252a525cb80e887cafe.jpg)
Made it to Fawn Pass which is lower than Bighorn Pass
![76.jpg 76.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126058-fc3775c0a11ec283b2099ab8a2f0c5a8.jpg)
Grey Peak
![77.jpg 77.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126059-a0a9937f6004516ff6f0ab6d71a412eb.jpg)
Not as harsh on the eyes on this pass.![Big Grin :D :D](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
![79.jpg 79.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126060-91f535309813a6bf5e950e6573e44296.jpg)
Group shot at the pass
![80.jpg 80.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126061-d1f6f9a2c117e7606ca25a06f2a7a5ee.jpg)
Ghost forest and cone flowers on our way back down
![81.jpg 81.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126062-2d446d398cbd92232cead1352f93cd5a.jpg)
WB1 is down there somewhere
![82.jpg 82.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126063-6945ca0b2deb3a7bbbad3f09d3e9374e.jpg)
Back at camp and enjoying a piece of the Tony Chocolonely bar after completing Fawn Pass. Everyone had a piece to celebrate two
successful day hikes
![83.jpg 83.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126064-012cd4fa33d383b145520b2b3229c830.jpg)
Now Dave and Cody had to leave one day early because they had reservations at Old Faithful, and had some hiking planned for the
Tetons, so we took a group shot of all seven of us before they hiked back out to the trailhead.
![84.jpg 84.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126065-dc9b4493dfcff7033d3ecd99bfd2e2e4.jpg)
And off they went.
![86.jpg 86.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126066-c6f5c78e566de9809e8b7e6619fd5604.jpg)
More clouds moved in which meant more rain that evening
Day 4
Day four was nothing more than eating breakfast, pack up, heading back to the trailhead, and getting lunch in West Yellowstone to celebrate our trip.
![87.jpg 87.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126068-e4da65a2d1a8b6f2dcb613f18aabf04a.jpg)
Hiking out through the Gallatin River Meadows
![88.jpg 88.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126069-992b0397761b0609bd05961a4b82e74c.jpg)
You've seen this one before, but it is worth seeing again. Scatman down!![Big Grin :D :D](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
![89.jpg 89.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126070-c755a8eef038620882e178f9aa4922d4.jpg)
Big Horn Pass Trail
![90.jpg 90.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126071-77e361ae26c12f269c7afb7d4356693c.jpg)
Back on the Gallatin
![91.jpg 91.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126072-f29cdddaf8061cc98f71d6d008747faf.jpg)
Horse and a mule + cowboy and cowgirl. Ah .... it's so romantic!![Heart Eyes :heart_eyes: :heart_eyes:](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
![92.jpg 92.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126073-ec0294ac72709f3bb151a3a370feadb6.jpg)
Unloading some horses at the trailhead upon our return
![93.jpg 93.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126074-923edecae6826fac025d3e159fef5c62.jpg)
Trailhead info sign
![94.jpg 94.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126076-938d5810f56fdbf4e530d74275078f74.jpg)
Best part of the sign.![Smile :) :)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
![93b.jpg 93b.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126075-5ce0c4c0a9891618cbd7e072dcc820f3.jpg)
The Sube survived!![Thumbs Up :thumbsup: :thumbsup:](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
![95.jpg 95.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126077-d9521af86099364b8976b8df2d220b95.jpg)
Danny arrives back at the trailhead. 20 miles mister!![Smile :) :)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
![96.jpg 96.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126078-4a04e191afca22c9b4da281e736fb6f7.jpg)
Drove back down to West Yellowstone for some food and a beer, and the Slippery Otter Pub was not open.
![97.jpg 97.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126079-468cbfcb52069485655429da9d8add1c.jpg)
So it was off to The Buffalo Bar instead
![98.jpg 98.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126080-49572d61e80eb9bf90ca5933c057b542.jpg)
And remember not to do this.
![99.jpg 99.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126081-500dd93d20a7b0945f0de14f9344074c.jpg)
I liked the picture on the menu
![100.jpg 100.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126082-7f0f813a1572ea519a13a7f9242d1ba4.jpg)
Hog trough Nachos as usual. Could use some Carolina Reapers don't you think?
![101.jpg 101.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126083-e7907783d1adaf89bc2de7b6cfa60f97.jpg)
The only moose we saw on our trip was right above me.![Smile :) :)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
This trip was a lot of fun, with a great campsite and two highly recommended day hikes, along with some excellent company to pass the time with. Already looking forward to next September's trip.![Thumbs Up :thumbsup: :thumbsup:](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
The End.
Day 1
Seven of us gathered in West Yellowstone in the early afternoon at the Visitors' Center Backcountry Office to pick up our official permit. The gentleman staffing the office and getting us our permit remembered us from last year's off-trail route to Joseph's Coat Springs.
![01.jpg 01.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/125/125975-0bd2bd89bbbc9794c5de7087d711f49d.jpg)
@TractorDoc up to his usual trip planning changes no doubt.
After getting the permit (we didn't have to watch the safety film), we headed over to Ernie's for some lunch. After eating we headed out for the Bighorn Pass Trailhead. Two of our group decided that they needed to run to a nearby grocery store to get some tea for the backcountry. I asked if they wanted me to wait for them, or did they just want to meet us at the trailhead. They agreed to meet us at the trailhead. This is when I told them that the trailhead was located 20 miles north of West Yellowstone on the right hand side of Highway 191. They said, "OK" and left for the grocery store while the rest of us headed north to the trailhead.
Everyone was able to find the trailhead, located right after the 20 mile marker on 191, except the two jokers that had to go get tea.
We waited for about thirty minutes and decided that they must be lost. @TractorDoc, Brent and myself hoped in the Subaru and headed back towards West Yellowstone to see if we could get some cell reception and contact them, if they were still in town. We'll we couldn't contact them, and after driving most of the way back to West Yellowstone, we turned around and headed back to the trailhead. When we arrived, Cody told us the others had showed up about five minutes after we left to search for them. Turns out they had driven further north towards Black Butte Ranch before realizing that they must have missed the trailhead. 20 miles north of West Yellowstone! They wouldn't live this down for the rest of the trip.
![01b.jpg 01b.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/125/125976-190488e0d03a81b71444b37b10e368bc.jpg)
Heading to Ernie's. The two in the middle were the ones who got lost.
![02.jpg 02.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/125/125977-99ccee366c94d5d0e2cdf0f895a66517.jpg)
The sign for the Bighorn Pass Trailhead with Highway 191 off to the left
It was about 4.4 miles into campsite WB1 from the trailhead, and Danny and Mark (The Lost Ones) took off for camp before we returned from looking for them. So the rest of us got our gear ready and started off on our way.
![Gallatin_River_Trip_09_07_23.jpg Gallatin_River_Trip_09_07_23.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/125/125978-aaba5cb79a06b219ec5248d6b9b2156f.jpg)
Overview map of entire trip
![02b.jpg 02b.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/125/125979-fb43b313f009799d20c6e1f54bf22666.jpg)
Ready to head to WB1
![03.jpg 03.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/125/125980-4b27801407375b2fc8f0942386536cf6.jpg)
Mileage sign near trailhead
![04.jpg 04.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/125/125981-6406d4ec49552ca1f704f166fe2676d9.jpg)
Horseshoe bend in the Gallatin River
![04b.jpg 04b.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/125/125982-a19539c788c27d561811396452449741.jpg)
@TractorDoc happy to have a footbridge across the Gallatin
![05.jpg 05.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/125/125983-cfb45b5c2b7732d008439d7498da9a72.jpg)
The Gallatin River
![06.jpg 06.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/125/125984-5a5b828087e1919f674c4008c534c480.jpg)
Waiting for the Scatman
![07.jpg 07.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/125/125985-9e391d901af6118006f13f660b936c94.jpg)
The Bighorn Pass Trail
![08.jpg 08.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/125/125986-1bef1b9be83cc896a2218a6565807518.jpg)
Entering the Gallatin River Meadows. I thought the meadows were beautiful.
![09.jpg 09.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/125/125987-edc644213ae0fa1370187777e6ac5f02.jpg)
Back on the Gallatin
![10.jpg 10.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/125/125988-2ea6f92d6d7ec9fee7a66cb36d7bb2aa.jpg)
Arriving at our campsite. It looks like I need to rotate my lens hood.
We arrived at camp around six in the evening, a little later than I would have liked, and we set up our tents and got ready for dinner. I thought WB1 was and excellent campsite with nice views up and down the river, and a nice water source (the river).
![10b.jpg 10b.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/125/125989-9df7db8fae8f475bddfd7f08b18d6b4b.jpg)
![10c.jpg 10c.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/125/125990-e0a05f45eaaff495636abcb65d7decb7.jpg)
![10d.jpg 10d.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/125/125991-7f10066ece4c6a3695e5660ccfd9706f.jpg)
![10e.jpg 10e.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/125/125992-a783367ec124dbdec89ad069124b7425.jpg)
![12.jpg 12.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/125/125993-8f7c8bcd862e5aa7ecaa1705c030a0ed.jpg)
![12b.jpg 12b.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/125/125994-f2f3f79c67da2a1124710a32c34d44e4.jpg)
Our tents
![13.jpg 13.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/125/125995-c99d3d2b9019152259d159e3e79ea19b.jpg)
20 miles!
![14.jpg 14.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/125/125996-7c72b2a2c345926d760bdc4e5c39d142.jpg)
Must have been a Cold Smoke.
![14a.jpg 14a.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/125/125997-ffa5b3fcbded72df1cd3081e65423585.jpg)
@TractorDoc enjoying some ice cream
![14b.jpg 14b.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/125/125998-6a5361c614e487a8ee2a8aad3c0c7d82.jpg)
Don't look for too long for it will burn your retinas.
![15.jpg 15.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/125/125999-f1ee413c12fb8971782f7d3446a84105.jpg)
Each evening, clouds would buildup and we would get some rain.
Day 2
Today's day hike would be to Bighorn Pass which was about 14 miles away from WB1. I felt a bit sluggish on day two and quickly fell behind the rest of the group on the way to the pass. Dave and Cody broke off and went to check out a waterfall to the north of the trail. The rest of us would get a peek at it on our way back down. We soon crossed the Gallatin Bear Management Boundary, which meant no off-trail travel while in the BMA. After taking a break, the real climbing to the pass began. I fell behind rather quickly again, but the views were wonderful. At the pass, we took a break and had some lunch and enjoyed the views.
![16.jpg 16.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126000-a135e21a181f0cefc098999c5892642e.jpg)
Time for breakfast on day two
![17.jpg 17.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126001-13d2f59c7a5f46a6be7dcdc5bc25884c.jpg)
Gallatin River east of WB1
![18.jpg 18.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126002-8913b2b106538783d2907e5a8e0cba76.jpg)
![19.jpg 19.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126003-485066f620bad8e52d159bb5496e897a.jpg)
We passed other campsites along the way
![20.jpg 20.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126004-1a62b7c3beef54e0967f92820dbc4777.jpg)
Looking back the way we had come
![21.jpg 21.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126005-83ba6ea6b9ab6810608e9c2c38cd91c1.jpg)
Some Harebells still in bloom
![22.jpg 22.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126006-3b14be35fe448770a712508e6935711e.jpg)
Tributary of the Gallatin
![23.jpg 23.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126007-a9b8d265561540ca27c7e93cafa5b42f.jpg)
Another campsite post, this one for WB6
![24.jpg 24.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126008-8c6ceab80622da2547d25d2b1adeae09.jpg)
First sign of bear
![26b.jpg 26b.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126009-e2f965bb803065820378e3ea965001d1.jpg)
Bull elk up on the hill at the top of the center clearing
![27.jpg 27.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126010-2788b8d01b9ba3b24050eec4e9f536e3.jpg)
View to the north of the trail
![28.jpg 28.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126011-1f7f9d8c9d5cef3726a7866621a06177.jpg)
View back down the Gallatin River drainage
![29.jpg 29.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126012-77f873d263990feda1ee2ebd0b5afdda.jpg)
Thistle was plentiful in this area
![30.jpg 30.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126013-fc61fe0f5316219acebd07c6d8c71703.jpg)
View to the east, climbing to the pass. Looking at the west side of unnamed peak 10,163.
![31.jpg 31.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126014-40638ce7decac52e406616720e2e21c4.jpg)
Nearing the pass
![32.jpg 32.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126015-6cf80defb2db6fdf2ffedc9a847034f8.jpg)
Another look back down the Gallatin River drainage
![33.jpg 33.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126016-b2440e914a91ad41a1f3649de3ae808f.jpg)
At the pass.
![34.jpg 34.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126017-c0007b494e72e219087ebd47eec6e443.jpg)
Time for lunch
![35.jpg 35.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126018-686c6e49610fd18df100297defd7bf3c.jpg)
Great view off the east side of the pass. Way in the distance is Bunsen Peak
![36.jpg 36.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126019-9296a8addee4e37c59c2aee4b625d7c6.jpg)
Quadrant Mountain
![37.jpg 37.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126020-b607f5f3a0d7c31170d7a20883375b07.jpg)
Bannock Peak
![38.jpg 38.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126021-ace49b498756c7c1dfb366398c75d044.jpg)
Pink at the Pass!
![42.jpg 42.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126023-279753336f846ca405329b53dd740489.jpg)
Group shot
![43.jpg 43.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126024-81a239b0dd0ad89e15427e70ce88ed82.jpg)
Getting the perfect angle, on our way back to camp
![44.jpg 44.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126025-612695e3d5f34718a9c051c228335bef.jpg)
Camp is around the bend
![45.jpg 45.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126026-a4895ff6bd478e9d79ed0872253d9c6c.jpg)
![46.jpg 46.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126027-6938d80f7d2bc0398b7a6fe508f5d312.jpg)
![47.jpg 47.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126028-b58fdd258d272615864a6547d8c2feb2.jpg)
![48.jpg 48.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126029-60e3eb2628b5781f2ce767f03761002e.jpg)
Wildflowers
![49.jpg 49.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126030-68a7e53df516a406862ff744778b6ac2.jpg)
Bringing up the rear once again.
![50.jpg 50.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126031-458a195678b46d650ad9c6d41317d476.jpg)
Mushrooms
![51.jpg 51.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126032-47eeaeef1e8d39f78fc9d12d8dbba759.jpg)
Coyote track
![52.jpg 52.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126033-f450caba74a9b79301c39d4a48f8a730.jpg)
Heading towards Stone Hollow Falls
![54.jpg 54.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126035-5282539c49245b5510960782b6c97ae1.jpg)
![53.jpg 53.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126034-b480e41a97f005ecf37984b62597e99b.jpg)
Stone Hollow Falls - an extremely slippery approach to these falls, so watch your step.
![55.jpg 55.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126036-d8431115d93563004a39117797743eb7.jpg)
Back at camp and dinner time before it rains
![56.jpg 56.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126037-6e6191f98662d48faf89b06ae91cb9c4.jpg)
My dinner.
![57.jpg 57.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126038-d40c2fc2262aa8dbe218af4ca70b45b4.jpg)
Well deserved today.
![58.jpg 58.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126039-fbfc61fc60ea3de0e32b7188aa57ec8d.jpg)
Dave had the same idea for dinner
![59.jpg 59.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126041-90d76763899452591d23111c60267f04.jpg)
View to the east from my tent on the evening of day 2
Day 3
After day two, I thought day three would be a slog for me, but I woke up feeling good and ready for the hike up to Fawn Pass. While a shorter hike than the previous day's, the climbing on this one would begin right off the bat as opposed to at the end on Big Horn.
![60.jpg 60.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126042-dc449982febffd312076119e37e56aae.jpg)
First hill ahead
![61.jpg 61.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126043-eaad54453012469b437190d42a50be4c.jpg)
The Fawn Pass Cutoff Trail
![62.jpg 62.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126044-69ea54bcd17472d2f4e7f45efbf0de06.jpg)
Heading up the hill on the Fawn Pass Cutoff Trail
![63.jpg 63.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126045-bb4f6dd1e673eed78783393f9aef1dd5.jpg)
Gaining some elevation
![64.jpg 64.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126046-388cfc8777148592111fea0b9dccabdc.jpg)
At the junction with the Fawn Pass Trail
![65.jpg 65.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126047-b2371543025b3a620be12842da52246e.jpg)
View towards the Lee Metcalf Wilderness
![66.jpg 66.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126048-47a9a102e17a4c62036c787d70ae197e.jpg)
View to the south
![67.jpg 67.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126049-d42df8e31d44fe2328323c97624801c6.jpg)
Looking up the Gallatin River below. Where we had hiked the previous day.
![68.jpg 68.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126050-74d00b0b4ae99aef2029b6882ef2ccea.jpg)
A hawk above us
![69.jpg 69.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126051-254e9d943b0d97d0f625c1ed55dacb4e.jpg)
Fireweed
![70.jpg 70.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126052-b1a507998468ab0b6ebe8e03d0a8b483.jpg)
Bear track. There were not as many on the Fawn Pass Trail as there had been on the
Bighorn Pass Trail the day before.
![71.jpg 71.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126053-8faf40ca1221124d27f757698a9a9e37.jpg)
Looking back down towards camp
![72.jpg 72.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126054-47db585a8495ad18fa7da1ddb4f56fb9.jpg)
Blue stain fungi caused the ring you see on the sewn log
![73.jpg 73.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126055-0ea65a457383f6dafc8d6eae860816e4.jpg)
Unnamed Peak 9676
![74.jpg 74.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126056-5037837a19dc5dfc7afe2304afba35f4.jpg)
Looking over at Crowfoot Ridge
![75.jpg 75.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126057-bffcd59a3ac44252a525cb80e887cafe.jpg)
Made it to Fawn Pass which is lower than Bighorn Pass
![76.jpg 76.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126058-fc3775c0a11ec283b2099ab8a2f0c5a8.jpg)
Grey Peak
![77.jpg 77.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126059-a0a9937f6004516ff6f0ab6d71a412eb.jpg)
Not as harsh on the eyes on this pass.
![79.jpg 79.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126060-91f535309813a6bf5e950e6573e44296.jpg)
Group shot at the pass
![80.jpg 80.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126061-d1f6f9a2c117e7606ca25a06f2a7a5ee.jpg)
Ghost forest and cone flowers on our way back down
![81.jpg 81.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126062-2d446d398cbd92232cead1352f93cd5a.jpg)
WB1 is down there somewhere
![82.jpg 82.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126063-6945ca0b2deb3a7bbbad3f09d3e9374e.jpg)
Back at camp and enjoying a piece of the Tony Chocolonely bar after completing Fawn Pass. Everyone had a piece to celebrate two
successful day hikes
![83.jpg 83.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126064-012cd4fa33d383b145520b2b3229c830.jpg)
Now Dave and Cody had to leave one day early because they had reservations at Old Faithful, and had some hiking planned for the
Tetons, so we took a group shot of all seven of us before they hiked back out to the trailhead.
![84.jpg 84.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126065-dc9b4493dfcff7033d3ecd99bfd2e2e4.jpg)
And off they went.
![86.jpg 86.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126066-c6f5c78e566de9809e8b7e6619fd5604.jpg)
More clouds moved in which meant more rain that evening
Day 4
Day four was nothing more than eating breakfast, pack up, heading back to the trailhead, and getting lunch in West Yellowstone to celebrate our trip.
![87.jpg 87.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126068-e4da65a2d1a8b6f2dcb613f18aabf04a.jpg)
Hiking out through the Gallatin River Meadows
![88.jpg 88.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126069-992b0397761b0609bd05961a4b82e74c.jpg)
You've seen this one before, but it is worth seeing again. Scatman down!
![89.jpg 89.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126070-c755a8eef038620882e178f9aa4922d4.jpg)
Big Horn Pass Trail
![90.jpg 90.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126071-77e361ae26c12f269c7afb7d4356693c.jpg)
Back on the Gallatin
![91.jpg 91.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126072-f29cdddaf8061cc98f71d6d008747faf.jpg)
Horse and a mule + cowboy and cowgirl. Ah .... it's so romantic!
![92.jpg 92.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126073-ec0294ac72709f3bb151a3a370feadb6.jpg)
Unloading some horses at the trailhead upon our return
![93.jpg 93.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126074-923edecae6826fac025d3e159fef5c62.jpg)
Trailhead info sign
![94.jpg 94.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126076-938d5810f56fdbf4e530d74275078f74.jpg)
Best part of the sign.
![93b.jpg 93b.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126075-5ce0c4c0a9891618cbd7e072dcc820f3.jpg)
The Sube survived!
![95.jpg 95.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126077-d9521af86099364b8976b8df2d220b95.jpg)
Danny arrives back at the trailhead. 20 miles mister!
![96.jpg 96.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126078-4a04e191afca22c9b4da281e736fb6f7.jpg)
Drove back down to West Yellowstone for some food and a beer, and the Slippery Otter Pub was not open.
![Frantic :frantic: :frantic:](/addedsmilies/frantics.gif)
![97.jpg 97.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126079-468cbfcb52069485655429da9d8add1c.jpg)
So it was off to The Buffalo Bar instead
![98.jpg 98.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126080-49572d61e80eb9bf90ca5933c057b542.jpg)
And remember not to do this.
![99.jpg 99.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126081-500dd93d20a7b0945f0de14f9344074c.jpg)
I liked the picture on the menu
![100.jpg 100.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126082-7f0f813a1572ea519a13a7f9242d1ba4.jpg)
Hog trough Nachos as usual. Could use some Carolina Reapers don't you think?
![Hot :hot: :hot:](/addedsmilies/hot.gif)
![101.jpg 101.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126083-e7907783d1adaf89bc2de7b6cfa60f97.jpg)
The only moose we saw on our trip was right above me.
This trip was a lot of fun, with a great campsite and two highly recommended day hikes, along with some excellent company to pass the time with. Already looking forward to next September's trip.
The End.