- Joined
- Dec 23, 2013
- Messages
- 3,761
A day after coming off a two week canoe trip around Yellowstone Lake with my daughter, I met up with my wife, along with @Artemus and his wife Becky for a go at the Mary Mountain Trail in Yellowstone National Park. The Mary Mountain Trail crosses the north end of Hayden Valley and the Central Plateau in Yellowstone and is considered by many to be the premier day hike in Yellowstone at 20.2 miles in length. It is also known for its excellent Grizzly Bear habitat, Bison herds, wolf packs and more.
This would be my third time hiking Mary Mountain over the years and my sixth visit to Mary Lake which is situated at just about the halfway point up on the plateau. On this hike though, we would head off-trail a short distance to check out Violet Hot Springs to bring our total mileage to 21.1 miles for the day.
We began our hike around 7:50 am, starting at the Mary Mountain Trailhead on the east end of the route, just west of the Yellowstone River were we got to observe a Blue Heron on its banks. It was a crisp 39 degrees at the trailhead, but once we started hiking things warmed up nicely. Highlights of the hike included Bison of course, but also a Grizzly Bear back in the western reaches of Hayden, Violet Hot Springs, and lots of waterfowl, including Canadian Geese and Sandhill Cranes. While we didn't manage to run into any wolves, their tracks kept us company all along the trail from east to west.
We stopped at the Mary Mountain Patrol Cabin at Mary Lake for lunch before heading down to Nez Perce Creek and out in Lower Geyser Basin.
Here are some shots of our hike.
![80609 80609](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/80/80626-ae2abefd468a81620def3e7f58b1dae2.jpg)
Overview map of our route
![80610 80610](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/80/80627-6c2548046096fd122ffac2c3565c2d62.jpg)
The Mary Mountain Trailhead in Hayden Valley
![80611 80611](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/80/80628-dca297cbaf3966ebf5389d04df27ee72.jpg)
Obligatory group shot (minus one) before we get started.
![80612 80612](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/80/80629-4ac7bce4d210ad8712b33090173d5b53.jpg)
Heading out through Hayden Valley. How did I get so far behind the group? Cold knees perhaps?![Smile :) :)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
![80613 80613](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/80/80630-6897b6228d10162b460309f6d77baaf8.jpg)
Canadian Geese unsure of our intent.
![80614 80614](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/80/80631-79c4b5e6e7217b5ef74cb89b66f30852.jpg)
Looking back southeast towards thermal activity and Sulphur Mountain
![80615 80615](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/80/80632-3a7bfc5975818b6193df9ed8cc57069d.jpg)
Making our way through the eastern potion of Hayden Valley
![80616 80616](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/80/80633-603abfb52ea0948b5d74164968047606.jpg)
The wide expanse to the west of us along the north end of Hayden Valley
![80617 80617](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/80/80634-e30d78fb6e7a8ca34c29a417a78fa3f3.jpg)
The only post trail marker left standing. The Park Service used to have more along the route, but the
Bison have a fondness for rubbing up against them and knocking them over. Over time the ones knocked
down were not replaced.
![80618 80618](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/80/80635-ff8af12e559663a68fb798365f5d45d0.jpg)
We'll this might be problematic - Bull Bison on the trail.
![80619 80619](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/80/80636-b6cbf41031ec24bdbdb7badd5849af9e.jpg)
Showoff! A little Scatman whispering sets him straight and allows us to pass.![Smile :) :)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
![80620 80620](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/80/80637-9e50c02904e741630eb011850f346301.jpg)
Alum Creek
![80621 80621](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/80/80638-94c8e899880531c776eb500beed0d7c3.jpg)
View to the south in Hayden Valley
![80622 80622](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/80/80639-dc9f5bf2024b60a9fc3a8e67b3103a2f.jpg)
A small fall on Alum Creek
![80623 80623](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/80/80640-051ac12e59cf3cdf234aa2661b400eaf.jpg)
Art and Becky begin our off-trail portion of the hike to Violet Hot Springs
![80624 80624](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/80/80641-14038eb487131f47293612cf8088d3b6.jpg)
Violet Creek. This creek flows from the hot springs to Alum Creek.
![80625 80625](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/80/80642-a7dfe2e1622b9613f897a4d54e9c315a.jpg)
Art - Telling us the temperature of Violet Creek after sticking his pinkie finger in. Hot!
![80626 80626](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/80/80643-d9e5ee236b721f8a7b9436be9d06cf33.jpg)
Thermal area of Violet Hot Springs
![80627 80627](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/80/80644-97ec0c23119052e1c4eaa0d3dd633906.jpg)
Hot springs
![80628 80628](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/80/80645-25fb4605accd59bfdc9762f4dca40eb1.jpg)
Hot spring
![80629 80629](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/80/80646-fa54849e20c6a2360b01372f64cf82bb.jpg)
Heading towards the main hot springs
![80630 80630](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/80/80647-0f0e095b68b06896d254246668c7a799.jpg)
The main springs at Violet Hot Springs
![80631 80631](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/80/80648-22c4221b35bda86e9de7c9c367114fbf.jpg)
Leaving Violet Hot Springs and heading back to the Mary Mountain Trail
![80632 80632](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/80/80649-9d7d5a7cfc81b7b462ee7ed80300c309.jpg)
Making our way through the hilly portion of the valley on the west end.
![80633 80633](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/80/80650-5fc95feea49592cbe1681fbcbbbef7e9.jpg)
Art, making his way through the Goldenrod
![80634 80634](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/80/80651-1620ba8eb1503f4af56ea8b3eb3485ab.jpg)
Back on the trail.![Thumbs Up :thumbsup: :thumbsup:](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
![80635 80635](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/80/80652-1fbb9f73ce858667c2bc89781fcfb199.jpg)
Grizzly grazing on the hillside - 75 to 100 yards away
![80636 80636](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/80/80653-fb3eb24f46fa6a5170368a24ea8686af.jpg)
We got to enjoy watching him for a couple of minutes before he caught wind of us and moved on across
the hilltop.
![80637 80637](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/80/80654-66a6fb92c3091413223576cc8ba1c540.jpg)
Sheila, making her way up the last hill before the Buffalo Highway
![80638 80638](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/80/80655-892892b0d17fa428b090cd9dd3a6b62b.jpg)
Looking back to the east at the expanse of Hayden Valley
![80639 80639](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/80/80656-d520f27072816680ed7ea0d4af843756.jpg)
This guy almost got @Artemus
![80640 80640](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/80/80657-b5a191982b15222431f5270e9475c8cd.jpg)
A look in the direction of the Trout Creek route through the southern reaches of Hayden Valley. In my
opinion the better route through Hayden Valley. Ssh, don't tell anybody.
![80641 80641](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/80/80658-6d75548292473690db364550d93909da.jpg)
Art decides that he is in for the long haul.
![80642 80642](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/80/80659-de81206744f84b42772f1178ffdc5537.jpg)
This trail marker marks the beginning of the Buffalo Highway
![80643 80643](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/80/80660-008847cfad42f5816e11bb7970290ea2.jpg)
Wolf track
![80644 80644](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/80/80661-a9ddf8a07670f4f236278e959cec50a0.jpg)
The Buffalo Highway
![80645 80645](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/80/80662-2145f7219ee516444b481405d52475e4.jpg)
Finally reached Mary Lake (approximate halfway point)
![80646 80646](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/80/80663-318b0dbb4dc8c87fa44a6b28a95b6814.jpg)
The Mary Mountain Patrol Cabin
![80647 80647](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/80/80664-2fe05abc3fb766b187c6d491b00b2745.jpg)
Our first lunchtime visitor at the patrol cabin
![80648 80648](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/80/80665-b9d4af850365cd99da38698a77a461fc.jpg)
Mary Lake
![80649 80649](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/80/80666-7997a79a7d0cfa5e40894d047f322d28.jpg)
Our second visitor at the cabin
![80650 80650](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/80/80667-0aa8c5c223c40d87f8d6ca43ee55f021.jpg)
The pit toilet at the patrol cabin. Not a finer pit toilet was ever constructed - a double seater at that.![Eek! :eek: :eek:](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
![80651 80651](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/80/80668-a3cdd2ff54ee5ca05b5237529728fc3c.jpg)
Group shot at the cabin
![80652 80652](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/80/80669-958bfda0848d5e10bf6d4b964278f877.jpg)
They need to rename this the "Old Man Highway".
Heading down the hill on the west side of Mary
Lake. By the way, what happened to the old man emojicon? @Nick?
![80653 80653](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/80/80670-72d4a5dd9e83fd8ea701e7118c173261.jpg)
Art and Becky, making their way down the old stagecoach road towards Nez Perce Creek. There is a story
about this stretch of the stagecoach road if anyone is interested in hearing it.
![80655 80655](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/80/80672-31235971f964c545774b28833a650607.jpg)
One of our lunchtime friends causing us some issues.
![80656 80656](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/80/80673-9b4f13eb36b54321c29459b3cb0af6c5.jpg)
A little Scatman talk seems to calm his nerves so that we can pass.![Smile :) :)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
![80657 80657](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/80/80674-1c882dc52448bd4b334b6746893defea.jpg)
Breaking out into the meadows along Nez Perce Creek
![80658 80658](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/80/80675-8e951af85c9f3d27cc6f1f35fd2efd70.jpg)
Can you make out the white sign on the tree at the edge of the meadow? It states that at this location
members of the Cowan party were taken by the Nez Perce Tribe on their way through Yellowstone heading
towards Montana and hopefully reaching Canada.
![80659 80659](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/80/80676-f49e7d8f3fff39f829071528547de1c5.jpg)
Looking back east at Sheila and Katie with Mary Mountain in the distance.
![80660 80660](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/80/80677-51dcba555c341055d6ea46d1a24e77ea.jpg)
Logs across Cowan Creek. I think the creek was named after a famous BCP member @Ben for his hiking
prowess.![Smile :) :)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
![80661 80661](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/80/80678-1ca7c4eaff86a596bcd9092ef026d93d.jpg)
Art, heading off through the willows.
![80662 80662](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/80/80679-d5a79de2f589d31c64b4d488a96b654e.jpg)
Crossing Magpie Creek
![80663 80663](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/80/80680-8915fdad2305a3ab59ee2fe035052333.jpg)
Ditto
![80664 80664](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/80/80681-25b0811e446b8faa432b9acf94c16a9d.jpg)
Nez Perce Creek
![80665 80665](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/80/80682-2de6988567c80c4e98b5bf0526f96d38.jpg)
Old footbridge across Nez Perce Creek
![80666 80666](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/80/80683-39b26321168c598d98b3c08784d3bbd6.jpg)
Old Man and the Bridge.
I think I read that book many moons ago.
![80667 80667](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/80/80684-8596be80b6b97eee19da3ee0edd2c468.jpg)
The last Bison encountered on our hike.
![80668 80668](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/80/80685-18b4da5d96b4614938b9bd6e76ac32ce.jpg)
Nez Perce Creek towards the end of our hike
![80669 80669](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/80/80686-80391367b2127e20f943aeed7c595265.jpg)
A thermal pool (Morning Mist Springs) in Culex Basin.
![80670 80670](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/80/80687-dbbef9a4aa88edc6088533b880ed624b.jpg)
We made it! What a ragtag bunch at trail's end.
![80671 80671](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/80/80688-f1fe17f76283c2b436cd93c9e26b4bfe.jpg)
Celebrating a great day at the Bear Pit at Old Faithful
![80672 80672](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/80/80689-12fa79dc5b9d4ba9969cd12c12389deb.jpg)
A teaser for the canoeing trip report.![Scatman :scatman: :scatman:](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
The End.
This would be my third time hiking Mary Mountain over the years and my sixth visit to Mary Lake which is situated at just about the halfway point up on the plateau. On this hike though, we would head off-trail a short distance to check out Violet Hot Springs to bring our total mileage to 21.1 miles for the day.
We began our hike around 7:50 am, starting at the Mary Mountain Trailhead on the east end of the route, just west of the Yellowstone River were we got to observe a Blue Heron on its banks. It was a crisp 39 degrees at the trailhead, but once we started hiking things warmed up nicely. Highlights of the hike included Bison of course, but also a Grizzly Bear back in the western reaches of Hayden, Violet Hot Springs, and lots of waterfowl, including Canadian Geese and Sandhill Cranes. While we didn't manage to run into any wolves, their tracks kept us company all along the trail from east to west.
We stopped at the Mary Mountain Patrol Cabin at Mary Lake for lunch before heading down to Nez Perce Creek and out in Lower Geyser Basin.
Here are some shots of our hike.
![80609 80609](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/80/80626-ae2abefd468a81620def3e7f58b1dae2.jpg)
Overview map of our route
![80610 80610](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/80/80627-6c2548046096fd122ffac2c3565c2d62.jpg)
The Mary Mountain Trailhead in Hayden Valley
![80611 80611](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/80/80628-dca297cbaf3966ebf5389d04df27ee72.jpg)
Obligatory group shot (minus one) before we get started.
![80612 80612](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/80/80629-4ac7bce4d210ad8712b33090173d5b53.jpg)
Heading out through Hayden Valley. How did I get so far behind the group? Cold knees perhaps?
![80613 80613](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/80/80630-6897b6228d10162b460309f6d77baaf8.jpg)
Canadian Geese unsure of our intent.
![80614 80614](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/80/80631-79c4b5e6e7217b5ef74cb89b66f30852.jpg)
Looking back southeast towards thermal activity and Sulphur Mountain
![80615 80615](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/80/80632-3a7bfc5975818b6193df9ed8cc57069d.jpg)
Making our way through the eastern potion of Hayden Valley
![80616 80616](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/80/80633-603abfb52ea0948b5d74164968047606.jpg)
The wide expanse to the west of us along the north end of Hayden Valley
![80617 80617](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/80/80634-e30d78fb6e7a8ca34c29a417a78fa3f3.jpg)
The only post trail marker left standing. The Park Service used to have more along the route, but the
Bison have a fondness for rubbing up against them and knocking them over. Over time the ones knocked
down were not replaced.
![80618 80618](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/80/80635-ff8af12e559663a68fb798365f5d45d0.jpg)
We'll this might be problematic - Bull Bison on the trail.
![80619 80619](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/80/80636-b6cbf41031ec24bdbdb7badd5849af9e.jpg)
Showoff! A little Scatman whispering sets him straight and allows us to pass.
![80620 80620](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/80/80637-9e50c02904e741630eb011850f346301.jpg)
Alum Creek
![80621 80621](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/80/80638-94c8e899880531c776eb500beed0d7c3.jpg)
View to the south in Hayden Valley
![80622 80622](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/80/80639-dc9f5bf2024b60a9fc3a8e67b3103a2f.jpg)
A small fall on Alum Creek
![80623 80623](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/80/80640-051ac12e59cf3cdf234aa2661b400eaf.jpg)
Art and Becky begin our off-trail portion of the hike to Violet Hot Springs
![80624 80624](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/80/80641-14038eb487131f47293612cf8088d3b6.jpg)
Violet Creek. This creek flows from the hot springs to Alum Creek.
![80625 80625](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/80/80642-a7dfe2e1622b9613f897a4d54e9c315a.jpg)
Art - Telling us the temperature of Violet Creek after sticking his pinkie finger in. Hot!
![80626 80626](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/80/80643-d9e5ee236b721f8a7b9436be9d06cf33.jpg)
Thermal area of Violet Hot Springs
![80627 80627](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/80/80644-97ec0c23119052e1c4eaa0d3dd633906.jpg)
Hot springs
![80628 80628](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/80/80645-25fb4605accd59bfdc9762f4dca40eb1.jpg)
Hot spring
![80629 80629](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/80/80646-fa54849e20c6a2360b01372f64cf82bb.jpg)
Heading towards the main hot springs
![80630 80630](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/80/80647-0f0e095b68b06896d254246668c7a799.jpg)
The main springs at Violet Hot Springs
![80631 80631](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/80/80648-22c4221b35bda86e9de7c9c367114fbf.jpg)
Leaving Violet Hot Springs and heading back to the Mary Mountain Trail
![80632 80632](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/80/80649-9d7d5a7cfc81b7b462ee7ed80300c309.jpg)
Making our way through the hilly portion of the valley on the west end.
![80633 80633](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/80/80650-5fc95feea49592cbe1681fbcbbbef7e9.jpg)
Art, making his way through the Goldenrod
![80634 80634](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/80/80651-1620ba8eb1503f4af56ea8b3eb3485ab.jpg)
Back on the trail.
![80635 80635](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/80/80652-1fbb9f73ce858667c2bc89781fcfb199.jpg)
Grizzly grazing on the hillside - 75 to 100 yards away
![80636 80636](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/80/80653-fb3eb24f46fa6a5170368a24ea8686af.jpg)
We got to enjoy watching him for a couple of minutes before he caught wind of us and moved on across
the hilltop.
![80637 80637](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/80/80654-66a6fb92c3091413223576cc8ba1c540.jpg)
Sheila, making her way up the last hill before the Buffalo Highway
![80638 80638](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/80/80655-892892b0d17fa428b090cd9dd3a6b62b.jpg)
Looking back to the east at the expanse of Hayden Valley
![80639 80639](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/80/80656-d520f27072816680ed7ea0d4af843756.jpg)
This guy almost got @Artemus
![80640 80640](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/80/80657-b5a191982b15222431f5270e9475c8cd.jpg)
A look in the direction of the Trout Creek route through the southern reaches of Hayden Valley. In my
opinion the better route through Hayden Valley. Ssh, don't tell anybody.
![80641 80641](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/80/80658-6d75548292473690db364550d93909da.jpg)
Art decides that he is in for the long haul.
![80642 80642](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/80/80659-de81206744f84b42772f1178ffdc5537.jpg)
This trail marker marks the beginning of the Buffalo Highway
![80643 80643](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/80/80660-008847cfad42f5816e11bb7970290ea2.jpg)
Wolf track
![80644 80644](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/80/80661-a9ddf8a07670f4f236278e959cec50a0.jpg)
The Buffalo Highway
![80645 80645](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/80/80662-2145f7219ee516444b481405d52475e4.jpg)
Finally reached Mary Lake (approximate halfway point)
![80646 80646](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/80/80663-318b0dbb4dc8c87fa44a6b28a95b6814.jpg)
The Mary Mountain Patrol Cabin
![80647 80647](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/80/80664-2fe05abc3fb766b187c6d491b00b2745.jpg)
Our first lunchtime visitor at the patrol cabin
![80648 80648](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/80/80665-b9d4af850365cd99da38698a77a461fc.jpg)
Mary Lake
![80649 80649](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/80/80666-7997a79a7d0cfa5e40894d047f322d28.jpg)
Our second visitor at the cabin
![80650 80650](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/80/80667-0aa8c5c223c40d87f8d6ca43ee55f021.jpg)
The pit toilet at the patrol cabin. Not a finer pit toilet was ever constructed - a double seater at that.
![80651 80651](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/80/80668-a3cdd2ff54ee5ca05b5237529728fc3c.jpg)
Group shot at the cabin
![80652 80652](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/80/80669-958bfda0848d5e10bf6d4b964278f877.jpg)
They need to rename this the "Old Man Highway".
Lake. By the way, what happened to the old man emojicon? @Nick?
![80653 80653](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/80/80670-72d4a5dd9e83fd8ea701e7118c173261.jpg)
Art and Becky, making their way down the old stagecoach road towards Nez Perce Creek. There is a story
about this stretch of the stagecoach road if anyone is interested in hearing it.
![80655 80655](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/80/80672-31235971f964c545774b28833a650607.jpg)
One of our lunchtime friends causing us some issues.
![80656 80656](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/80/80673-9b4f13eb36b54321c29459b3cb0af6c5.jpg)
A little Scatman talk seems to calm his nerves so that we can pass.
![80657 80657](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/80/80674-1c882dc52448bd4b334b6746893defea.jpg)
Breaking out into the meadows along Nez Perce Creek
![80658 80658](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/80/80675-8e951af85c9f3d27cc6f1f35fd2efd70.jpg)
Can you make out the white sign on the tree at the edge of the meadow? It states that at this location
members of the Cowan party were taken by the Nez Perce Tribe on their way through Yellowstone heading
towards Montana and hopefully reaching Canada.
![80659 80659](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/80/80676-f49e7d8f3fff39f829071528547de1c5.jpg)
Looking back east at Sheila and Katie with Mary Mountain in the distance.
![80660 80660](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/80/80677-51dcba555c341055d6ea46d1a24e77ea.jpg)
Logs across Cowan Creek. I think the creek was named after a famous BCP member @Ben for his hiking
prowess.
![80661 80661](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/80/80678-1ca7c4eaff86a596bcd9092ef026d93d.jpg)
Art, heading off through the willows.
![80662 80662](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/80/80679-d5a79de2f589d31c64b4d488a96b654e.jpg)
Crossing Magpie Creek
![80663 80663](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/80/80680-8915fdad2305a3ab59ee2fe035052333.jpg)
Ditto
![80664 80664](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/80/80681-25b0811e446b8faa432b9acf94c16a9d.jpg)
Nez Perce Creek
![80665 80665](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/80/80682-2de6988567c80c4e98b5bf0526f96d38.jpg)
Old footbridge across Nez Perce Creek
![80666 80666](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/80/80683-39b26321168c598d98b3c08784d3bbd6.jpg)
Old Man and the Bridge.
![80667 80667](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/80/80684-8596be80b6b97eee19da3ee0edd2c468.jpg)
The last Bison encountered on our hike.
![80668 80668](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/80/80685-18b4da5d96b4614938b9bd6e76ac32ce.jpg)
Nez Perce Creek towards the end of our hike
![80669 80669](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/80/80686-80391367b2127e20f943aeed7c595265.jpg)
A thermal pool (Morning Mist Springs) in Culex Basin.
![80670 80670](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/80/80687-dbbef9a4aa88edc6088533b880ed624b.jpg)
We made it! What a ragtag bunch at trail's end.
![80671 80671](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/80/80688-f1fe17f76283c2b436cd93c9e26b4bfe.jpg)
Celebrating a great day at the Bear Pit at Old Faithful
![80672 80672](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/80/80689-12fa79dc5b9d4ba9969cd12c12389deb.jpg)
A teaser for the canoeing trip report.
The End.
Attachments
Last edited: