A massive dam on the south fork of the Flathead River creates the Hungry Horse Reservoir, a twisty lake with ample recreational activities. A 3 day stay at the little cove called Lost Johnny Campground was a salve for the soul, with its opportunities for fishing, hiking, biking, boating and just generally letting it all go.
Cupped into a clearwater cove, about 6 miles down the west side from the dam, Lost Johnny had one sweet spot, and we were in it. 25 foot embankments on one side led to a mountain stream, which babbled its way into the cove below us.
At over 500′ tall, the Hungry Horse Dam towers over the conifer thicket of the Flathead Nat’l Forest. Known for having the highest gloryhole in America (no kidding, look it up).
We saddled up the animal in his own PFD, and embarked on the HMS Deflatable on a 2 hour cruise around the inlet’s deep, clear waters and islets. Becalmed by the spectacle, Denver took a nap while Rebecca rowed me into position to drown more bait in a failed attempt to catch dinner.
After talking to a local moron, we set our sights on a loop hike/bike, following a mountain road for 3 miles, before turning up towards Doris Mountain. The route proved to be way too challenging to accomplish in our timeline. Instead, we grinded up nearly 3000′ elevation in 7 miles before encroaching dark and the smell of wet dog turned us around for a downhill bomb back to the trailer.
We passed these misanthropes on the way up the mountain.
Taking a bike break after pushing up an especially unrideable set of switchbacks.
The Great Northern Mountain looms over all, in this shot looking through the huckleberries.
Even though the next day dawned gloomy, we loaded up the boat and drove 6 miles up a narrow path to a high mountain lake. Shot looks south down the rez.
3000′ up from the Hungry Horse lay Beta Lake, nestled in the spruce and fir. A great picnic spot and vain stab (again) at catching fish.
Lost Johnny proved to be a place of amazing backrops.
Misanthrope? I don’t hate my fellow man, even when he’s tiresome and surly and tries to cheat at poker. I figure that’s just a human material, and him that finds in it cause for anger and dismay is just a fool for expecting better.