Archive for the ‘Lolo’ Category

Lowell to Lolo

Thursday, June 23rd, 2011

First picture, Lochsa Wild and Scenic River. The second picture is a stream that flows into the Lochsa. There were raging steams like this every half mile or so along the river.

Wilderness Gateway Campground is a major base for people rafting and kayaking the Lochsa River. The river was running so full and rough, from all the rain and snow melt, cannot understand why anyone would want to do this. Must be a testosterone thing. The campground was full of red-eyed vireo’s. I identified them from their voice, but never saw one because of the dense forrest foliage.

Completed the Northwest Passage Scenic Byway, following the Lochsa Wild and Scenic River to Lolo Pass. At Lolo Pass Visitor Center, there was still snow on the ground. They said it was the latest there has been snow. Leaving the pass, headed into Montana.

Lolo Pass Visitor Center

Red-naped sapsucker along Lolo creek, in Montana.

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Lolo National Forest

Thursday, August 26th, 2010

Have been in Lolo National Forest for most of the past few weeks. Highway 12 goes up to Lolo Pass, where you enter Idaho and the Clearwater National Forest. In Idaho it’s called the Northwest Passage Scenic Byway. This is the route Lewis and Clark, and Indians long before them, used.

Above, two gray jays. The first ones I’ve ever seen. They are very elusive and were in my campsite area only a few minutes.

Highway 12 follows along a number or streams and rivers. I saw lots of  stellar jays while driving, but only a few in my campground.

A kestral in farmland in the town of Lolo.

A blue-grouse (I think) seen along a forest service road.

A red-breasted nuthatch (top) and a red crossbill (lower).

A red squirrel that buries nuts that bears often dig up. It, like many of the birds, is not interested in handouts from humans. They generally run and jump quickly away from you.

There were a huge number of these moths (?) flying around one campground for a few days.

Above, an adult and fledgling yellow-rumped warblers. They were seen near Big Sky in the Gallatin National Forest.

Made one quick trip to Spokane, Washington, to get my trailer serviced. Was surprised to see a pair of marmots in the industrial area.

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