Post #10
Lava Fields, Mackay Idaho, Waterfalls, Bears and Wolves
September 21 To October 8, 2020
Craters of the Moon National Monument
Arco, Idaho
At the recommendation of a friend in Jacksonville, I decided to take a trip to Craters of the Moon National Monument in Idaho, a 750,000 acre (300,00 hectares) lava field.
Weird and strangely beautiful, lava fields extend as far as you can see in all directions.
Curiously, no volcano is in sight. The lava flowed through the Great Rift, a 52 mile (84 km) rift or fissure in the earth’s crust, about 2000 to 15000 years ago.
The Monument contains more than 60 separate lava flows that flowed from the Great Rift over about 15,000 years, the latest flow being only about 2000 years ago.”The strangest 75 square miles on the North American
continent”.
Often referred to as “The strangest 75 square miles in North America.” I would agree.
If you like lava, this is the place for you!
This indentation resulted from lava flowing around a tree.
Strange formations abound.
Quite strange, indeed.
Mackay, Idaho
Mackay, Idaho (population: 500 friendly people) sits in the foothills of the Pioneer Mountains, about 50 miles (80 km) from Craters of the Moon.
I had heard of the Big Lost River as a decent trout stream. So, being so close, I headed for Mackay, Idaho. The river holds some large trout but public access around Mackay is limited.
The Big Lost River, which runs just south of town, disappears into the ground about 25 miles (40 km) downstream. Thus the name “Lost River”.
Just a couple miles from town, lies a fishing access campground along side the Big Lost River. And it’s free!! Just the amount I prefer to pay for a campsite.
Mackay turned out to be the friendliest town that I have visited on this trip.
Downtown is only one block long, but all the basic needs are taken care of.
Cinema with traditional soda fountain. (Closed for the virus duration.)
Perk’s Bar (which I admit to frequenting, more than occasionally).
Combination cafe and tackle shop. That’s convenient. And the breakfasts are as good as the conversations.
I listened intently as a customer in his 80’s described various hikes and backpacking trips he had taken into the nearby mountains as a Boy Scout.
Good grief!! Does anyone stay in one place that long anymore!!
At the edge of town lies the rodeo grounds
and a disc golf course. Right, a disc golf course. Hmmm!! How unexpected.
The town also has a lovely park offering 3 nights of free RV parking or tent camping.
Originally a copper mining town, remnants of its past remain in the nearby hills.
A six-seater outhouse near the site of the original smelter.
A motor shed and outhouse of an old saw mill, active into the 1930’s.
The shed still contains various gaskets and motor pieces.
Nearby lies Cedar Creek, running down a picturesque canyon.
A pleasant 2 mile (3.2 km) hike takes you to a water fall shooting out of the side of the canyon.
Quite worth the walk.
Mackay, Idaho: The most unexpected pleasant surprise of the entire trip.
Henry's Fork of the Snake River
The Henry’s Fork of the Snake River lies at the bottom of the canyon in the photo. The river is a famous trout fishery but I stopped just long enough for a scenic drive and sightseeing.
Upper Mesa Falls
Lower Mesa Falls
Northern Yellowstone National Park Area
Heading for the northern Yellowstone National Park area, I decided to stop back at the Madison River for a few days: fishing, walking, doing chores, and reading around the campfire (with my whiskey and almonds at hand). Chilly, lazy days.
The main reason for returning to Yellowstone was to photograph wolves. Several wolf packs hang out in Lamar Valley at the northern edge of the park. Alas, the wolves roam around quite early in the morning. So, rising about 4 am, I drove out to Lamar Valley in search of the wolves.
Even if I hadn’t seen any wolves, the drive would have been worthwhile just for the spectacular scenery.
I found a pack of nine wolves but they kept too far away for a decent photo.
In this photo the wolves just show up as dark spots. Definitely, it was not a successful trip from a photographic point of view. Oh well. Maybe next year.
I had a little better luck photographing grizzly bears, but not much. In all, I was able to spot 13 grizzly bears, all on private land outside of Yellowstone National Park.
This sow and her two cubs came out the the ravine in the background to eat a few roots.
Earlier, the same bears feasted on an elk carcass while a coyote looked longingly from a safe distance.
This bear checked me out, wondering if I was a threat. He had nothing to worry about. I was standing right next to my pickup, ready to jump in.
After 4 days, morning and night, of trying to find grizzlies easier to photograph, my time had expired and I moved camp to the lower Yellowstone River, about 50 miles (80 km) north.
On the lower Yellowstone River, I spent a final day fishing, staying at this campsite at the river’s edge. What a delightful last campsite!! What a delightful trip it has been!!
From here, I start for home in Jacksonville, Florida but first stopping by Preston’s (my son) home in Massachusetts, 2400 miles (3800 km) away. A long drive, even by my standards.