2006 Completed Events and Projects
 

 

 Defensive Horse Class     Mar 11, 2006 9am-5pm at BAR W ranch
 Members Packing Clinic  Mar 4 9am at Ray Knotts' Arena
 
April 29 Saturday
 
BCH Club Fun Ride down in the Buffalo Rapids Bridge Area out of Polson, on the Flathead Indian Reservation .  Click here for a map.
 
This is a wonderful open area to ride in the spring.  The area is rolling hills and landscape following and overlooking the Flathead River.  We will be on a two track road, and make a loop ride, I'm thinking it is maybe about 10 miles.  It is a fairly level ride, with very moderate elevation changes. 
 
There are numerous rolling hills people can climb if so inclined but I planned on mainly following the old road, and just showing people the area, and the many possibilities for riding in that country.
 
Bring a sack lunch, I'm thinking about a 4 hour ride.  There will be at least two creek crossing. 
 
I will post some directions next week with Verna to send out, after I go down and ride the area.  We could also all meet at the White Oak Convenience store parking lot off of highway 93 at maybe 8:30, I'm thinking we should leave the parking area at the Buffalo Rapids bridge around 10am.
 
Everyone will need a Montana Conservation permit, it's good for one year, can be purchased at Snappy's, Sportsman, or anywhere they sell hunting licenses.  It will cost $15.00.
 
Diane Johnson  270-5156

May 27, 28 and 29 (Saturday, Sunday and Monday):  Meadow Creek, Memorial Day (Upper South Fork)

 

Access:  Take Hwy 2 East going towards Glacier Park, turn right at Martin City and take the east road around Hungry Horse Reservoir.  After traveling 52 miles on FS Rd 38, stay right at the junction, DO NOT TAKE the Spotted Bear River Road.  Go two miles, cross the concrete bridge over the South Fork River and just up the hill take a left to Meadow Creek Gorge and Bunker Creek.  Take this road for about 12 miles and you will see the Meadow Creek horse campground on your left.

Facilities:  There are outhouses, hitch racks, feed bunks, room to string high lines and stock water (but no people water).  Everyone is encouraged to come, even just to camp.  It is a large impact resistant area and a beautiful place to camp.

Description:  BCH did their very first work project out of Meadow Creek in 1973, clearing the west side trail to Black Bear, for hikers.  We have basically been there every Memorial Day since.  As usual, we will have great food; breakfast will be cooked for us in a community kitchen and there will be potluck suppers Saturday and Sunday evenings.  Lunches are on your own.  We will be opening trails out from the Meadow Creek area - Harrison Creek, Sunburst Lake, Spotted Bear Station and some others to be announced.  We will work Saturday and Sunday, leaving Monday for R&R or a ride if you still have enough energy.  Weather can be unpredictable at this time of year so bring your raingear.

Please Note: 

Bring Water!!! There is no potable water at the Meadow Creek campground.
Please bring an extra jug or two and leave them at the camp kitchen.
Bring your own chairs, eating utensils, cups and plates. We also could use some extra tables for eating and serving the food.
There will be a cook tent/trailer with a number of gas stoves. Let us know if you can bring an extra stove.
Each family is to bring sliced bacon and link sausage, enough to feed their family. Turn it in to the camp kitchen upon arrival. (A little extra helps as we sometimes feed the young forest service workers)
The club provides breakfast on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. We serve, pancakes, syrup, etc. and coffee and juice. If anyone prefers to eat eggs you may bring them to cook yourself and we will provide the skillet.
There will be a cleanup area set up for you near the kitchen and each one is responsible for washing, drying and storing their dishes.
FOOD: Friday evening--- dinner on your own as most people are coming in at different times.
Saturday and Sunday evening we will have a potluck supper. Everyone bring a generous main dish plus a salad or dessert to share for each meal. You’re on your own for all lunches.
Breakfast will be served from 7:00 AM until 9:00 AM (approx.) Coffee and hot water will be ready by 6-6:3OAM for the early risers.
Dinners will be served starting at 6:30PM.
The coffee pot will be on during the day. (decaf and regular)
Any personal items left in the kitchen/dining area will be taken to our next meeting for collection.


NO SMOKING OR DOGS ARE ALLOWED IN THE KITCHEN AND DINING AREA.

Bring your own water, main dishes and salads or desserts for two suppers, eating utensils, chairs and tables.  Certified weed seed free hay is required.  Dogs must be on a leash in camp and are not allowed on the trails or in the kitchen area.  Sorry, no stud horses.

Additional Information:  Contact Ken Ausk, 892-4673, or Steve Barker, 756-0234.

                                                                                                                                                                       

June 10 (Saturday):  Glacier Park Project

 Cancelled due to rain / May reschedule at a later date, contact Diane if interested

Access:  Meet at Apgar Corrals parking area, which is the road to the left just after the entrance station at Glacier National Park.  It will be a "Get in the Park Free Day" at the entrance station since we are on a work project.  We would like to be saddled and ready to leave the parking area by 9:30 AM.  It will be close to a one-hour drive for everyone from the Kalispell area, so plan accordingly.

Here is a quick update on the upcoming project ride in Glacier National Park this coming Saturday June 10th.
 
Myself and three other riders were able to pre-ride this trail about a week ago.  We actually were able by going around and over logs to get all the way through to the North Fork River and look across into the Glacier Rim Raft Take Out Area.  It's about 9 1/2 to 10 miles to the end. People can go any distance they want.
 
So there will be some cleaning but not a large amount it should be a nice ride.
 
Directions are after the Entrance Station the first road to the left which is probably between 1/4 to 1/2 mile, so don't get up much speed. Sign says Glacier Institute, turn left here and go to T in Road probably 1/2 mile at most at T go Right, a sign there says Horse Rentals.
 
We will park in the big area across from the Apgar Corrals, everyone should be ready to leave the corrals by 9:30, we will probably lunch a little early at the Old Ranger Station site.  As this is a nice open area, and all of our work will be after this point. 
 
I have one person bringing a pack horse and chainsaw, so if others would bring hand nippers and a few hand saws we'll be in good shape.
 
Any questions please call me (don't email I don't check it much)  at 270-5156 and I'll get back to you if you have questions.

Description:  This year we will be clearing the trail to the old Flathead Ranger Station and past it towards the Old Charlie Green Estates that borders the North Fork River.  We will be riding through some of the Roberts Fire burned areas on this project.  Some areas are untouched; others are burned.  It is exciting to ride through and see the regrowth.  This is a project we have done in the past and is an excellent trail for beginners or young horses, as it is almost all on a two-track road.  The first two miles we will be on a gravel road crossing over the Quarter Circle Bridge and going past the Apgar Lookout parking area; then it will turn into a nice forest old road.  There will be one creek to cross here which has a good base, but the horses will need to step down into it.  We will follow this old road to the old Ranger Station which sits on a hill overlooking Blankenship Bridge and from here on most of the clearing work will probably occur.  There will also be a water crossing area where the creek overflows and the horses will be in about a foot or so of water for a couple of hundred yards.  The footing is the old road and solid.  To the Ranger Station is 4 1/2 miles, so the ride will probably be over a 10 mile ride, but very easy and level.  This is just a great way to spend a day in the Park, and our goal will be to just clear as far as we can.

Please Note:  Bring a lunch, small saws and nippers.

Additional Information:  Contact Diane Johnson, 270-5156.

                                                                                                                                                                       

June 17 (Saturday):  Ed Quigley Memorial Poker Ride & BBQ (Lonesome Dove Ranch, 1205 Haywire Gulch Road)

 

Access:  Take Hwy 2 West from Kalispell for six miles, turn South onto Bighorn Drive to Smith Lake Road.  Turn right onto Smith Road and then left onto Haywire Gulch Road, watch for Lonesome Dove Ranch sign.  Coming from west of Kalispell on US 2, turn just east of Mile Marker 113 onto Bighorn Drive.

Facilities:  Plenty of parking, toilet facilities, hitch racks, teepee, Bed and Breakfast and camping.

Description:  We will be riding on gentle terrain in the surrounding forestlands.

Please Note:  The ride will be from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM with the BBQ at 6:00 PM.  Sponsored by the Flathead BCH.  Non-members and families welcome.  There will be a $10 per adult rider fee, which can be paid upon arrival.  Prizes will be awarded to winning hand holders.  There will be a BBQ and entertainment provided by the Lonesome Dove.  The BBQ features two meats, dessert, punch, and coffee, for $17 (also includes entertainment) per adult, ½ price for children.  In accordance with Ed's and Toni's wishes, the price for the BBQ (adults) will be paid by Toni Quigley for all local BCH members who sign up.  Reservation deadline for the BBQ is June 15.  Call Sharron at Lonesome Dove, 756-3056, for reservations.  No dogs or stallions, please.

Additional Information:  Contact Dave Moore, 858-2224.

                                                                                                                                                                       

 

June 24 and 25 (Saturday and Sunday):  Elk Mountain Trails 252, 258 and 182 (Tally Lake District)

 

Access 1:  From Kalispell take Farm to Market Road or go through Whitefish taking Hwy 93 North, after Mile Marker 132 watch for Twin Bridge Road on your left (also Tally Lake sign).  Turn left and continue on Twin Bridges Road until you "T" with Farm to Market.  Take a right and stay on Farm to Market Road.  After the Big Cattle Ranch, turn left on FS Rd 539.  This is a paved road and you will stay on it for about 17 miles, then it will become 113 and will narrow and become gravel.  Right at 538 and watch for BCH signs marking the remainder of the route.

Access 2:  From Marion, take Marion turnoff and go past Little Bitterroot Lions Camp, turn right at FS Rd 538, stay on it until you see Sylvia Lake Sign FS Rd 538B, stay on it until you "T" with 113, turn left onto 538 and watch for BCH signs marking remainder of route.

Facilities:  Plenty of parking, no people or stock water or toilet facilities.  Weather can be unpredictable at this time of year so please bring your raingear.

Description:  Camp will be in the middle of the 10-mile long trail.  This trail is well maintained and we will be clearing winter debris working out of camp each day.  We are hoping to be joined by some folks from the Cabinet Club out of Libby.

Please Note:  Elk Mountain Lookout is a Kootenai National Forest Fire lookout that sits on a log tower on top of Elk Mountain in the Salish Mountains.  The lookout is accessed by following FS Trail 107 from the trailhead near Bowen Lake or 109 from Forest Road 3500.

Additional Information:  Contact Dave Moore, 858-2224.

                                                                                                                                                                       


cancelled due to road conditions to spotted bear

June 24, 25 and 26 (Saturday, Sunday and Monday):  South Creek (Spotted Bear)

 

Access:  Take Hwy 2 East going towards Glacier Park, turn south (right) at Martin City and take the east road around Hungry Horse Reservoir, which is FS Rd 38.  After traveling approximately 62 miles on FS Rd 38 turn east (left) on the Spotted Bear River Road, which is FS Rd 568.  After traveling approximately two miles on FS Rd 568, turn north (left) at the sign we will place out on the road.  The road brings you into the campground.

Facilities:  There are outhouses, hitchracks and stock water.  It is a nice campground. 

Description:  We will be clearing Grouse Creek, Trail 236.  It is located in the Great Bear Wilderness so all cutting will be by hand.  Trail 236 connects trails 230 and 237.  We hope to send a crew from each direction.  The loop crosses several creeks, South, Nanny, Twin and Grouse.  The trail also reaches 6,500’ in elevation.

Please Note:  Bring water for drinking and extra for cooking, and be prepared for any type of weather.

Additional Information:  Contact Ray Knotts, 756-9239, or Mark Brust, 756-2597.

                                                                                                                                                                       

 cancelled, Forest Service does not want or need supplies taken into spruce or granite at this time

July 22 and 23 (Saturday and Sunday):  Spruce Park/Granite Cabin (Middle Fork Area)

 

Access:  Take Hwy 2 to Nimrod Trailhead (where Bear Creek and the Middle Fork River meet), which is at Mile Marker 148.8 on Hwy 2.  The parking area is on the right just as you leave Glacier National Park.

To get to Granite Creek trailhead, take Hwy 2 about 11 miles past Bear Creek and turn right on the Skyland Creek Road at Mile Marker 195.7.  Follow this road for approximately seven miles to Challenge Cabin.  Continue past the cabin about one mile and turn right at road marked Granite Creek Trail.  Take this road a little more than one mile to the trailhead.

Facilities:  At Spruce there is plenty of parking; BCH feed bunks and water from the creek.  At Granite there is a large parking area and a creek nearby.

Description:  A weekend of fairly easy packing, taking hay and feed into two FS cabins.

Please Note:  Saturday morning we will meet at the Spruce Park Trailhead at 8:00 AM and then pack hay into Spruce Park Cabin, which is 5.4 miles each way.  There is a pack bridge by the Hwy which crosses Bear Creek.  The trail is well-maintained.  We will then travel by vehicle about 11 miles to Granite Creek Trailhead and spend the night.  Sunday we will pack hay into Granite Cabin, along Granite Creek Trail, which is a 6.4-mile trip each way with one creek crossing.  Overall, it is an easy and quite scenic trail.

Additional Information:  Contact Andy Breland, 752-0360, or Ralph Hopkins, 892‑7490

                                                                                                                                                                      

July 8 (Saturday):  Quintonken Project (Lower Swan)

 

Access:  From Hwy 35 South, at the light before entering Bigfork, turn left onto Hwy 83 South, proceed to where the highway bends at or around Wolf Creek, turn left on Bear Creek Road (approximately Mile Marker 85), go past residences, through an open FS gate, to the wide parking area for horse trailers.

Description:  Once mounted, you will proceed up Peterson Creek Trail, which is fairly level initially, but then climbs steadily with several switchbacks.  The trail narrows and comes out into a burn area (1985) where a stupendous, marvelous, breathtaking view of the Flathead Valley and Swan and Mission Mountains will be observed.  The trail continues climbing through shale slopes to a saddle where there is a place to rest and a spring to water the horses.  Once over the saddle, the trail slightly meanders up and down and eventually divides.  The Alpine Trail goes into Wheeler Basin, and we will take the Quintonken Trail into Quintonken Basin.  Once over the top, the trail is not difficult.

Please Note:  Horsemen will pack water and lunches, axes and saws.  Cameras and binoculars are a good idea.  We will meet at the trailhead at 8:00 AM.

Additional Information:  Contact Jack Meyer, 837-2213, or Mike Davis, 752-4984.

                                                                                                                                                                       

July 15 and 16 (Saturday and Sunday):  Clear Baptiste Trail 63 (South Fork of the Flathead)

 

Access:  Take the east side Reservoir Road out of Martin City for approximately 32 miles, and take the first Forest Service road past the Betty Creek Work Center (approximately 1.5 miles, right after Mile Marker 35); this will be Logan Creek Road 1632.  At the first intersection on 1632 take a left turn and then drive about two miles to the Logan Creek Trailhead and our camp.

Facilities:  There is good parking in a loop next to the road; water can be carried from a small creek next to the road (about 50 feet); there are no toilet facilities.

Description:  We will be using hand tools and chainsaws to clear the trail to the Lookout.

Please Note:  The distance is about six miles of fairly good trail.  The view from the lookout is really worth the ride.  We hope to one day find funds to restore and weatherize it.

Additional Information:  Contact Ken Ausk, 892-4673, or Steve Barker, 756-0234.

                                                                                                                                                                       

July 21, 22 and 23 (Friday, Saturday and Sunday):  Rebecca Farm Event

 Go to the webpage for the event here http://www.eventatrfarm.com/home.html

Access:  Rebecca Farm, 1385 Farm to Market Road

Description:  Volunteers needed for traffic control between horses and people (not cars) and jump judges (easy and fun).

Additional Information:  Contact Rebecca Broussard, 862-9101, or Hélène Erekson, 862‑8286.

                                                                                                                                                                       

 

July 29 and 30 (Saturday and Sunday):  Elkcalf Mountain and Puzzle Creek Trails 382, 251 264 (Middle Fork Area)

 

Access:  Take Hwy 2 to Mile Marker 195.7 and turn right on Skyland Creek Road, just west of Marias Pass.  Follow this road for approximately seven miles to Challenge Cabin.  Turn right here and camp near the cabin.

Facilities:  There is plenty of parking, a rustic toilet facility and water from the creek.

Description:  We will be clearing Elkcalf Mountain Trail 382, East Skyline Trail 251 and Puzzle Ridge Trail 264.  There is quite a lot to clear and we will need lots of help to get it all done.

Trails:  There are several trails in this area; some more difficult than others.  Please ask group leader for more information about a specific trail. 

Please Note:  We will work on Saturday, potluck Saturday night and either work or ride on Sunday.  We will need one to two packhorses and most clearing can be done with a chainsaw.

Additional Information:  Contact Dave Moore, 858-2224.

                                                                                                                                                                       

 


 

July 29 and 30 (Saturday and Sunday):  Elk Lake (Middle Fork Area)

 

Access:  Take Hwy 2 to Mile Marker 190 (five miles past Nimrod River Access).  Watch for Devil Creek sign on your right.  Turn right here and then make an immediate left.  The Trailhead is at the end of this short road.

Facilities:  BCH feed bunks, hitchracks, water from creek and room to park several horse trailers.

Trails:  Go five miles on Trail 167 and then one mile on Trail 602 to Elk Lake.  The trails are good with the Devil's Hump portion moderately strenuous (acceptable for an out of shape horse if you let him rest).

Description:  We will work with members of the Bob Marshall Foundation to install a highline to reduce horse traffic near the Lake and assist them in some on-site rehabilitation.  The ride to Elk Lake is quite scenic and the Lake itself has some large cutthroat.  Project leader will decide time and the option of having a one- or two-day project.

Please Note:  Other people have caught big fish in this Lake!

Additional Information:  Contact Don Holman, 862-6955.

                                                                                                                                                                       

August 17, 18, 19 and 20 (Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday):  Great-Bear Wilderness LNT (Leave No Trace) Camping and Trail Clearing (Middle-Fork Area)

 

Access:  Take Hwy 2 East approximately 25 miles past West Glacier to Mile Marker 184.8.  Make a right turn off the Hwy to the Nimrod Trailhead (Bear Creek).  This is where the Middle Fork River turns away from the Hwy and is followed by the Big River Trail (155) into the Wilderness.

Facilities:  There is plenty of parking, feed bunks, a FS outhouse and water from the creek.  We will be camping in the Great-Bear Wilderness on Long Creek (FS Trail 166) where there are no facilities except the creek.

Description:  This project has 2 missions:

1.  Teach LNT techniques.  It will qualify for the overnight portion of the training for becoming certified teachers of LNT.  We will have two Master Educators of LNT.

2.  Clear trails.  Long Creek Trail (166), Bergsicker Creek (217) and Charlie Creek (330).  These trails are partly in a burn area and may have lots of blow-down.  We will be using cross‑cut saws and axes.

We will follow trail 155 from the Hwy an easy five miles to Spruce Cabin.  There is a ford above the Cabin to reach the Long Creek Trail (166).  We will establish a LNT camp on Long Creek.  Approximate mileage from Hwy is 8-10 miles.  We will clear trails on Friday and Saturday and break camp Sunday morning to return home.  We would like to have a camp crew who will prepare the meals and two trail crews who will work on separate trails.  The camp crew would have time to ride up the trails or fish, etc.

Please Note:  This is a good project for novices and veterans who would like to learn LNT, do some packing, and clear trail in some new country.  We will be packing in certified hay, our camp and tools.  There will be a small charge for food and hay.  We have a limit of 15 people which is a FS regulation.

Additional Information:  Contact Gary Dalen, 862-4340.

                                                                                                                                                                       

August 19 and 20 (Saturday and Sunday):  Whitefish Divide Trail 26

 

Access:  From Kalispell take highway 93 to Olney.  At Olney take a right turn.  On the sign it says Werner Trail 9 miles Werner Lookout 17 miles.  About six miles up this road there is a junction to Werner Trail, stay on road 1658; trailhead should be about three or four miles up this road.  (These directions are sketchy, will give more precise directions later.)

Facilities:  Should be able to park three or four trailers.

Description:  We will be clearing trail 26 to the North, towards Haines Pass.  It might have blowdown from a burn area.  The trail runs on top of the divide, sometimes on the east side of the mountain and sometimes on the west, pretty views from what I have been told.

Please Note:  There is no water at the trailhead, so need to bring water for people and horses.

Additional Information:  Contact: Steve Barker, 756-0234.

                                                                                                                                                                       

August 26 and 27 (Saturday and Sunday):  Gray Wolf Trail (Upper Swan)

 

Access:  Travel south on Highway 83 until about six miles past Holland Lake turn off.  Watch for Beaver Creek to your right (west).  Turn up Beaver Creek to Mile Marker 6.  Trailhead is on your right.  Trail is approximately 11.5 miles.  Good trail for the first nine miles; after that the trail gets steep and rocky, but is very ridable.

Description:  Project is to cut out blowdowns and pile a few rocks to mark trail.  This is a two‑day event, so plan to spend the night.

Please Note:  This is some very scenic country on the crest of the Mission Range, with some cutthroat fishing in Gray Wolf Lake.

Additional Information:  Paul Pasley, 756-2308, or Mike Davis, 752-4984.