We choose a hike close to Missoula today in the Blue Mountain Recreation Area, South O'Brien Creek Loop. This is a 7.5 mile hike with about 750 ft in elevation gain.
The hike starts in the forest.
The first two miles are a gentle incline along an old forest road going past a few homes,
and following O'Brien Creek.
We also passed fields of wild flowers
at the base of the hills.
After 2.2 miles the loop trail breaks off from the road and heads up a side canyon. Gaining 460 ft in 0.2 miles.
We passed more wildflower meadows under the trees.
The next 4.3 miles was a gentle up and down trail near the ridge line.
We found a short side trail with good views. Panorama looking east toward Missoula
Panorama looking west:
We saw lots of butterflies along the way, I was able to get a picture of one of them.
At 5 miles, the loop trail headed down along a side creek.
We saw a lot of wildflowers and butterflies here as well.
The trail then climbed back up,
and followed another ridge.
There was always a flower or butterfly or view to be seen.
At 6.8 miles, the loop trail leaves the ridge line and descends back into the valley to the trailhead.
Some of the wildflowers and plants we saw on the trail today:
After 2.2 miles the loop trail breaks off from the road and heads up a side canyon. Gaining 460 ft in 0.2 miles.
We saw lots of butterflies along the way, I was able to get a picture of one of them.
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