I’ve canceled this plan for this year at least. I think I’m going to the Roundup and do something around there instead.
Folks,
I’m planning to float the “South to North loop” in the Bob Marshall Wilderness in mid June of next year. I’m looking for people to join me. Here is a video Foreest McCarthy made of the route: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AgZFNYFTlR0 (Nice soundtrack, Forrest.) Dave Chenault had this to say about it: “If I had to do one trip over and over for the rest of my life, I’d probably pick this one.” Here is his route description: “nflate straight away and float the South Fork of the Sun down to the confluence with the West Fork. Take out and hike up to and over White River pass. Inflate again at the White, float down to the South Fork of the Flathead, and then down to Mid Creek. Hike up Mid Creek, taking the south branch, to the saddle between Mid and Rambler Creeks. Follow the ridge crest east towards the flank of Silvertip Mountain, before traversing south towards the steam and finding a way through the cliffbands. This will require short stretches of class 3 scrambling. Gain the ridge south of Silvertip, and traverse east staying high until you reach the pass between the Silvertip massif and the Wall Creek cliffs. Drop down to the trail by Juliet Creek, and follow it over Larch Hill pass and down to the North Fork of the Sun at Gates Park. Float south, then take out and hike the South Fork of the Sun back to the TH.”
I will be driving to the trailhead. If you are interested, send a pm or email me at brad.branan@gmail.com