CDT Day 145: Two Medicine River to Mariah Pass

Daily Miles: 31.9, Total Miles: 2,619.0

Not as much ups and downs today so make good time. I followed the South Fork Medicine River for several miles and really enjoyed the mix of burn and forest.

Fall colors on the South Fork Two Medicine Creek

So much, in fact, that I missed a turn on the CDT. Rather than backtrack, I kept going and tied back into the CDT near Mariah Pass. The only downside was having to ford the river several times. A lynx crossed the trail in front of me without stopping to look both ways.

Near the ford on the South Fork Two Medicine River

I got water at a campground at Mariah Pass, crossed Highway 2 and was stopped at the railroad tracks by a very long train that wasn’t moving. Couldn’t see either end of the train, so this hobo climbed up and crossed between two railroad cars. I then entered Glacier National Park although I didn’t see a sign.

I couldn’t find a flat, clear spot to camp so when I saw a wider section of trail at the Firebrand Pass Trail Junction, I thought this would have to do. Not very stealthy and without a camping permit, but I’ll be long gone before anyone comes this way.

I was just settling into my sleeping bag when I heard something coming down the trail. I yelled hello and stuck my head out of the tent with my headlamp on – just in time to see a small bear scampering down the trail. Not sure if mama was around.