PNT Day 3: Over Brown Pass to Bowman Lake

Daily Miles: 15.3, Total Miles: 42.1

A quiet night, not surprising since I was the only human there.

I set off on the Brown Pass Trail on what was still a fairly clear day despite the ongoing fires in ID, WA and nearby Whitefish.

I passed by scenic Lake Janet and then on to Lake Francis, a side trip but so well worth it. On the side trail I surprised a large buck with antlers in velvet, he obviously didn’t want to give up the trail but reluctantly gave in.

Lake Janet was a very impressive, beautiful lake at the base of massive, near vertical cliffs with waterfalls down to the lake. I met a few hikers at the nearby backcountry campground.

Up next was a big 2,000′ climb to Brown Pass, bushwhacking through vegetation so high and thick I often could not see my shoes.

Then a steep and scenic descent on the Bowman Lake Trail where I eventually reached the head of the lake a few hours and seven miles later. I met several young hikers there on 4-day trips doing a loop up and around Kintla Lake.

More smoke and haze returned tonight.