PNT Day 6: Hay Creek to Whitefish Divide

Daily Miles: 22.1, Total Miles: 78.4

Kind of sad to leave the quiet, peaceful Goat Chalet. After putting an extra blanket on the bed last night, I slept great.

Another smoky, hazy start to the day facing a 4,100′ vertical elevation gain. I first headed down the North Fork Road and soon turned northwest onto the Hay Creek Road, a gentle 10-mile climb. The Hay Creek Road then turned into a trail for five miles up to the Whitefish Divide.

A particular, memorable 3-mile section had 20 piles of bear scat most looking pretty old but a few fresh ones had me making noise.

I bypassed Red Meadows Lake, popular with PNT hikers, but still early so decided to continue up onto the Whitefish Divide Trail to a nice 7,200′ elevation overlook with just enough room for my tent. A filtered, smoky view but still well worth it.

Just enough phone signal tonight to call Mrs Haze. No hikers seen today.