Scapegoat

Itinerary

Day 1

Starting at Benchmark we enter the Bob Marshall Wilderness crossing a suspension bridge over the South Fork of the Sun River. We then follow this stream on our way up to the Continental Divide which we cross at Hoadley/Stadler pass. We descend down into Basin Creek area near Danaher Creek which is the headwaters of the South Fork Flathead River. About 16 trail miles and 5.5 hours of ride time.

Day 2

This is a layover day and folks can enjoy excellent fishing on the Danaher, take leisurely hikes in several directions, or just relax and soak up the surroundings.

Day 3

We pack up and move to the Danaher Meadow region. This is a very beautiful dan gentle ride. in 1898 Tom Danaher and a few other heavy individuals filed on homesteads in this beautiful valley. Evidence of their efforts can still be found along the trail in the form of old haying machinery. We continue on over the Dry Fork Divide and into the headwaters of the North Fork of the Blackfoot river We will camp for one night along the trail here. About 15 trail miles and 5 hours of ride time.

Day 4

Moving on down the Dry Fork we are now in the “88 burn” area. Arriving at the North Fork Cabin we turn up the North Fork of the Blackfoot. we will stop for a look at the North Fork Falls, a series of very impressive water falls through a section of gorge. we arrive at our campsite at the head of the North Fork. About 12 trail miles and 4.5 hours of ride time.

Day 5

Layover day and a good day for a leisurely hike and relaxing.

Day 6

Get ready to gain some elevation as we start back up towards the Continental Divide. Making our way up Dobrota Creek we take a little used trail to the divide. The stock will need a breather after this climb and so will you because the view will take your breath away. The remainder of the day will be spent riding beneath Scapegoat Mountain to our campsite on Half Moon Creek. Many feel the cliffs of Scapegoat rival the Chinese Wall in every way. About 13 trail miles and 5.5 hours of ride time.

Day 7

Layover day. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast as the sun warms up. A good day for a hike over to the green Fork area. or if there are some folks up for a really strenuous all day trip, the hike to the top of Scapegoat is unforgettable. At 9202′ it is the highest point on the Continental Divide within the Bob Marshall Complex. The view can’t be described in words. From the unique geology of the Scapegoat Plateau, to the distant ranges of western MT and the plains to the east it’s simply awe inspiring.

Day 8

Our last day on the trail, we move over Welcome Pass out on to the east front country where we are met at the Smith Creek trailhead by support crew to shuttle us and the stock back to the 7 Lazy P for showers and dinner and your final night with the 7 Lazy P. About 12 trail miles and 4.5 hours of riding time.

Day 9

Guests depart the lodge following breakfast.