Bear Trap Canyon is a swell early or late season hike: it warms up early in the spring, and stays warm longer in the fall than hikes up in the mountains. The hike follows the Madison River through the Lee Metcalf Wilderness, and it’s always been one of my favorites.
But a wildfire tore through the canyon this summer, burning at least 5,000 acres, and I was worried that the beautiful fall scenery that I’d remembered would be just that – a memory.
On a recent Sunday we headed south to check it out, and were relieved to find that while the fire did some pretty heavy damage at the mouth of the canyon, the wilderness area of the hike was untouched. It was as lovely as ever. We saw a couple of other hikers, and a few fishermen, but other than that we had the canyon to ourselves.
What if the whole canyon looked like this?
Luckily, it doesn’t.
Off the Beaten Path: Hikes, Backpacks, and Travels 
Such lovely photos, as always. I’m glad the fire didn’t reach the canyon where you like to hike.
Thanks – I’m glad too.
I am so thankful the fire didn’t reach the canyon. It’s one of my favorite places to hike/ fish in MT. Thanks for the photos!
It is a wonderful spot. My next goal is to learn to fly fish…I think. I love the idea of having an excuse to be on a beautiful river all day, but am not so sure I have the coordination!
I think you’d love it (at least I do and I’m not that great at it!). It’s incredibly peaceful to be on the river, and a fly rod isn’t that heavy when you are carrying your pack. 🙂
I was just talking to a coworker about how beautiful western Montana. Here is more evidence!
Well, cool. Thanks for the visit. Love your blog, too!