August 5, 2026
📍 Spring — 44.464192, -112.439537 · Alt: 8288 ft (2526m)
• Days Out: 1
• Hours: 12
• Start Mile: 2178.2
• End Mile: 2193.9
• Total Miles: 15.7 mi
• High Temp: 80 °F
• Low Temp: 47 °F
• Thru Hikers Met: 4
0630 hrs I'm getting ready. The office is open and they can get me to the trailhead by 0800 hrs
A pleasant motel
. 4 hikers have already scheduled the shuttle. We are dropped at the trailhead which is a dirt road for several miles.
This is where I left off on a previous hike
The walk is flat and fast, these fields are populated with cattle. The cows have a look of concern as I approach, I attempt to soothe them, but frequently they bolt in an opposite direction. I am pleased I don't see any bulls wandering about.
Among all the sagebrush stands this lone flower
Eventually the trail starts climbing up the hills. Lots of steep climbs topping out at over 8500', a 2000' elevation change. No shade on this walk, but thankfully there is a consistent cool breeze, combined with the smoke is providing relief from the relentless sunshine.
Looking back hills that comprised my hike
Above there are raptors gliding lazily in search of prey. They are too distant for me to ID them other than a raptor. Occasionally their shadows pass over the trail as I walk. At one point I am startled as I flush a grouse. Seems these birds always wait to the very last moment to explode from their hiding spot. The hills are very peaceful, mostly silent save the sound of breeze. There are signs of horses and deer. The only creatures I see are flitting little birds and a very occasional chipmunk. The 4 northbound hikers had moved on well in front of me, they are thru hiking the CDT. And by this time have hiker legs and their bodies are accustomed to "this is what you do every day".
The trail follows the Idaho and Montana boarder. There is a barbed wire fence making sure of the boundary. It's old and not well maintained, with wires on the ground in places easily stepped over.
Every so often there appears a metal stake denoting the boarder
Water is scarce out here and I am making my way to the first real source. Off the trail and down the grade I can see the bright green foliage in the creek path. About 300' down I can get a small trickle of precious water 4 liters of water are filled along with several deep drinks. When I get back to the trail the sun is just dropping below the horizon. Exhausted it's time to pitch my tent and call this day an end. My mattress and bag feel like heaven.
Tags: cdt
