Paddling the Smith River

Debbie in front, picking the best line

Five of us headed for the Smith River in Montana to paddle the Smith River.   The trip had been in doubt due to concerns about low water, but rain made the trip possible.

I drove up to Tongue River State Park in Montana, where I joined Debbie and Tim for the evening.   The next day I drove to Billings, where I picked up my fishing license.   We all met in the Conestoga Campground in White Sulphur Springs.   Don and Sonia drove up in one day.  Randy had been meandering his way northeast from Arkansas, including Yellowstone National Park.  

Randy and I in front.  
Thanks to Debbie for this picture.

On July 25th, we drove to Camp Baker to put in.  The Ranger gave us his talk and tags for our boat.   I struggled some with organization, not atypical for a first day on the river.    The river was low, 200 cfs, and we dragged a fair amount.  We paddled 12 miles to Upper Scotty Allen camp.  The night was cold.

One of the many bald eagles we saw

Randy in camp.
Note the electric bear fence in the background.

Day two on the river we went 12 miles to Upper Sunset Cliff Camp.   There was more water after Tenderfoot Creek entered, and the dragging from that point was not bad.  We saw a marmot, several deer, and two snakes.   We did have quite a few bugs, the only night we had that problem.  Randy caught a couple of trout.   We took a short hike to the top of a cliff for the view. 

Day three we went 14 miles to Parker Flat #1.  We saw many bald eagles.   Don swam often, as he did almost every day.   Sonia and Don moved their tent after seeing a rattlesnake.    We continued to have beautiful weather, with minimal wind. 

Thanks Sonia for this photo

Day four we hiked up to the cave with pictographs.  It was a steep climb with poison ivy, but the view was good, and the pictographs were interesting.   We saw a bear cub above camp, and a deer and two fauns in camp.  We went 7 miles to Lower Ridgetop camp.   

Day five we paddled 15 miles through ranch land to the Eden Bridge takeout.  I headed for home, and overnighted in Big Timber.   

The drive home from Big Timber was uneventful, although 560 miles is a longer day than I typically drive.

Overall, an excellent trip, good folks, good weather, and a beautiful river.