Barker Mountain
I have an obsession with the Rocky Mountain Front. Both exploring it, and getting great views of it. On Tuesday I hiked a mountain that I’ve wanted to hike for the past two years – Barker Mountain – on the far northern edge of the Little Belt Mountains, looking over the plains and front region.
The road to Barker went through the historic town of Hughesville. Well, right now the historic ghost town of Hughesville. Silver mining in the region was very prominent way back when – late 1800s and early 1900s. But now these mines are abandoned, with just remnants remaining. One of the largest mines – no idea what its name is – is above.
The hike itself went through mountain lion country. Well, this whole region is mountain lion country. And by country I mean they actually live here and we actually seen them – one has nearly got my dog twice. Good thing my dog is faster than the cats. But because of this, my .45 comes along, fully loaded, not cocked but loaded.
From the top of Barker looking west-by-north-west. The mountain on the left, Tiger Butte, is directly across from my cabin. Always fun to see where you live from far away.
Looking south into the Lewis and Clark National Forest from the top of Barker.
Self-shot! Me, on the top of Barker, looking at something. I’m wearing my new OR hat everywhere I can – need to break it in for Africa.
Looking north from the top of Barker towards the plains. After I got back to the Jeep, I continued on the small little road that I was on. The road in the center of the picture is the road that I took out – but I had no idea where it went. So I just aimlessly followed the road for about 20 miles before it came out on some highway. Luckily took a left on the highway, and found out where I was within a few miles.
The trees are spooning!
Again, from the top of Barker, looking north-east, with the Highwoods rising up on the left side of the horizon.
Looking south-east from the top of Barker, with Big Baldy, the tallest mountain in the Little Belts, straight ahead.
