Day Hikes Around Missoula, Montana by Robert Stone

Author:Robert Stone
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781573420358
Publisher: Day Hike Books
Published: 2015-03-31T16:00:00+00:00

50. Reservation Divide East Trail to Cha-paa-qn

Hiking distance: 8.2 miles round trip

Hiking time: 4 hours

Elevation gain: 1,800 feet

Maps: U.S.G.S. Hewolf Mountain

Missoulian Hike Bike Run guide

The Reservation Divide encompasses 16,000 backcountry acres west of Missoula along the ridge between the Lolo National Forest and the Flathead Indian Reservation. The Reservation Divide East Trail is a primary route to pyramid-shaped Cha-paa-qn. The trail follows the 7,000-foot divide through a quiet forest with small streams and bridges. The final ascent is a slow scramble up talus rock and boulders to the 7,996-foot pinnacle, the highest point in the Ninemile Ranger District. From the peak are panoramic views of the Mission Mountains, the Flathead Indian Reservation, the Missoula and Bitterroot Valleys, and the Rattlesnake Wilderness.

To the trailhead

From Missoula, drive 21 miles west on I–90 to Ninemile Road/Exit 82. Turn right (north) and go 1.4 miles to Remount Road. Turn right and drive 2.7 miles to the historic Ninemile Ranger Station. Continue 1.5 miles to a Y-fork. Veer right, staying on Edith Peak Road/Forest Service Road 476, and drive 1.3 miles to a T-junction. Go to the right, again staying on Edith Peak Road/F.S. Road 476, and continue 7.1 miles to the posted trail. It is located just before the Flathead Reservation and Edith Peak Road split. Park in the large pullout on the left.

The hike

Take the posted trail northwest into the lush pine and fir forest. Begin a steady but moderate ascent, crossing over the Reservation Divide. Pass through a level, pastoral forest. Begin a steep section of the trail up to a 7,000-foot plateau, gaining 450 feet in 0.4 miles. Cross the flat plateau and Reservation Divide, walking over trickling streams on three small bridges. Slowly curve left to the west side of the divide on the south slope of Cha-paa-qn. Cross two scree fields and traverse the slope across the head of Stony Creek Canyon.

At 3.5 miles is a posted junction by a three-foot rock cairn. To the left, the Sleeping Woman Trail leads 2.2 miles to the trailhead on F.S. 2178 (Hike 49). Straight ahead the trail leads 7 miles to the Kennedy Creek Trailhead. To ascend the summit of Cha-paa-qn, take the right fork. Climb the rock and root-embedded path as the bald, rocky peak comes into view. Ascend the path to the base of the peak by a four-foot rock cairn with 180-degree vistas. Turn around here, or extend the hike up the rock-strewn mountain, scrambling your way to the summit. Return on the same trail.

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