Lots to Do

The Wise River area is a place in the outdoors where there is an abundance of things to do.  In this area you can hunt for crystals at Crystal Park, hike and hike and hike and hike, visit a Ghost Town, and visit Hot Springs about 30 miles away.

I was disappointed with some aspects of the National Forest in this area.  My map showed many trails that could be accessed with a motor vehicle 50 inches or less.  This promised access did not prove to be accurate. Possibly, I purchased an outdated map last year. Bobcat Lake trail (supposedly 3 miles into the lake, but a killer hike of more than three miles) is only for the use of motorcycles now.  Four wheelers are permitted on one trail into Odell Lake.  However, the trail is horribly rocky and steep, so you will probably need all the fillings in your teeth reattached after the ride. Obviously, the purpose of this Odell Lake trail is to kill off anyone who rides four wheelers.

My husband and his friend, Dave, braved the rocky trail to fish in Odell Lake.  When they reached a meadow near the lake, there were two four wheeler tracks.  Two riders had left the trail and plowed through a beautiful meadow, tearing it up.   It is discouraging to have a few short sighted, selfish imbeciles who are devoid of respect for the forest ruin access for everyone.

There is another trail into Odell Lake where only hikers and horses are permitted.   This trail has rails to tie horses and parking for horse trailers.

The provisions for horses and horse trailer made me wonder if the reigning powers in this forest are riding enthusiasts or have investments in dude ranches. My map indicated that the Mono Creek Trailhead No. 2086 provided access for vehicles 50 inches or less near the high Torrey Lake in the Pioneers.  According to the map, a rider need only hike the last couple of miles into the lake.  Not True.  The trail is set up for horseback riders for the eight mile journey into Torrey.  Unfortunately, horses are very expensive and time consuming.  Most  people don't have the time, money,  or expertise to keep horses for trail riding. So if you don't have horses, plan on an overnight backpack trip into Torrey Lake.  Eight miles in and eight miles out.  Those who are out of shape and not staying at a dude ranch, or are not horse owners are out of luck.

Trails with destinations of three miles are less are scarce in this area.

The Ghost Town of Coolidge is fascinating.  The town must have been fairly large at one time.  I was puzzled by the signs warning against taking artifacts and destroying property. It's hard to imagine what havoc anyone could wreak on the piles of wood that were once buildings that are scattered everywhere. There has been no effort to save any of the buildings, except for one large home where a tin roof was installed. Our friends assured us that when they last visited 35 years ago all the buildings that are now wrecks were still standing.

After visiting the ghost town, our friends took us to Elkhorn Hot Springs for swimming.  I didn't see any guests, the restaurant was closed, and there was green algae on the bottom of the pool.  We opted out.  If we wanted to drive about 30 miles, we could gone swimming at Jackson Hot Springs.


If we visit this part of the Beaverhead Deerlodge National Forest again, I am going to plan ahead.  A weight loss program with an enhanced physical fitness program seems in order if I want to see the choicest places.  Although, I do have friends with horses. Maybe riding lessons are in order?