Fall Colors Dot the Rocky Mountain Front on Yeager Flats Hike
The Great Falls gals met at 7:00 am at Lippi’s and headed to Choteau to meet up with Viki by 8:00. Then we all caravanned to the Ear Mountain trailhead, where we met Cathy Balasky, who championed protections for the outstanding natural area several years ago. She told us some about the history of the trail and what to look for as we made our way up. She also had encouraged us to wear orange or bright colors, as bow hunting was taking place nearby.
It was so windy at the trailhead that we were concerned that we would be blown away as we hiked, but amazingly, the wind stopped as soon as we began up the trail! It turned into a beautiful, clear fall day with wide views and vivid colors. Cathy’s description of the trail was accurate, so we felt confident as we came to each marker that she mentioned. The trail was well marked with plastic and wood posts along the way and arrows pointing the direction. One solitary hare bell was seen along the trail. Ear Mountain stood out in the sunlight as we rounded one turn, and the colors of the evergreens and aspen formed a patchwork quilt in the distance.
We hiked to the end of the Yeager Flat trail where there was a sign, and then backtracked a little to a perfect picnic spot with a great view. After lunch, we began to hike back to the cars, all the while exclaiming about what a perfect day this had been. We arrived at our vehicles at about 1:30 pm and drove home.
Who went—Brenda, Viki, Carol, Desirae and Sara.