Laura Machen & Elaine Smith Swimming at Miller Creek Campsite
Ward Dominick--Fly Fishing at Miller Creek Campsite
We'll lay over at the Miller Creek Campsite. Fishing at either of our usual campsites along Miller Creek has always been good for us. If we camp at the Appaloosa campsite, the optional activity besides fly-fishing will be to take a day ride back down to the confluence of Miller Creek and the Upper Lamar. Once there, we will explore the area for Native American artifacts. (It is against the law to remove any artifacts from Yellowstone Park. Guests who have been fortunate to explore this area with us have been very mindful and respectful of the sensitive nature of the area.) After looking around the area, we will take a lunch break. Then, those of us that don't mind a little mountain water are going swimming--so don't forget your trunks.
If we make camp at the Saddle Mountain Campsite, then our optional activity will be to hike up to the summit of Saddle Mountain. The hike is strenuous but well worth the effort if you are up to it. Along the way, we will walk through a burned out forest from the Yellowstone fire. Grass in the area is particularly high and is a favorite bedding area of elk. A careful eye usually will see elk moving through the trees. Once we approach the final ascent to Saddle Mountain, we will walk along a ridgeline with a large snowfield below. On several occasions when walking along the ridgeline, the group has been able to get good photos of large bull elk. During the summer, elk prefer the high mountain meadow and snowfield areas in order to escape the flies. So, this hike may yield some good wildlife photo possibilities. The hike continues up the ridgeline for another 45 minutes or so until the summit of Saddle Mountain is reached. Once there, the panoramic view of Yellowstone is unbelievable. As far as you can see, you'll see the rugged peaks of the Absaroka Mountains, the glaciated valleys of Yellowstone and the beautiful mountain meadows off in the skyline.
