Back in May, we took the dogs up the Bitterroot Valley to spend the day hiking at Mill Creek.
A clear, blue sky let the sun shine down on us as spring runoff cascaded through the canyon. Early wildflowers - especially trillium and shooting stars - were abundant.
From the parking area, the trail climbs west gradually on the south side of the creek, past irrigation canals that branch off of it, to a log bridge. After crossing to the north side, the canyon opens up. While a wildfire blackened this part of the canyon in 2000, the green regrowth is evident among the still-standing snags.
The trail continues west on the north side of the creek, past a rock wall that has become popular with climbers in recent years, and at about three miles reaches a rock bench above a cascade that tumbles into a pool - our destination for the day.
After some food, pictures, a dip in the water for the dogs and finding a few ticks, we backtracked to the trailhead.
Here are more pictures of Mill Creek.
Distance: About 6 miles round trip to the cascade, but the trail continues.
Trailhead: From U.S. Highway 93 about 41 miles south of Missoula and 4 3/4 miles north of Hamilton, turn west on Dutch Hill Road and continue 2 1/2 miles. Turn south on Bowman Road and continue about 1/3 mile, then turn west on Mill Creek Trail Road and follow it about 3/4 mile to the parking and picnic area.
