Travel from Cody to Cooke City, Montana

We left Cody Monday, July 13th, with a weather forecast to be clear with some clouds.  Thank goodness no rain - our drive north west out of the town was breathtaking with panoramic views of the Shoshone National Forest and Clarks Canyon, following the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway.  We picked up the Nez Perce Historical Trail along Route 296, the trail follows the flight of the Nez Perce Indians to Canada in 1877.  This Nez Perce Trail is 1,170 miles long - starting at the Wallowa Valley in eastern Oregon which we visited 3 years ago where Chief Joseph’s remains are, and continues until you are 40 miles from the border of Canada where Chief Joseph surrendered to the Army. 

Smoke from wildfires in Canada

Welcome to Montana!

Came to the Beartooth Highway, Route 212, turned westbound for Cooke City.  Big warnings along our previous route that said vehicles over 40 feet should not travel the Beartooth Highway.  Well, we won’t that’s for sure!  But will come back another day and travel the eastbound Route 212 to see what it’s all about.  The truck (RV) performed great.  Can’t say the same for Buddy.  He got sick again, but once we stopped and set up - out he came.  I think the wining of the engine up and down the mountains did not please him.

Breathtaking scenery.  Although our trip was only 92 miles long, it took us over 3 hours because we were zig zagging through cutbacks of the mountains and canyon.  Had to stop for awhile while construction crews were working, but did not mind - just staring out the window made the wait very bearable.  Creeks and rivers flowing from the snow melt, saw waterfalls that were shocking - just along the roadway with no warning!  So pretty the wildflowers.  Did not see any wildlife - some cows and horses but that’s it.

Construction and sharp declines

Yep, they were not kidding!

Pretty little lakes, no moose

Love the scenery

Clark's Fork River

Still snow on Absaroka Mountains

At some point, once we started on the Beartooth Highway, we saw an enormous finger like mountain in the distance.  And a squattier mountain beside it.  We found out that the finger looking one is called Index Mountain (dah) and the other Pilot Mountain.  We are camping at 8000 feet below Pilot Mountain.  We can see it looking out our front window.  We are resting behind the Big Moose Resort about 3 miles just outside of Cooke City, Montana.  There are 4 RV full-hookups behind the resort (small cabins are rented out which lie in front of us towards the roadway) but the owner, Bev, said - pick the site you want - you will be by yourself.  She also said she has seen buffalo in the back (where we are near), they meander from Yellowstone (only 7 miles away).  Could see moose, may see a bear (she doubts that), definitely deer, may hear a wolf howling.  

Pilot and Index Mountains - camped right below Pilot (right one)

We drove into Cooke City to scout out the town.  We were here 3 years ago and remember the visitor’s center and small restaurants.  Got information on local hikes and waterfalls.  Were told again to have bear spray with us - they grizzlies are out. 

During the evening we watched a large mule deer grazing near us, just leisurely took it’s time finding the choicest grasses.  The wildflowers are spectacular, any color you want to see blooming.  Our plans are to be here a week, then we will move much farther north to Helena.  We will venture into Yellowstone to Lamar Valley where all the wildlife is.  May do a hike or two.