Three Lakes Peak, Ninemile Valley/Reservation Divide

Ninemile Valley and Stark Mountain in the background. Dan Saxton photo.

January was a disappointingly dry month this year, which was bad for skiing but good for peak bagging. I've actually never really bagged peaks in the winter until this year. I'd summited the odd winter peak back in my 20's when I was back country skiing, but it was always an afterthought. This winter it's been a focus, and I've loved it. Winter is a lovely time to be in the mountains: there are no bugs, it's not hot, and on a clear day the views are uplifting. Probably the top winter peak bagging outing this year -- and there have been some good ones -- was this past weekend, when I climbed Three Lakes Peak with prolific Missoula peakbagger Dan Saxton. Why was it so good? Well, it was a nice day for one, but the distinguishing feature was that the snow pack was dense (Dan was able to do the entire hike in his boots), making for very nice hiking/snow shoeing conditions, and moreover, that the terrain near Three Lakes is perfect for winter travel. It was a very pleasant day and was nice to have company other than Pudge (the dog) on an outing. 

To get to Three Lakes, drive out Ninemile Road until it enters National Forest (approx. 20 miles from Ninemile Ranger Station; this is where the plowing stops in winter) and about a mile later, turn right onto Rd. 5498. In winter, you might just stop here since we only made it up 5498 about 1/2 mile further and were stressed about getting stuck. From your car, follow 5498 to the old logging road numbered 18008 on the map, which will take you up onto the open terrain you see in the pictures below. In summer, drive 5498 five miles to the Burnt Fork Pinnacle trail head and hike good trail.

Note: Many of the pictures in this blog were taken by Dan Saxton. All were taken on his camera since I forgot to put an SD card in mine.

Dan and Ninemile

South Three Lakes. Three Lakes is behind the saddle between the two visible summits. Dan Saxton photo.

Dan near the summit.

On top:Sonyok Mountain under my right hand and Red Sleep Mountain (a.k.a. the Bison Range) under my left hand.

The Researvation Divide looking east (and a bit south) with Ch-paa-qn in the back. Dan Saxton photo.

Ninemile Valley from the summit. Dan Saxton photo.

Looking west along the Reservation Divide. Dan Saxton photo.

Looking north at Baldy Mountain, the Flathead River in the lower left corner. Dan Saxton photo.