Unplugged in Montana: A Week of Nature, Biking, and Food Adventures
"Join Jamie Cooper as he recounts week five of his cross-country journey in Montana's Lolo National Forest. Experience fly fishing on the Clark Fork River, biking through the wilderness, unforgettable meals cooked on a Snowpeak grill, and much more!
Foggy morning over the lake by camp in the Lolo National Forest
For week five of our cross-country journey, we found ourselves nestled in the heart of Montana's Lolo National Forest. Our home for the week was initially a stunning site by Lake Lindbergh, a lesser-known gem in Montana's expansive wilderness. Despite the picturesque views and the calming lull of the lake at night, our trusty Starlink struggled to establish a solid signal. So, with a sense of adventure, we packed up camp and relocated to a secluded spot past Seeley Lake on a small, hidden lake. This location had everything we needed: easy access to the lake, nearby trails to explore, a pit toilet, ample space for our Goal Zero solar panels to soak up the sun and charge our Goal Zero power Goal Zero power station and panels to soak up the sunshine, and, crucially, a clear shot for our Starlink to connect us with the world.
The week was filled with activities, from fishing and biking to early morning drives and catching up on much-needed rest. The Clark Fork River, a haven for fishing enthusiasts, was only a stone's throw away. I spent countless hours acquainting myself with this stretch of water, which, with its abundance of Green Drakes, was an absolute dream for any fly fisherman. On the other hand, my gravel bike offered a perfect way to explore the surrounding Lolo National Forest. During one such biking excursion, I found myself venturing down a forest service road, which quickly faded into a grassy trail. Despite the unexpected route, the detour offered a chance to appreciate the blooming wildflowers and soak in the views of the valley below.
While I relished the solitude of the natural world, Lauren had to take a detour from our woodland retreat for a work trip, flying out of Missoula. This marked the first time we had separated since embarking on our journey from Minnesota. The predawn drive to the airport was an unexpectedly beautiful experience. Montana's countryside unfolded around us, painted with the gentle hues of blue hour.
Upon my return to camp and a quick nap, Zooey and I decided to make the most of the day. We were surrounded by the tranquility of our lakeside refuge, the hum of insects, and the quiet lap of water against the shore. The green drake hatch was in full swing on the Clark Fork, so Zooey and I spent the day together, casting my line and enjoying the rhythm of fly fishing.
The bustling town of Missoula offered a welcome change of pace. We savored our "town day," starting with a visit to Black Coffee Roasters for some much-needed caffeine and a replacement coffee grinder. A delectable lunch at a local cafe set the perfect tone for the day. And being next to the Missoulian Angler, I couldn't resist the temptation to step into the fly shop. Equipped with their advice and a new fly box, I was ready to continue my angling adventures.
Our Lolo National Forest escapade also offered the chance to connect with fellow outdoor enthusiasts. I had the pleasure of meeting and fishing with John, Sam, Jack, and the fine folks at Native Release. Even though it was an afternoon of small fish, the experience was enriched by the shared passion for nature and the camaraderie among us.
Cooking outdoors has its unique charm, and it's made even better with the right tools. That's why we've come to rely heavily on our Snowpeak Takibi grill, a centerpiece of our outdoor culinary adventures. (Exciting news – I've partnered with Snowpeak and now have an affiliate link. If you're inspired by our cooking escapades and decide to purchase from them, you'll be supporting our summer road trip of cooking and traveling!). This week, we crafted a couple of memorable meals, each one a celebration of open air and the joy of food. We indulged in surf and turf tacos one night and savored a classic grilled steak with charred asparagus another night, all cooked to perfection on our Snowpeak grill. Paired with an ice-cold Draught Works Hand Rolled Hazy IPA, each meal was a testament to the pleasure of simple, well-cooked food under the Montana sky."
Coffee, our faithful companion, was another highlight of the week. We were sipping on Black Coffee Roasters Sidma Ethiopian single origin roast, a perfect pairing for the early morning chill and the anticipation of the day ahead. Brewed on our Kalita Wave flat-bottom pour-over, each cup was a comforting ritual that grounded us in our nomadic life.
Zooey and I also embarked on an adventurous day trip to a fire lookout tower, my first. Despite the forest service website's information, we found the tower locked. Nevertheless, the hike, the panoramic views, and the companionship made the trip worthwhile.
Looking back, our week in the Missoula area felt like a home away from home. The landscape, the activities, and the people gave us a sense of belonging, making us muse about the possibility of calling this place home someday. And that, perhaps, is the most significant takeaway from this journey—finding home in the most unexpected places."
Week 3 - Glacier National Park: Delving Deeper Into Trails, Campfire Cuisine, and Everyday Life on Wheels
Immersed in the rugged beauty of Glacier National Park, we were blessed with unforgettable views and heart-stopping experiences. Trekking through age-old forests, we made our way to the stunning Avalanche Lake, a gem nestled amidst the peaks. Back at camp, evenings were spent around the Snowpeak grill, our impromptu kitchen conjuring up heartwarming meals like grilled chicken with charred cabbage and a creative spin on bibimbap, bringing a taste of Korea to the wild Montana landscape. The serene Lake McDonald provided much-needed refreshment and a hearty laugh after a strenuous hike, with a dive into its icy waters that will remain etched in our memories. All these experiences made possible, of course, in the company of my reliable Stio gear, offering comfort and functionality amidst nature’s unpredictability.
Unveiling the Extraordinary in the Ordinary: A Glimpse into our Days in Glacier National Park
Our journey through Glacier National Park, from Fish Creek Campground to the serene shores of Lake McDonald, was marked by miles of unspoiled wilderness and intimate encounters with nature. We chose a site that was just a short walk to Lake McDonald, providing us easy access to both solitude and breathtaking views.
Two distinct hikes defined our days. The first led us to Avalanche Lake, a popular trail stretching 5.5 miles with an elevation gain of 750 ft. The walk was accentuated by the rush of Avalanche Creek, gnarled western red cedar trees, and the majestic lake itself.
On another day, we traced the shoreline of St. Mary Lake on Piegan Pass to Virginia Falls passing St. Mary Falls. This trail was a longer haul at 6.3 miles and about 700 feet of elevation gain, but well worth every step. Wildflowers carpeted our path, framing the glacial blue lake and towering mountains in the background. The hike culminated at the Upper Virginia Falls where we took a moment to rest and refuel with lunch.
As the echoes of Upper Virginia Falls hummed in our ears, we retraced our steps back to camp, situated by the serene Lake McDonald. The call of its glacial waters was impossible to ignore. outfitted in my reliable Stio shorts, I jumped in for a refreshing dip after a long day of hiking. The frigid water elicited gasps and laughter, bouncing off the surrounding mountains and infusing the serene setting with our joy. It's in moments like these—feeling the lake's icy yet invigorating embrace—that connections are forged not just with nature, but also with the reliable gear that supports our journey. As a special treat for my readers, you can use the code 'JAMIE20' to get a 20% discount on your own Stio gear. These are the moments of serene connection that make this journey worth every step
Our time in Glacier wasn't just about the outdoors. Life in our A-liner Evolution (affectionately named Stella) was getting cozier by the day, and this was reflected in our culinary exploits. Our Snowpeak Takibi grill played host to sizzling chicken thighs and charred cabbage, complemented by grilled carrots sweetened with a hint of maple syrup. On another night, our Camp Chef Everest 2 burner stove transformed humble ingredients into a memorable bibimbap-inspired feast, a nod to our love for flavors from around the world.
A highlight of the week was a solitary drive at sunset, journeying into the heart of Glacier's interior. Without another soul in sight, the spectacle of nature at twilight was truly my own. These moments of quiet reflection brought me back to my first time in Glacier, under the tutelage of Alex Strohl. His influence sparked my transition into full-time freelance photography, a leap of faith that has shaped my path over the past year.
Glacier holds a special place in my heart, and returning to it is akin to tracing the footsteps of my own growth. It's been a year of learning, experiencing, and connecting with fellow creatives. But as always, the road beckons, and Stella is all set for the next chapter of our adventure – onwards to the Missoula area.
