While most skiers flock to the resorts for getting their winter enjoyment, the backcountry is where I get my fix. After getting introduced to AT gear last year and going through the learning curve without breaking any bones, I was eager to get out this winter. Our mild winter and low snow levels have hampered getting out, but I was able to take advantage of recent snowfalls. Cody was going to have a layover day here in kalispell, and he was flying in as we were getting about 6″ of powder. A trip up Cascadilla creek was planned and the weather didn’t disappoint. Cody enjoying the day in the bowl at the top of cascadilla creekThe Cascadilla creek trail is a very gradual uphill trek to the bottom of the bowl. Probably about 3 miles if you take the trail all the way. We chose to shortcut the trail and climb through the forest cutting off about a mile of the regular trail. This got us up to the top of the bowl in about 3 miles. Once you start the climb in the bowl the terrain becomes much steeper.Looking back as we exit the cascadilla creek drainageThe previous rainfall event we had caused numerous avalanches throughout the flathead range. Pretty much everything that was in danger of sliding had already let go. Consequently we had a very safe forecast for avalanche danger. There were slide areas however that we had to ski around. When we started our assent the clouds were heavy and visability poor creating concern about our downhill trek. As we got closer to the top however the clouds opened up and became a beautiful day.The climb to the topThere are numerous accessible drainages in the flathead range that can be fantastic ski outings. Another flathead excursion I had was up the rescue creek drainage. This trail is a little more technical to access the bowl and does have a little more avalanche exposure.Views of the climb up rescue creekCan’t wait for the next big snowfall to go again.
