How to plan for a successful trip in the backcountry
Camping in the Bob, you will see stunning panoramic vistas similar to what Glacier National Park has to offer. Fortunately, you’ll get to escape the entrance fees and crowds, and you get to bring your dog. Differing from a national park, travel in the Bob is either done by foot or on the back of an animal. No vehicles, including bicycles, are allowed in the area. In addition, hunting is permitted in most of the Wilderness Area, which makes backpacking in the fall a bit less approachable. Wear bright colors and make lots of noise.
Adventuring in the Bob is one of the best ways to unplug from a busy world and remind yourself of the importance and vastness of nature. As you begin planning, consider how long of a trip you would like. Backpacking trails in the Bob range anywhere from 12 to 70 miles. Remember that you’ll travel slower than average with a forty-pound pack on your back, but you can probably plan on moving at about 2.5 miles an hour. Based on how long you’d like your days to be and your trip to last overall, you can find trails that will suit your needs.
AllTrails is a good place to start. Be sure to look at trail length, elevation gain, and recent reviews for trail condition. When backpacking, every 750 ft of elevation gain will add about an hour to your day. Next, make sure you purchase a map of the Bob Marshall Wilderness. You can find these online, or at your local outdoor outfitting store. Finally, contact the ranger station closest to where you plan on hiking to ask about trail conditions and any other recommendations that they may have. There is no reserving a campsite in advance, so make sure you start your trip early and talk to fellow backpackers on your route to ask about camp conditions. Share your route with a friend back home before you leave. As you pack, the packing list towards the bottom of this page can serve as a guideline. Even if you’re backpacking in the middle of summer, bring layers for chilly evenings and mornings. No matter the season, if your dog doesn’t mind the extra jingling, I recommend attaching a bear bell to his collar. Have a can of bear spray accessible at all times.
If backpacking isn’t quite your speed, consider booking a guided trip to experience this beautiful wilderness area. With a quick search, you’ll be able to find many different outfitters whose services vary from a cushy wilderness experience including animals to pack your gear, to a hiking companion teaching you how to rough it in the Bob.
No matter how you choose to get out into the Bob, you’ll be glad you did. Take time to enjoy the scenery, the company of friends who join you, and the joy of getting out into nature.