Just this once?
Several years ago, a couple friends and I snowshoed up Casey Peak the day after Christmas. Because of the deep snow, it was extremely challenging but very amazing as well. You can read about it in one of my previous posts. My policy with this blog has been to feature a hike only once (99 posts so far). However hiking Casey Peak in the summer is such a different experience from snowshoeing it in the winter that I decided to make an exception. So here goes.
Next level.
My favorite thing about living in Helena is the fantastic trail system that borders the southern edge of town – over 70 miles of well-maintained trails, thanks to the Prickly Pear Land Trust and the City of Helena. I hike the Helena trails 4-5 times per week when I’m in town. For most Helenans who want to get into hiking, the 1906 Trail to the top of Mt. Helena is a common first step (about 3.5 miles round-trip). Once they’ve earned their Mt. Helena badge, a logical next step might be the 7-mile Ridge Trail, which ends at the Mt. Helena Trailhead. After building up stamina and confidence, some will eventually be ready to test their mettle with a more challenging hike. For Helena area hikers, Casey Peak is a great choice for that big next step (10.5 miles round-trip with 3,500 ft. of elevation gain).
A fun summit.
The trail to Casey Peak begins at the Casey Meadows Trailhead, a 16-mile drive from Helena. The popular well-maintained trail climbs gradually for the first 2.5 miles, crossing the East Fork of McLellan Creek three times before reaching Casey Meadows – dogs love those crossings! Half a mile beyond the grassy clearing is another stream crossing – and then the steep portion of the hike begins. Over the last two miles the trail climbs 2,000 feet to the summit, but the views get better the higher you go. A curious-looking stone structure sits atop the summit – the first floor of a fire lookout that was used briefly in the early 1900’s. Its wooden second story with walk-around deck crumbled away several years ago.
Options.
Casey is also an ideal place for conditioning whether you’re an avid hiker, a trail-runner, or want to get in shape for an upcoming back-packing trip. I like to climb it at least once each summer, and I also enjoy an almost annual snowshoe hike to the frozen waterfall below and to the north of the summit. In fact, when I hiked up Casey Peak last week, I ventured over to check out the waterfall and cave that sits behind it – just wanted to see what it’s like there in the summer. The side-trip added a couple miles to my hike, but it was well worth it. To see some of what I saw, including some drone photos, check out the photo tour (see link below). Be sure to read the captions.
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KUHL opportunity.
On a side note, an outdoor clothing company called KUHL recently contacted me about possibly sponsoring my blog. The deal we made is that they would send me a free pair of pants to try, I’d write a review on my next post (this one), and then we’d take it from there. Sounded like a good deal – Heck yeah, I’ll take some free KUHL pants!
KUHL has been patient because it’s been a long time since my last post. Here’s what I think about the KUHL pants . . .
I have an older pair of black KUHL hiking pants, which are the ones I wore during the Casey Peak hike featured above – you’ll see them in the photos. The ones they sent me to try out are called RADIKL. I also have a few pairs of non-KUHL pants that I wear. Although the KUHL pants are more expensive, they are definitely more durable. The stitching is much higher quality and the fabric is less prone to tearing. My other pants just don’t hold up as well with all the off-trail bush-whacking I like to do. My black KUHL pants have outlived my other hiking pants and I expect the same of the RADIKL pants they sent me.
Another feature I REALLY like is the articulated knees, which gives them a more athletic shape – designed for moving, not standing. It’s just a more comfortable fit for hiking. I also appreciate the little stretch side-panel on the waist. It makes for a nice snug (not tight) fit, so I don’t even have to wear a belt. I wore the RADIKLs on several of my snowshoeing hikes in the Little Rockies last winter and I like them much better than other pants I’ve worn. They are made for moving, and that’s what I like to do.
