Lee Ridge v. Bear Mountain Lookout

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PHess
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Lee Ridge v. Bear Mountain Lookout

Post by PHess »

Hi All,

Our group is starting a five-night backpacking trip next week and we're trying to decide between two Day 1 itineraries:

Option A: Start at CME. Hike Belly River Trail to GAB, set up tents and drop bags. Hike up to Bear Mountain Overlook and back to GAB.

Option B: Start at LRE. Hike Lee Ridge Trail up to Gable Pass Trail. Turn right and hike Gable Pass Trail down to GAB.

Any thoughts or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your help.
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Re: Lee Ridge v. Bear Mountain Lookout

Post by orin »

Lee Ridge to the ranger station is very scenic but longer and harder than Belly River to the ranger station. It climbs from the start all the way to the Gable Pass junction. The descent to Gable Creek is a steep knee pounder. The Belly River trail loses 700' early and then is quite flat. Not as scenic as Lee Ridge but pretty nice. The side trip to the lookout is relatively easy and the views are great at the top. You really can't go wrong either way but if you have the energy and the knees do Lee Ridge. If you want a more relaxed trip do Bear Mountain.
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