Border patrol.

I like these long empty roads that run to the border. After the last lights of the last town fall away, the road opens and traffic disappears. Remote gas stations advertise fuel at astronomical prices which you’ll soon pine for. Habitation appears as the occasional bar with a lit neon sign and a handful of idling trucks out front. Signs announce border hours and crossing formalities.

(The view from the Stahl Peak lookout)

I recently got a large-format atlas for Montana, but instead of showing where to go it seems to highlight the places I haven’t been to. Often, the lure of the border means that which deserves attention goes unnoticed.

(Summit of Green Mountain, looking north, moments before a close-proximity grizzly encounter)

The Whitefish Mountains. Well-known for a four-season resort at their southern terminus, this range stretches into Canada and overall receives little attention. It’s remote and one valley over from Glacier National Park.

(Ten Lakes Scenic Area, Kootenai National Forest)

A 10-mile out-and-back turned into a 12-mile loop thanks to a damn close encounter with three grizzlies and the desire not to cross their path again on the way back. A few extra hours in the afternoon, so a 4-miler around Big Therriault Lake. A night of moving the truck three times to get away from mice trying to break in. In the morning, a power-stride up Stahl to the lookout. 4.7 miles and 2,400 vertical in 1 hour 50 min. I meant to dally on the descent and stopped for a few minutes to gorge on superripe blueberries. Proceeding, not 10 yards later I stepped into a massive, very fresh bear turd.

(Stahl Peak blueberry patch -- fun for everyone!)

Another weekend down, a bit more of the map filled in, and of course, more to see is revealed.