Joined by Vida and Haines, we hiked a loop route through the Cube Iron/Silcox Roadless Area. This particular route has been on my hike bucket list for 20 years since I first discovered the trails on a map. This loop starts at the Four Lakes basin trailhead and climbs at a good pitch to Cabin Lake. From here, we crossed a pass into the Four Lakes Basin. This place, remote and isolated, is a wonderland to hike through as you pass one small lake after another. Then, it is time to cross another small pass, and from this saddle, we ascended to the apex of Cube Iron Mountain. From the peak, we could see the Mission Mountains to the east and mighty spires of the Cabinet Mountains on a northwest heading. From the top, we descended along a large avalanche chute and back to the trailhead. Now, it’s time for a beer and dinner.
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Ponderings and wanderings of Radd Icenoggle
Nice video of the area. I just recently sent the Lolo National Forest comments supporting preservation of this area as Wilderness. To my understanding this area is important for grizzly bear migration from the Cabinet Mountains to the Selway region in Idaho. Hope it gets protection.