Butterflies: The New Birds. A Journey to Skalkaho Pass.

Butterflies: The New Birds. A Journey to Skalkaho Pass.
7/10/26, 9:30 am to 3 pm
Bob Danley
We’ll take Hwy 38 to the top of Skalkaho Pass, which is about 25 miles from the intersection with Hwy 93. It will take about 45 minutes to reach the Falls/Pass. Parking at the Falls limits participation to five vehicles (20 people maximum). I advise against pickup trucks unless only a few people sign up. We’ll meet for carpooling in Hamilton.

Given plenty of sunshine there will be an opportunity to see Parnassians, Swallowtails, Whites, Sulphurs, Coppers, Elfins, Hairstreaks, Blues, Greater Fritillaries, Lesser Fritillaries, Checkerspots, Crescents, Commas, Tortoiseshells, Ladies, Admirals, Satyrs and Skippers. There will be an abundance of wildflowers; my favorites are Lewis Monkeyflower, False Hellebore, Green Gentian, Lousewort, Mountain Death Camas, Pearly Everlasting, Lupine and Beargrass. Less common/unfamiliar dragonflies will be found at Mud Lake. Imagine what a Zigzag Darner, Ocellated Emerald or a Hudsonian Whiteface might look like! Bring binoculars (close focus is best!) and cameras. I have equipment to record action video and stills for your post trip viewing enjoyment. 

Temperatures at 7,200 feet will be comfortable. Walking and hiking will be minimal, mostly on a gravel road. The exception will be the bog bordering Mud Lake. Pit toilets are far apart: at Bear Creek Campground (little less than halfway to the Falls) and Crystal Creek Campground (past the Pass near Mud Lake).

Contact me ahead of the trip. text: 406-274-1702 or email: groundstreak@gmail.com