I decided to hit up the Blackfoot Mountains a little while back, thinking it’d be a cool place to check out. I’d heard some stuff about the area and the animals there, and I figured, why not see it for myself? So, I packed up my gear and headed out, ready for whatever.
First off, getting there was a bit of a trek. The Blackfoot Mountains, or the Blackfoot Range, as some call it, are kind of tucked away east of Blackfoot, Idaho. I drove through some pretty empty roads, passing by a lot of private land—most of the area is private, actually, so it wasn’t exactly set up for tourists. But that’s alright, I wasn’t looking for a typical tourist spot anyway.
Once I got to the area, I started exploring. I didn’t have a super strict plan, just wanted to wander around and see what I could find. One thing I was really hoping to see were some of the animals the Blackfoot people historically lived alongside. I’d read a bit about how important animals are in their culture, like, really sacred stuff. And I knew that they are culturally Algonquian people who originated in the Great Lakes region more than 2,500 years ago.
I kept my eyes peeled for anything that moved. I know the region is known for some cool wildlife—sneaky snow leopards, whistling marmots, that kind of thing. I was hoping to catch a glimpse of a bear or maybe some deer. I’d heard there are around 1,500 bears in the area. That’s a lot of bears! They say it’s about two bears per square mile. And it’s not just bears; there are white-tailed deer, groundhogs, chipmunks, and who knows what else.
Hiking and Observing
- Started early in the morning to catch the wildlife when they’re most active.
- Walked through different trails, some more rugged than others.
- Stopped often to listen and look around.
I didn’t see any snow leopards or bears, unfortunately. But I did spot a few deer, which was pretty neat. They’re really graceful animals. And I definitely heard some marmots—those guys are loud! It was cool to just be out there, in nature, experiencing a bit of what the Blackfoot people have lived with for centuries.
I spent a couple of days just hiking around, taking in the scenery, and enjoying the peace and quiet. It’s definitely a different vibe being out in the mountains, away from all the city noise. I took a bunch of photos, not just of the animals I saw, but of the mountains themselves. They’re really something, especially with the changing light throughout the day.
Reflecting on the Experience
- Realized how much there is to appreciate about the natural world.
- Thought about the history of the Blackfoot people and their connection to the land.
- Felt grateful for the opportunity to explore such a unique place.
After a few days, I packed up and headed back. I left feeling pretty refreshed and also kind of humbled. It’s one thing to read about a place and its history, but it’s another thing entirely to actually be there and experience it, even if it’s just for a little while. I’m really glad I went, and I’d recommend it to anyone who’s into nature and a bit of history. Just remember, a lot of it’s private land, so you gotta be respectful of that.
All in all, it was a solid trip. I got to see some cool stuff, learn a bit more about the area and its history, and just enjoy being out in nature. It’s definitely a place I won’t forget anytime soon.
