, then looking for any way to cross the Stillwater River.
The map showed a trail that crossed the Stillwater and went to Big Park. I spent several hours looking for the trail, then looking for any way to cross the Stillwater River.
This is Herein Creek from the Stillwater River Trail. Most of the Stillwater Valley above Flood Creek burned in the Storm Creek Fire of 1988 (part of the big Greater Yellowstone fires of that year). There's a lot of dead trees both down and standing; the regrowth varies from 10-15 feet high in the moist areas to maybe a foot or two on the higher slopes.
There was a Ranger Station at Big Park before 1988. While searching the river bank for a place to cross, I came across the remains of a bridge.
I finally found a big log jam where I could cross.
Once across the river, I had to contend with the regrowth. The little trees were dense and it was hard just to push between them. It was also very hard to navigate, as all I could see was trees!
Even where the trees were less dense, there was lots of deadfall to clamber over. It made for slow going.
While pushing through the trees trying to get to the grassy area of Big Park, I happened upon what I believe is the old foundation of the Big Park Ranger Station (which burned in the 1988 fires).
I made it out of the trees, got re-oriented, and headed toward Herein Creek. I was soon bushwhacking again through regrowth, deadfall, and boulders - challenging and kind of fun. I got to Herein Creek and started looking for a way to cross.
I found some sturdy logs and crossed Herein Creek.
Here I am after crossing. The silly hat is a climbing helmet that I like to wear when I'm clambering over logs and talus (especially when solo).
Once over the creek, I was able to move a bit more quickly over the grass. But it was steep!
It took a long time to negotiate the river crossing and the regrowth, so I ended up camping lower down than I had hoped. It wasn't the best campsite that I'd ever had, but it was the flattest bit of ground for at least half a mile in any direction!
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