Helicopter Access Only (but I did it on foot) - Bill Putnam Hut

While scanning through maps of the Selkirk Mountains, I spot a peculiar line on Strava Heat Maps leading up to a historic mountain hut. I decide to drive to the location to find out what's there, and wind up getting myself deep into a project.
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[@NancyHanson3472]

Alpine Club of Canada should give you a FREE LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP!

[@anitabackroadsonly9086]

And Rocko

[@RealGood10]

He doesn't need their membership. They should build him a statue lol

[@user-dk6le9yr9p]

Also your channel should be sponsored!! I felt your joy in that shower 😂

[@luthermclain2959]

I was just thinking the same Nancy! Funny to see you on here! Hope all is well...now back to Foresty.

[@kellieheald]

I concur

[@edmunro7789]

The trail should be renamed as the Forestry Forest Trail. Simon is amazing and never fails to impress anyone who watches. Canada owes you a debt of gratitude, Sir!

[@ChristianLaurinE]

They do….

[@Patvk8]

Yes!

[@NancyHanson3472]

As a former trail maintenance crew member, I would say that it is often a capricious decision on the part of the trail manager over that particular trail about maintaining it. They have a limited amount of funding every year to pay their trail crew, and more trails to maintain than there are dollars to pay the trail crew in their budget, most likely. As a result, decisions must be made about which trails will be maintained and which will be let go. Unfortunately, it looks like someone decided that this trail would be let go. I am so happy that you have the time, energy, and motivation to do this type of work. THANK YOU for spending 5 long, hard days of intense physical labor on this project! The end result was spectacular!!

[@Jon-jk8vd]

Nancy's resume: _Blah blah blah_

[@MurCurieux]

Ugh, you’re what’s wrong with the world.

[@Chantal_4107]

​@@Jon-jk8vd Who peed in your cornflakes? Go back to bed, Mr. Grumpy 😂😂😂

[@Jon-jk8vd]

Capricious is too big of a word for you

[@Jon-jk8vd]

​@@NancyHanson3472narcississtic granny panties?

[@SputDobt]

PEOPLE WANTING TO GO HERE NOW.... our homie forest did all this work and carved a trail for everyone to enjoy. be cool. be nice to cabin. no garbage. no sinister things. only enjoy. :)

[@mfaizsyahmi]

Yeah, let's buck the trend and show the brass that people CARE when effort is put to abandoned trails!

[@Tinalicous]

Definitely no sinister things. The peeps that live in that abandoned cabin can skip this trail lol

[@tamalamaland]

"let's check out the abandoned cabin and see what's upstairs" never ends well in the movies..

[@Hilhub]

let's get in the running car, no lets hide behind these chainsaws, ok... ;) That did feel like a super creepy place. Simon listens to his intuition, eventually!

[@tamalamaland]

@@Hilhub haha right? I often need to remind myself that he posted the video so that means he lived.

[@journeywithnichole]

Haha, I was thinking that when he said "let's go upstairs." No, no no don't go upstairs in an abandoned structure.

[@terrirocklover7957]

what exactly was that on the bed....anyone know?!?

[@Tenacious-Tiger]

​@@terrirocklover7957 Or Who ? 😮

[@glennac]

Regarding the abandoned house/cabin, I’m guessing a commune. And it was the Forest Service that threw the dirt/debris on the mattresses to discourage the curious from sleeping there. Otherwise, stunning video Foresty. And definitely missed Rocko at the Putnam Cabin. The whole tone of the channel has benefited from Rocko’s presence. Few pet dogs enjoy the freedom that Rocko has with you. And the relationship you two have built up over the last couple of years is heartwarming. It’s remarkable what a difference a second personality adds to your journeys and how dependent even we as viewers have become on Rocko’s presence each week. 🥲🐶 Thanks Simon❣️

[@jdarms27]

In a just world, clearing the trail like that would earn you a "dog waiver" on that cabin - especially for such a small dog.

[@Pack.Leader]

Amen.

[@MurCurieux]

Yea dude!

[@mary_mildred]

Why don't they have a separate climate-controlled dog cabin?

[@warmbreeze43]

Kidding???? No dogs after you cleared that? Oh hell no. You are Way too kind. Beautiful video again, as always. You are a blessing to the world

[@oliverkovarik5791]

youre right, common sense was replaced with sense for money.

[@peterdeb580]

Foresty Forest he lives in a van. Foresty Forest chainsaw in hand. Foresty Forest you da man :-)

[@rael6_4wd]

BC is lucky to have you, my friend. 👊🏼🤜🏼💪🏼

[@marg2933]

Imagine a world where people cared as much as you do. Thank you for taking us along in your adventures.

[@dougblalock5175]

Clearing that growth looks like De-Foresty forest. You’re a great outdoorsman for taking time to clear out that trail. In my younger days I used to do the same. Brings back a lot of memories just watching.

[@forestyforest]

Haha 😅

[@richardtorpy7881]

Or Foresty De-Forester.

[@gbrandt]

I tried that trail in 2007 and ended up turning around after 500 meters. The bushwhacking was nuts. Good Job!

[@forestyforest]

Haha oh dang, yeah those alders were a nightmare!

[@darrellcaruk8880]

The world truly needs more people like Foresty Forest. You are 1in a million. you give hope and optimism to everyone you come in contact with and those watching your videos.

[@Tinalicous]

Everyone says "we need more people like you," but nobody says "I need to be more like you" :(

[@jasonbean4895]

i spent the best week of my life skiing out of that hut with a group of friends about 20 years ago! we got helicoptered into the hut and then hiked and skied untracked powder all week! then the helicopter came and picked us up and flew us back to golden. those mountains are amazing!

[@NancyHanson3472]

Wow! What a great experience! That sounds like a lot of fun!

[@forestyforest]

That sounds amazing!

[@sammitorn5326]

As someone with NO internal compass I truly appreciate your videos!

[@forestyforest]

😅

[@user-sc6ze1bz7b]

😭

[@xxxaedwardsxxx]

Same!

[@BrentBrewington]

Yeah, I’m a big fan of using the external compass that is AllTrails or Gaia

[@NancyHanson3472]

Foresty, I love the fact that you want to give back to the community and keep the trails cleaned up and open. Five days of solo trail work is a tremendous amount of work and shows a sense of dedication to the project that I really admire. That is a huge commitment of time and hard physical labor on your part. For all of the hikers who will benefit from your labor over the next few years, thank you for your efforts!!

[@Jon-jk8vd]

Are you in heat

[@NancyHanson3472]

@PaleTyper Yes, I am a supporter of the channel with my $15 donation every month. I look at it as a KZbin "tip jar" for the outstanding videos that Foresty produces.

[@Jon-jk8vd]

@@NancyHanson3472 Nancy do you have OnlyFans?

[@sagesends]

never get rid of the long drone shots!

[@davewhomri]

Love the SpongeBob reference “5 hours later”. You’ve got a great sense of humour Simon.

[@NancyHanson3472]

The drone footage, especially of the setting sun at the end, is out of this world!!

[@ShirleyBates-mq5xc]

One of the best❤

[@Jon-jk8vd]

Your comments are AI

[@Qietman]

Foresty, all of your stuff, all of it, from your pedal bike exploits from a decade ago to this masterpiece are totally worth watching. But this. This is a masterpiece. There should be a yearly prize given for the greatest and most impactful youtubers each year, and I declare you the winner for 2024. You are an international treasure.

[@cindi7955]

"Come to the woods, for here is rest." - John Muir Except for Foresty Forest 😇

[@reidcrosby6241]

According the Muir, he's "sauntering " with a chainsaw and brush cutter

[@rickm.10]

I think you are becoming Canadian Folklore. Canada needed a folk hero. Thanks Foresty 🙂👍

[@kennethgyovai737]

I love that grin when you busted out the weed wacker, I was laughing out loud

[@recentisland1513]

I laughed my ass off when he pulled it out of the van ..

[@nicoleprice8671]

We hiked in and out (to the hut and back) in one day last Sept - that 3km Alderbash at the start (not to mention the massive Devil's club patches to whack through before the rope climb) were tough! Even the Bear Grass in the meadow was an ankle breaker - but SO worth the work. We were going to go in there with our chainsaw in a few weeks to try and make it better - thank you so much for that incredible work you put in! You had a LOT more snow than we did. The oyster mushroom clusters were incredible when we went in there and yes, LOTS of bear scats.

[@williamwilliam728]

Giving Back is so commendable Simon. You are a fantastic steward of our lands. Thank you for your humbleness and honest way of living life!

[@jimst.laurent9502]

Thank you for giving back by contributing 5 days of labor. This is what makes the world a great place!

[@mitchsn]

20+ min barrier breached!!!😂

[@forestyforest]

We did it!

[@amylaws]

Watched every second

[@amylaws]

Watched every second

[@NancyHanson3472]

And I'm going to watch it a second time!

[@stevethrendyle8406]

Best one ever.

[@joann1234]

You are an amazing person Foresty. Very thoughtful/respectful of u NOT to show private info of occupants of cabin. You're a very diligent/hard worker with great integrity. Rocko loves you for a reason...🤗 Thank you for your videos. They're epic and you're wonderful...

[@rightsideupvt]

That house gave my an uncomfortable feeling within a few seconds!

[@williamryan9195]

Looked like a crime scene.

[@triciaamheiser785]

I'm so glad there are folk like Foresty Forest in the world. Lucky Canada too! :)

[@RottenlyMoodyChild]

Simply incredible. Hope you and Rocko are doing well 💚 You are such a legend for not only cleaning and clearing the trail, but also fixing the sign. That abandoned cult cabin was definitely an eery vibe.

[@RottenlyMoodyChild]

"Feels great to be out in the forest another day. Totally disconnected. No cell service. Go out to the forest. Disconnect. Feel good about yourself. You're a good person. Start up a little project, you know? Where you can just go out, stay in one place for a while, see progress one day at a time, you'll feel good about yourself for doing it." A seriously great pep talk though. Got me inspired and motivated for sure!

[@RottenlyMoodyChild]

16:56 at the bottom of the page - "Great things happen when men and mountains meet" I love that this quote or saying so aptly describes Foresty Forest and all the incredible work Simon routinely does for the mountains, the forests, the community and for us KZbin viewers. You will certainly be remembered for all the great things you have done for the world 💚

[@alan4sure]

Not a cult cabin. It was built specifically for mountaineers skiing or climbing any of the beautiful the peaks in that area, nothing more, nothing less. Mountaineering has been popular in the Selkirk and Rocky mountain areas for many decades and huts like these make doing it a more plausible undertaking.

[@NancyHanson3472]

​@@alan4sure I think the person was referring to the house at the beginning that the Laura's Cove Society was being evicted from as the "cult cabin" in the video - not the beautiful mountaineering hut shown at the end. Two completely different buildings.

[@outpostcamp]

There is probably no one that did what you did in this video. Days of hard work to help out other adventurers. You are a great example of a Stewart of the land. Thanks for that - from Hells Canyon, Frank.

[@doreenj.deltesta1684]

Well, you are truly a steward of trail preservation - BC is indeed, lucky to have you!

[@ramblynrocketeer]

Anytime a Foresty video begins with a _THWAP!!_ of a branch crashing into the camera, you know it’s gonna be a phenomenal video!! 🎥🎬🌲 Rocko makes our day better!!

[@minimalist_adventurer]

Who else has been here since the early bicycle touring videos 🚲

[@juliejones974]

Mini van days.

[@justlucky13]

me

[@scottandlora4029]

Heck yeah! Those bike journeys through the desert were epic!!

[@justlucky13]

@@scottandlora4029 so my name is Scott and my wife of 38 years Lora cool there is more ScottandLora lol

[@gloriaohandley8701]

Like one of the other replies, have been a fan since the mini van days. It's been a great journey following him.

[@brianhagberg3704]

Community service to an extreme. Thank you from an American.

[@linebrunelle1004]

lol. 'murican spoke! rofl

[@anitabackroadsonly9086]

Foresty forest is one of a kind

[@UDPride]

Massive pay it forward project. Most endeavors like this are thankless jobs but I hope the trail community out there acknowledges your sizeable efforts. That was a job for multiple people.

[@kevhead1525]

You are a valuable friend to the hiking community. We'll done.

[@noxtwilight_]

Thank you for being such an amazing steward of the land ❤ Volunteering in land management and cleanup is some of the most rewarding. You can see the results quickly and it makes such a difference to so many. My experience was with old growth redwoods repairing roads, removing ivy, resurrecting meadows. It was the best time and made my heart so full. Call around to find a place, public or private that needs volunteers. We found this place searching for waterfalls 😁

[@joeythenomad]

Big fan of using the chainsaw to preserve the trail, it's a beast way to keep it accessible!

[@forestyforest]

for sure, this one is seriously historic for alpinism in Canada... needs to be saved!

[@werbnaright5012]

@searchingfornessie8410 who carries juiceboxes anymore? Camelbacks are in.

[@willamettehops]

You give back more than any other vanlifer. What a great trip!

[@mobile_noble4026]

Threw this up on the big screen… 65” Rocko is awesome 😂 wow…. Those views are stunning.

[@RingoTheGSP]

You AND Rocko should be granted permanent access to ANY trail you want for all the work you do maintaining them!! 🐾🇨🇦

[@mrs.rodgersneighborhood9358]

Foresty Forest deserves a giant thank you from the Canadian Forest service for the amazing dedication he has to the outdoors and so others can enjoy these trails. 👏🏼 I don't live in Canada but I just want to say thank you Foresty.

[@apogeeous]

All that keeps running through my head while watching this: he's so awesome, he's so awesome.... The way you care for the land you explore and make it a better place for those who come after you. You're so awesome!

[@pawpaw324]

I’m glad you had the presence of mind to get out of that dwelling, looks like it comes alive after nightfall.

[@all.day.day-dreamer]

Great video. I really liked that he didn't break the rules with his little sidekick because, no one would have known. 5 - 6 long days condensed down to 20 mins. That was a lot of hard hard work he did on behalf of the community. Respect. Beautiful locations. Thanks for all the time, effort you put into this video, great work!

[@nanavango9374]

Only you… “This sounds fun!” Looking forward to seeing this one!

[@cherylwillson-tb7vj]

Foresty Forest you are the type of trailblazer who could start a major cleanup on the trails you go through and people would come. You're amazing!

[@kati-ana]

I sure like that wood carved chair you were sitting on by the fire.

[@Pack.Leader]

Me too ! That was stunning.

[@NancyHanson3472]

I bet that Foresty could build a chair like that if he put his mind to it. The guy is amazing when it comes to building stuff and fixing things. 😊

[@powertrip6426]

KZbin giveth and sometimes taketh. But today, it has giveth. I've never seen this channel before and I'm instantly a fan. You make me wanna get around trees so badly. I grew up in the country and I'm feeling so lonely in this concrete jungle I find myself in. Thanks for sharing. One love ❤️

[@jakeyboy8402]

Rocko had one to many Redbull’s!😎😂

[@lb1460]

That's funny😋

[@stuartaminion511]

nothing like a jack russel with the zoomies on a trail, so cute.

[@JohnLivingstone-qf2sr]

I’ve hiked to that hut and done some trail maintenance. Very nice facility. I have also alpine trekked into the great cairn hut from the fairy meadows hut, great experience if you ever get the chance.

[@chrisbridger3420]

What would this world be if everyone was like you, respecting the land around us.. great video Simon

[@bobvogel9019]

Absolutely beautiful footage Simon, you are a BEAST! Sorry the little savage couldn't make the cabin trip with you. Thank you so much for sharing your adventures, us old geezers live vicariously through you my friend.

[@poohbear4130]

Doing what most won’t, it’s the Foresty Foresty motto!

[@ElwoodPDowd-ed7pc]

“Let’s go do it!” Ya gotta luv em’ Such enthusiasm!

[@sigfigs]

We also get to enjoy the fruits of your labor. You are a kind soul Simon. Be safe.

[@NancyHanson3472]

Foresty, your ambition and drive to create these outstanding videos for us never ceases to amaze me. Week after week, you knock yourself out and expend so much time and energy! You must be exhausted from 5 days of solo trail work. You really earn every dime that KZbin pays you for these excellent, high quality videos. THANK YOU so much for all of your efforts! You and your channel are THE BEST that KZbin has to offer!!

[@shirleynaso3379]

Yes!!

[@NancyHanson3472]

@PaleTyper Yes, Foresty Forest is a highly successful KZbin channel. His videos generally get over 100,000 views, and he gets paid quite well from KZbin and AdSense revenue. It helps him financially if you look at the video all the way to the end and also watch the ads that run before, after, or during a video. It also helps him when you leave comments and give the video a thumbs up. He used to work in a factory and do KZbin videos part-time, but he makes enough money now to be able to do KZbin full time and get a nice paycheck every month from them.

[@Jon-jk8vd]

​@@NancyHanson3472you are an animal.

[@Jon-jk8vd]

​@@NancyHanson3472gluttony is a sin

[@bradharrison3250]

Great work clearing out the trail into Fairy Meadows! Many thanks for your efforts!🙏🙏 I know exactly how much of a challenge that trail can be. I ran the Alpine Club's GMC at Fairy Meadows in 1986, 1992 and 2000, we camped in the meadow below the hut. I walked the trail at least 10 times during those camps. I packed my trusty Stihl 009 and a machete each time I walked out, trying to improve the trail. By the end of each GMC the trail was in pretty good shape, most of the participants walked in and out, beating the trail in. Thanks again, the trail is an important corridor to an amazing location.

[@richardguse3410]

Your efforts made it a walk in the park for those that follow. Hopefully others will realize how high you set the bar.

[@florasonners1635]

You are amazing. Every where you go, you leave it a better place for the next person!

[@aboversite]

Good job slashing that heavy stuff. Lots of opportunity to pinch your saw on those slopes.

[@peterward5251]

Simon! You are an absolute mountain of a man! Jeremiah Johnson would be proud of you. I so enjoy living vicariously through your videos. I love how honest and law abiding that you are. I can’t say that I would follow the rules like you do. You are an absolute gem. I look forward to every one of your videos, big short or small. Keep living your life hero. We’ll be right here with you!

[@TheBrandonn]

Hope you're having a great week, Foresty and Rocko

[@amye4087]

One man and one dog trail crew. Out there making things "accessible" again. Thanks for all your hard work and you definitely deserved the sauna. Beautiful scenery at the end. Thanks for taking us along.

[@hermitgirlwanders9162]

Drone shots are epic! ❤❤❤ Thanks for the trail maintenance, you are a hero!

[@blueman5924]

Gosh. You are a very special adventurist. Puts in the hard work with his own out-of pocket expenses too. Stunning vista’s. 👏Thanks for sharing. 🤙

[@twaito]

Calming, understated and then once in a while. Hardcore title 🤘 EDIT: The beds with branches or bush on them was creepy af.

[@forestyforest]

Yeah wtf 😬 there were mushrooms mixed in too. Looked very carefully arranged.

[@Tinalicous]

@@forestyforest Yeah I thought I saw a rose there that seemed fairly fresh...Very strange!! I wonder what that was all about...yikes!

[@twaito]

@@Tinalicous Gave me Hannibal tv series vibes. Then I remembered how isolated the hut is and suddenly you're "i don't like it here" and my own hackles went up. Trust the gut and gtf🏃‍♂️😄

[@DoctorOfSpice]

Fairy Meadows? I think that's now Foresty's Forest. I love the footage of Rocko doing her thing and enjoying the nice clear trail starting around 10:50

[@colinSAcolin45colin]

good guy forestyforest maintaining the forest

[@slowalaskan]

That must have been some storm where so many trees were down. Good on you for clearing the way.

[@CMDMedia94]

Dude. You never cease to amaze me!

[@Terry_1111]

I love to watch Rocko's "zoomies" when she's excited! You did an amazing amount of work on this trail, Simon. You're such a good steward of the land! I was disappointed that Rocko didn't get to finish the mission, but thanks for sharing all that you do!

[@spinmarion1]

I wish I could hug one of this trees the are beautiful 😊😊😊you're a good man cleaning the tril 😊God bless

[@bridgetmuehlberger5141]

Your trail maintenance looks soooooo rewarding! I’m disabled, but if able-bodied, I’d LOVE to be out there keeping trails updated for other hikers! Alone. In the woods. Me and a chainsaw. And maybe a monster weed wacker. Heck yeah!! Good on ya. And what an awesome cabin!! I’d sleep like a baby up there by myself with that spectacular view. The drone shots were stunning!!! 😊

[@michaelwigley5298]

dude!! amazing work. Loads of Mountain Karma for you. Thank you for your amazing acts of kindness and giving people access to amazing places!!

[@susanbernard1]

Hello Foresty forest I just want to take a minute to tell you your the very best good respectful man I’m so proud of everything you do and challenge in life I love you so much And I keep you in my prayers always thank you Foresty for all your goodness in everything you do ❤

[@michele462]

Hey Simon. Thanks for another great video. 👍

[@luthermclain2959]

I accompanied a group of Brits partway up the trail back in the mid-90's, when I worked for the ACC. I turned around when the Devils Club started getting a little too familiar. I'd only planned on doing part of the hike, but they said the rest of it was somewhat brutal. I'm going to enjoy watching your escapades here and I'm definitely going to crack a cold one in your honour. Cheers!

[@forestyforest]

Hahaha, its still a devils club obstacle course... Rocko learned to let me carry her through those sections.

[@happyfisherman4432]

i have played in the bc back country from hope to prince george and from merritt to rock creek for 50 years and am surprised with something new each trip.. BC is an awesome place if you enjoy the great outdoors and can tolerate the atrocious government here. thank you for your hard work helping keep our trails available,,

[@robertcumming2035]

Two words Foresty…Lighter Chainsaw! I have the Stihl Ms-170 and it’s great. You can get the Ms-172 with the 16” bar and it weight just over 10 pounds empty! Does a great job as well!

[@PumpkinVillage]

What an awesome spot. This was another outstanding video and the trail maintenance was outstanding. That would be a great spot to live. Thank you for another outstanding video. Take care, Al

[@janicestewart6116]

You must know when one of your episodes is REALLY needed! Thank you for taking me with you!

[@caraoosterhouse7348]

Wow! Amazing work. Thanks for your efforts

[@62swampboy62]

That's an absolutely beautiful site. And the work you put into reviving that trail is nothing short of heroic. I've done a bunch of mtb trail building, and am familiar with hauling a chain saw - but nothing like what you did here. If 1 person in 1000 shared your ethic it would be a much better world.

[@wildzenventures]

That beautiful sunset! You’re such a treasure, taking good care of Forest land and showing folks the right way to treat our precious lands. Cheers to you and Rocko for another great adventure.

[@USAMontanan]

Since watching this video I have discovered a clarity in my mind that is unbelievable. I have sold all my possessions and I am moving to a Buddhist temple to share this video. So they too can be clear. Thank you!

[@Vanlifeofriley-zm5js]

You're the best Foresty! More Rocco please!

[@MichelleK1]

Thank you for volunteering your time to clear trails. I have have done some clearing on ski and bike trails but nothing like you do. You're amazing. I grew up in the town closest to the Putnam Hut and enjoyed the mountains hiking and skiing. One of my faves is Gorman Lake. Rocko would love seeing all the Hoary Marmots in the rocks.

[@rubin_farr9799]

Awesome. You rock, Foresty!

[@EulipionOutpost]

Kudos to you, Foresty Forest, for clearing up the trail for folks going up there! Enough work there for a 3-person crew!

[@jasonnikolic]

That house gave me a bad vibe, even when you went to leave at 1:53 I imagined kicking the door open for you!

[@skizz0tty]

In bold font, highlighted in red - Hiking Is Absolutely Not Recommended Forest - This sounds like FUNNNNN!! Seeing that gleaming grin on his face, well twas contagious - Thanks for the smile! xoxo skizz0tty

[@littlefarmer_32]

Always a great day in the CANADIAN Rockies. Well done Forrest, well done. Never underestimate your abilities to attack any situation. All the effort with you clearing the trail, keep Rocko with at all times, everyone else can get bent

[@taralown7023]

Canadians thank you for all the amazing trail work you are doing!

[@GK49245]

Great work! Thank you for trail maintenance. Good video.

[@BigFreak52]

That outro shot is next level. What an incredible place!

[@ASEfl2]

You're the man, Foresty!