Salmo-Priest Loop | Salmo-Priest Wilderness, Washington / Idaho

[@AbelTravel]

Hi, nice video and I enjoy the music that you include. You have a very pleasant voice for narration which is one of the good parts of your vid. Thanks for sharing with us and it’s a strong testament to your ability to be a strong friend when needed❤❤

[@mountainwanderer]

Thank you very much! Thank you for watching!

[@willong1000]

I was not anticipating seeing Joey on this hike. He and three companions made a loop through the Cascades commencing on Phelps Creek, near the old mining camp of Trinity, and eventually returning via Buck Creek Pass that is one of my favorite videos depicting wilderness backpacking adventures. Not in the least, is that because one of my own favored haunts when considerably younger than I am now (less than half to be honest) was the headwaters of the Chiwawa River, which Joey and crew encircled on their epic trek. I am also a fan of off-trail wandering, and that "My Own Frontier" adventure featured a hearty serving of same. I've grown old enough that solo elk hunting now seems a more than questionable endeavor. Meanwhile, a quality late season deer hunt that had become a decades-long tradition for family and friends since our first experience with it in 1968 was devastated by WDFW. The game department pruned-back a hunting season which had originally offered more than a week in the wake of the Wednesday preceding the Thanksgiving Day holiday. That late season offered an opportunity to pursue mature bucks during the rut with a fair chance of good tracking snow falling before the season closed. Subsequently, the game department shifted the season forward on the calendar so that it now concludes days before the holiday ever arrives. Over those years of transition, while consumed with issues and commitments other than hunting, I kept telling myself that I needed to wander into the Selkirk Mountains and investigate the Whitetail Deer hunting prospects there, away from roads and clearcuts, during a late muzzleloader season that approximates the dates we (many of whom have since passed) had previously enjoyed hunting with modern firearms across the Columbia River from Northport, WA. The possibility of encountering Mountain caribou in the Salmo-Selkirk wilderness had always offered additional enticement. Sadly, it seems I have procrastinated too long for any caribou sighting, though howling wolves might now pierce the night, magnifying the shivers. Such contemplation as I reveal here reminds me of an old saw which identifies "change" as the only constant in life--in the Cosmos itself I might add. I landed upon this video in my effort to see images of the Salmo-Priest that might help me assess whether I should make exceptional (for an old-fart) effort to journey into that country yet this year. I still have a backpack and sleeping bag. Moreover, I now have a "hot tent" and folding titanium stove, luxuries which I only fantasized about during my youthful years. I even have a pair of snowshoes, relics of adventures in the Absaroka Beartooth Wilderness, whose synthetic lacing appears still pliable and viable despite four decades of storage. I think it is time! (I judge that I can still drag a deer carcass, especially if aided by friction-easing snow.)

[@mountainwanderer]

I still run into Joey from time to time. Best of luck with your time in Selkirks! I hope it is fruitful!

[@willong1000]

@@mountainwanderer Thank you much. I was not familiar with your channel, but looking at the list of your video productions I see that you've been doing this thing for a while! I will check out a few more.

[@DJ-pp9yg]

Good to see Joey. Miss him!

[@mountainwanderer]

He appears then disappears!

[@bloodyeyeful]

Nice trek! Funny seeing Joey but not hearing him. You and he are my two backpacker youtube faves.

[@mountainwanderer]

Wow! Thank you! There should be a video coming out on his channel where you'll hear him and see me..😀

[@bloodyeyeful]

@@mountainwanderer Only fair. Thanks for the videos.

[@jamesmaloney2199]

@ mountain wanderer great video , can you private message me [e-mail] i need to get in touch with Joey asap and can't reach him about trip i planned . Thank you keep up great videos. Great to do a trek with you I'll be out there Aug and Sept

[@mountainwanderer]

You don’t get a hold of Joey, Joey gets a hold of you.. Sorry, I don’t know where he is. Emailing him through is channel is probably the best way to get in touch.

[@jamesmaloney2199]

@@mountainwanderer thank you so much if you hear from him please send my info as I'm trying to organize a trip , I've done many of same trails as him, sometimes same dates probably passed him lol. . Are you doing any trips in Aug or Sept montana idaho Wyoming . Be great to connect if interested in doing a multi-day trip email me [e-mail]..thanks!!!

[@nwmod39]

You entered into the wilderness just before we came through and logged it out! We work 3 days and only.made it to the Idaho line!

[@mountainwanderer]

It's a beautiful place. Thanks for watching!

[@Olympic_TryAthlete]

10:57 I had climbed Mt. Washington in the Olympics several years ago in late June after a heavy snowfall winter. Had the mountain all to myself - or so I thought. When coming back down in Big a creek Basin, I found my tracks from a couple hours before. Right next to them were fresh cougar tracks. Needless to say, I kept my ice axe at the ready.

[@mountainwanderer]

It's a bit unnerving when that happens. We know that they are out there... but sometimes we just get a glimpse of how close they actually are.

[@blackoakpropertymaintenanc6981]

Travis, this says a lot about you and the respect Joey has for you. I recall, not all that long ago, that Joey posted on his channel that he would NOT do any more hikes with other people that were filming. It came shortly after his Greater Yellowstone hike with his Norwegian friend, although pure speculation as to whether or not that was the hike that put Joey over his limit on patience. It doesn't really matter. The point is he made an exception for you. So cool to see you two out hiking together again. Bob Marshall was the last, wasn't it? Well, terrific video as always, and I enjoyed it very much, also as always. Take care, Tom.

[@mountainwanderer]

He has quite a few stories about some of those guys that he has hiked with in the past. He and I have stayed friends and been in contact ever since we did our trip into the Bob Marshall a couple years ago. The good news is that his channel should start having new content soon. Joey is a great guy to be around, and hopefully this is not the last trip we do together (spoiler: we've already done another one, but I'm still working on the video)

[@ChristianPaulPhotography]

With how hot 🥵 it’s been here that drizzle looked heavenly! Beautiful place!

[@mountainwanderer]

Yeah, the weather has sure changed since this trip!

[@fcernst]

Great to see you with Joey again!

[@mountainwanderer]

Joey is an awesome guy to hang out with. I'm glad I got to do a couple trips with him while he was in the area.

[@sierrashere8197]

Superb scenery, superb video, superb company, thank you for sharing : )

[@mountainwanderer]

Thank you for checking it out!

[@5wheels521]

The beauty and vastness of it all,,,, 💖🌲🌲🌲💖

[@mountainwanderer]

That is one of the things I love about this area, when you get a view, it just seems like the mountains are endless..

[@crashingbashley]

Great Video! Hi Joey!

[@mountainwanderer]

Thank you!

[@wade2361]

We often have a hard time leaving a great camp so I understand that nostalgic feeling. Beautiful video!

[@mountainwanderer]

It can be hard to pull yourself away sometimes.. Thanks for watching, as always!

[@tomlackey22]

Nice hike... looks like a great place to backpack! Thanks for sharing!

[@mountainwanderer]

It's a great place to backpack! There are more routes in the area as well. I can't wait to get back there!

[@KvichakSmith]

Beautiful sight

[@mountainwanderer]

The Selkirks have a different look to them than other ranges in the area. Beautiful country!

[@BryanDeLay]

Travis, you have been cranking out the videos. Incredible views in this wilderness. Glad you were able to do a trip with Joey. Great video!

[@mountainwanderer]

It's been a good year for trips for me! I won't come close to how many nights you get out, but hopefully this pace continues and I have plenty more trips ahead. The fire season is here in the west so that will have something to say about where I go.

[@carlmj16]

That river looks like an amazing place to fish. I gotta try it someday!

[@mountainwanderer]

We didn't fish it on this trip, but when I was there 10 years ago, the guys had a lot of success in that river.

[@relaxingvideosnorthwest3646]

Great video!

[@mountainwanderer]

Thanks for watching!

[@PumpkinVillage]

Another outstanding video. What a beautiful area. Glad to see Joey too. Was wondering where he has been. Your videos never disappoint. Take care, Al

[@mountainwanderer]

Hopefully you'll start to see more of Joey now. I've done one more trip with him since this one, and hopefully he'll get some videos posted on his channel.

[@m.3591]

You make it look like trailblazing. Lol. We used to play in those mountains as a child. 208!

[@mountainwanderer]

No trailblazing since there’s a trail around the whole route

[@bobparsons77]

You are a great remedy for insomnia. Nice to see Joey.

[@bobparsons77]

...with a beard.

[@dgrGR61]

@@bobparsons77 And still alive.

[@mountainwanderer]

Joey is alive and hiking out somewhere in the Rockies right now

[@jillyelston6145]

What amazing scenery, such a beautiful place, can really understand your desire to return, stunning mountains and forests, you are so lucky to be able to hike these trails, I love your videos!

[@mountainwanderer]

Thank you! I don't live as close to these mountains as I used to, but it is well worth the travel time to come here! Thanks for watching!

[@hyoh-wu]

Do they really think we are going to pack in a friggin hangglider? I really wanted to see you traverse across that log. Good to see you and Joey out again.

[@mountainwanderer]

I read that too and thought "that is oddly specific". It might've made for some exciting video if I had fallen off of the log!

[@ShastaBubba]

Thanks for this video, I'm thinking of doing this hike in August, so always great to see the area beforehand! Great images and appreciate the ever positive attitude!

[@mountainwanderer]

I would highly recommend this one! In August make sure you've got your water before you hit the ridge walk. Hope you have a great trip!

[@robertwagner7867]

Great vid and thanks for sharing. Great to see Joey included in your adventure!

[@mountainwanderer]

Thanks for taking the time to watch!

[@tsjay49]

Another great vid, Travis! Thanks so much for sharing. I can see why you love this place and wanted to get back there.

[@mountainwanderer]

It is special place, I hope to get back there and try some of the other routes in the area. Thanks for checking it out!

[@dankerns171]

I've just started exploring the Salmo Widerness area. Thank you for sharing this video. Next summer my goal is to make it down to the river and bk

[@mountainwanderer]

Right on! The Salmo-Priest is incredible! I still have a lot of exploring to do there!

[@dankerns171]

We absolutely love the Salmo. From my house 3 hrs to trailhead so we go often

[@pilowespo]

Well done! One of our favorite places. Thinking about hiking Shedroof Divide trail combined with the Grassy Top trail. It would be over 30 miles of awesome ridge hiking end to end. Thanks for sharing! You got me excited to hike.

[@mountainwanderer]

That sounds like a great route! Next time I get back there I want to hike some different areas.

[@brainanator]

woot woot. Thanks for the videos!

[@mountainwanderer]

Thank you for taking the time to watch!

[@LifeIsBetterByTheBrook]

The human tracks you saw might have belonged to one of the thru hikers on the PNT. We met up with a couple of them that had hiked that route.

[@mountainwanderer]

It could've been!

[@BaileyMtn]

Joey! Where have you been? I have missed your videos.

[@mountainwanderer]

Keep an eye on his channel, there should be some new content soon!

[@bobparsons77]

Looks like an area I would enjoy... going south from Nelway border crossing

[@mountainwanderer]

Nice! Have a great trip!

[@onkelsort5381]

Awesome video, thx for sharing!

[@mountainwanderer]

Thanks for watching!

[@brhino1017]

Great vid Travis. Love the Music. Good to see Joey after two years. ( Did he get a full time job?)

[@mountainwanderer]

Thanks! Joey is still living the dream and constantly doing trips. His channel should spring to life again soon.

[@DrJohn493]

I've never heard of this wilderness area but enjoyed getting introduced to it. Your tune selections are always perfect for the adventure. You've probably answered the question a thousand ties, but what is your music source. Also, be sure to check behind Joey 'cause he tends to lose stuff on occasion 😉.

[@nato2959]

Greetings to Coconato from Fortunato. I missed you. And to the Mountain Wanderer thank you much for another great hike. BUT I missed the dogs...

[@mountainwanderer]

Ha! Joey does tend to lose things! 🤔 All of the music in my videos comes from stuff I've done or music projects I've been in. Thanks for checking it out!

[@mountainwanderer]

Hopefully Joey will gets some videos uploaded. I can say for sure that there are more video from him on the way!

[@bobparsons77]

Hi Travis..hope no fire bans for my July Montana and Washington butterfly trip.

[@mountainwanderer]

We've had a great spring here! Still plenty of snow hanging around and we've been getting quite a bit of rain. Hopefully the trend will continue!

[@JamesRobertSmith]

Everyone hates blowdown until it makes a kickass great bridge across the river.

[@mountainwanderer]

Ha! You've got a point there!

[@dankerns171]

Basin Fire has the Salmo-Priest Wilderness closed down. Im bummed and im sure you are to. Will you guide me through this hike someday?

[@mountainwanderer]

I've been watching the fire. 😢 Seems like there is a fire in that area every year now. Hopefully they can get it under control.

[@DJ-pp9yg]

Nice country. What month were you there?

[@mountainwanderer]

This was the middle of June.

[@Russell.Jolly.2023]

Joey must hike a gazillion miles a year.

[@mountainwanderer]

He logs a lot of miles!

[@joesanders6898]

Did you get anywhere close to Gypsy Peak? Or is that a different area?

[@mountainwanderer]

We didn't go to Gypsy Peak, but I think that one of those peaks that I got a shot of once we got to the ridge, is Gypsy Peak.

[@joesanders6898]

@@mountainwanderer I thought I may have seen it. Gypsy is one of the peaks that has year 'round snow on it.

[@charleybleyle2835]

what date did you hike this?

[@mountainwanderer]

I don’t remember the exact dates (listed at the end of the video), but mid-late June

[@charleybleyle2835]

@@mountainwanderer ohh i didn’t see that before. my sister and i hiked this about 2 weeks after you and there was very little snow and it was SO hot on the pass. it was tough with two dogs and no water sources for about 5 miles.

[@mountainwanderer]

@@charleybleyle2835 That ridge can be really hot and it's always dry. Glad you guys made it! I know I've struggled without water on that ridge before.

[@charleybleyle2835]

@@mountainwanderer it was quite the adventure that’s for sure!

[@mountainwanderer]

Those are ones you remember!

[@RAMtrails]

where has Joey been?

[@mountainwanderer]

He's doing his "Joey" thing. Last I heard he was on his way to the Bob Marshall. His channel is channel is about to come back to life..🤟

[@dankerns171]

💪

[@mountainwanderer]

🤘