Polebridge to Red Meadow Lake

[Homer Howzit]

First - can anyone tell me about the ride from Polebridge MT to Red Meadow Lake?.. (In August- basically is it better to ride it or drive it and use it as a base camp and then foray out from there?.)
Much appreciated

PS: which forum should I have posted this in? God help me I’m confused


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[John Nettles]

Homer, you probably should have posted under "Routes" but no big deal.

You do not make yourself clear as what you are attempting to do.  Obviously, from an "easy" viewpoint, it is better to drive and ride.  But we aren't auto tourists.  From a "get close to nature" viewpoint, it is better to ride.  You need to give some reference to get a 'better'  answer.

It sounds like you may be making Polebridge a basecamp for rides in the area.  Since you don't say what you are doing before and after Polebridge any answers you get are just guesses.  Not trying to sound snarky, just as confused as you now  .

Tailwinds, John

[Homer Howzit]

Thank you! I would like to take two Weeks of personal retreat in August to mark my retirement. I would like to drive from Ca to Polebridge and park. Then bike into Red Meadow Lake and solo camp.
From there I would like to explore out on the bike. But it’s a long way from home and completely unknown terrain. Looking for best course of action advice - will it be doable-fun-beautiful?


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[CMajernik]

FYI - August can be wildfire season in northern Montana, and all of the west actually. It's hard to know when and where a fire will start. You could make this plan, but be prepared to change it, and have a 2nd and 3rd backup. You don't want to be cycling anywhere near a wildfire, because of the danger and breathing smoke.

[Homer Howzit]

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[Iowagriz]

The ride to Red Meadow is a beautiful route. You will start from Polebridge on a decently busy gravel road. After the turn to Red Meadow it will be very lightly traveled. The last few miles are steep, but the lake is worth the ride. Bring a water filter, grab a refill just before the climb starts. Pit toilets and picnic tables at the lake, bring your lunch and enjoy.

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[Pat Lamb]

Two weeks sounds like a lot of food to haul in at once.  Are you going to have a supply in your car trunk and make periodic runs back down to re-supply?

[Homer Howzit]

Two weeks sounds like a lot of food to haul in at once.  Are you going to have a supply in your car trunk and make periodic runs back down to re-supply?

Yes, that is what I was thinking!  I like the idea of “Open endedness”.. Maybe stashing a backpack in the car if that opened up trails I couldn’t explore by bike. Basically looking for low key - open ended time - in a beautiful place?... (it seems that “Outside the park” I have so many options - don’t require reservations etc) So better to leave car in Polebridge? or to drive to Red Meadow Lake and use it as home base there? Is this just a crazy idea


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