The second weekend of July found me packing up the bike and heading to Montana. Temperatures were higher than I had been hoping for, but I was headed to the mountains so I figured it would work out fine. I set my initial course for Columbia Falls, Montana, and rode through temperatures that reached 105 °F. I grabbed refreshments in Columbia Falls and found my way to the North Fork Rd. What was a beautiful, 70mph highway turned into a nice gravel road that appeared to have been lightly oiled in somewhat recent days as the dust was fairly minimal. I continued up the road for about 30 miles until I reached Polebridge. I would have gone and got my bear claws right then, but there was a huge line of cars due to the road construction and I felt that I might fare better seeking out sweet pastries in the morning.
With the thought of sweets temporarily banished, I returned to the North Fork Rd and continued on towards the Canadian border. A lady on a quad stopped when I did and offered me a great suggestion on where I could try to disperse camp and I am so grateful that she did so. I continued up the road a few more miles and then turned west on Red Meadow Creek Rd. The gravel gave way to hard packed dirt as I rode uphill. Finally, I reached the bridge where the road passed over the creek and found the perfect site for some dispersed camping. Thanks again mystery lady for the great lead.

The creek rumbled heartily by the campsite, providing the perfect ambiance for the last few hours that I was going to remain awake. Camp setup, I proceeded to enjoy some dinner and refreshments. The sun slowly crept down the surrounding mountainsides and darkness overtook the day. I retired to my tent and one of the most wonderful nights of sleep out that I have had in a while.
Awaking before the sun reached the tent, I proceeded to eat some breakfast and began hydrating early. The trip down the now familiar road seemed to take so much less time than the previous day as I flew down the mountain. Getting a bit of air off one of the speed whoops, I felt very much alive and excited for the day. I reached Polebridge and found the road free of traffic. I found parking for the bike and perused the wares of the Mercantile. Bring cash or a card with a chip as these are the only means of tender in this little store.

With my sweets in hand, I decided that it was time to return home. I will say that they were quite delicious, despite the travel in a hot side case and waiting until the following day to eat them. I would recommend enjoying them right away if you cannot control the environment that they will have to exist in.
It was another hot day of travel, but I arrived home safe and sound. The trip was highly worth it, and I wish that I had planned a little better for the camping experience, as there were several lakes just a few miles from where I camped as well as a campground at the lake. I had originally planned on camping along the Flathead River, but the campsites I passed were full already. Thankfully, it did work out wonderfully and the small vacation was everything I could have asked for.

Polebridge Mercantile website

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