Tounge River Canyon (photos)

[SheridanPDC]

I love winter, love snow, but we had a warm spell in January and ever since I've been daydreaming of spring, and of going camping & hiking. Unfortunatly, we have a Jeep that is as old as I am and it's terrible on mountain roads, therefore our hiking and camping areas are limited. Last year we went up the highway and turned off on Black Mountain Road... it turrned out to be a pretty miserable trip. The mountain was way way way overcrowded, awful road work, a huge storm... spent the night cramped and cold in the Jeep because of the downpour. The only redeeming thing was that in the morning I was able to get a nice fire started even though everything was pretty much soaked.

This year, I intend to go camping up in Tounge River Canyon. We will pack up everything into two large packs and hike in (maybe a little doggy pack for Riley too, so she can carry her own dog food, lol) Once you get a little way in to the canyon it opens up & there are nice areas where you can get back off the trail to camp. Also lots of natural rock shelter to take cover under if it pours, lol. Here's some pics of the area...

[Wyody]

Beautiful area. Makes me feel a bit homesickity. Nice shots Sherigan

[RVer]

If you love winter and snow why do you dream of spring? Forgive my dumbness but where is Toungue RiverCanyon? It sure looks purdy up there. I could use a few weeks hiking in the wilderness for my soul. I bet these old legs can still hump those trails. Just escape the world for a few weeks. Oh yes.

[SheridanPDC]

I love winter & snow (honestly I would be thrilled for storm to come along and dump about three feet of snow) but I dream of spring because I want to be up in the mountains... As fun as the snow is, we're stuck in town for the winter until we can get a better car. I get a bit of cabin fever. Tounge River Canyon is just outside of Dayton WY. In Dayton you get on a dirt road... Wyo might know the name of the road, I don't remember it... the road splits, one way it goes into the canyon, the other way will take you to the Amsden Wildlife Management Area. Once in the canyon, you can hike all the way up to another canyon called Box Canyon (will post a photo later, it's on the other cpu) and beyond. There's also a short secondary trail right after you start on the trail in TRC, it goes up to the entrance of Tounge River Caves. I've explored around in the caves a bit, they're decent (although sadly there's quite a bit of grafiti from kids). There's an underground stream & waterfall, lots of areas to climb and explore. I once got stuck in there with some friends... We got down into a room called the Dead Cowboy room and got confused... couldn't find the way out.

[Wyoming53]

Originally Posted by SheridanPDC

I love winter & snow (honestly I would be thrilled for storm to come along and dump about three feet of snow) but I dream of spring because I want to be up in the mountains... As fun as the snow is, we're stuck in town for the winter until we can get a better car. I get a bit of cabin fever. Tounge River Canyon is just outside of Dayton WY. In Dayton you get on a dirt road... Wyo might know the name of the road, I don't remember it... the road splits, one way it goes into the canyon, the other way will take you to the Amsden Wildlife Management Area. Once in the canyon, you can hike all the way up to another canyon called Box Canyon (will post a photo later, it's on the other cpu) and beyond. There's also a short secondary trail right after you start on the trail in TRC, it goes up to the entrance of Tounge River Caves. I've explored around in the caves a bit, they're decent (although sadly there's quite a bit of grafiti from kids). There's an underground stream & waterfall, lots of areas to climb and explore. I once got stuck in there with some friends... We got down into a room called the Dead Cowboy room and got confused... couldn't find the way out.

Believe it or not, the road is called, "Tongue River Canyon Road." There is actually 2 campgrounds up there. One just after the split with Amsden Creek and another clear at the end of the road.

Lots of Elk and moose in that area. Which also means, lot's of cats.

[SheridanPDC]

Lol, I shoud've know that's what it was called...
So, any advice on how not to become kitty kibble if we camp up there? I'm thinking we'll hike in and camp in the area just before it opens up and you can see Box Canyon. There's a pretty meadow there on the river side of the trail. I'm going to have to learn how to fly fish because I think that's all that's allowed in there...

[Wyoming53]

Originally Posted by SheridanPDC

Lol, I shoud've know that's what it was called...
So, any advice on how not to become kitty kibble if we camp up there? I'm thinking we'll hike in and camp in the area just before it opens up and you can see Box Canyon. There's a pretty meadow there on the river side of the trail. I'm going to have to learn how to fly fish because I think that's all that's allowed in there...

Keep an eye on your pet. Wear colorful clothes. Act normal. Cat's will check you out only because they are curious. Once they figure out that you are human, they'll leave you alone. Cats don't like human meat. They're picky.

You should be fine. But, it may offer some good photo's.

Have you ever been up in the Little BigHorn? Talk about beautiful. You have to run into Montana up to Wyola and then backtrack on a dirt road into Wyoming. The crossing is exactly at the 45th parallel. The Little Bighorn River runs through the canyon. You can hike up the canyon and you will actually see cats. They are thick enough up there that you don't have to lay around for days trying to get a shot.

Speaking of which. I had cat steaks last night. They were delicious.

[BayBreeze]

Originally Posted by Wyoming53

Speaking of which. I had cat steaks last night. They were delicious.

Wyo53......Anxious to hear how you get to the finished part, of eating those steaks. Now, cat.....bow and arrow? rifle? Then what? Do you hang them like deer for a few days? and, how do you butcher them? Lots of questions I know, but interesting topic to me. By the way, I finished that target shooting, gun handling class for beginners. Think I'll move right up to the next class in the Spring.

And, Sheridan....beautiful photos!

[Wyoming53]

Originally Posted by BayBreeze

Wyo53......Anxious to hear how you get to the finished part, of eating those steaks. Now, cat.....bow and arrow? rifle? Then what? Do you hang them like deer for a few days? and, how do you butcher them? Lots of questions I know, but interesting topic to me. By the way, I finished that target shooting, gun handling class for beginners. Think I'll move right up to the next class in the Spring.

And, Sheridan....beautiful photos!

25-06. Just plink em. Cut them up like you would a deer.

You need to burn some lead. Trust me. I don't burn led by the number of rounds. I burn lead by the pound.

You have to learn or be condictioned to hit what you want. Not hit what you aim at. Aiming is for ametures. You need to react. But it takes powder to do that.

I can hit what I want. Be it 500 yards or even 1500 yards. Just do it. Sounds really simple, but it's not. I was trained, years ago to hit what I thought was a problem. I do it. Simple ole 3x9 with a Harris and I can usually take out what I need to. You can thank Uncle Sam for that one. hahahaha Sam taught me to be descrete. To take my time. Hell, I used to just drop game where I wanted. But the Uncle taught me to be careful and take my time.

Thank you Uncle Sam, we have not wasted any meat sincince then. hahahaha

[BayBreeze]

So, I guess I have a long way to go, Wyo53 ....my Gun Handling 101 Certificate just won't get it! I'm moving on to Target Shooting 102.
Yes, Thank You, Uncle Sam! and Thank YOU, Wyo53!

[Wyoming53]

Originally Posted by Wyoming53

25-06. Just plink em. Cut them up like you would a deer.

You need to burn some lead. Trust me. I don't burn led by the number of rounds. I burn lead by the pound.

You have to learn or be condictioned to hit what you want. Not hit what you aim at. Aiming is for ametures. You need to react. But it takes powder to do that.

I can hit what I want. Be it 500 yards or even 1500 yards. Just do it. Sounds really simple, but it's not. I was trained, years ago to hit what I thought was a problem. I do it. Simple ole 3x9 with a Harris and I can usually take out what I need to. You can thank Uncle Sam for that one. hahahaha Sam taught me to be descrete. To take my time. Hell, I used to just drop game where I wanted. But the Uncle taught me to be careful and take my time.

Thank you Uncle Sam, we have not wasted any meat sincince then. hahahaha

I'm going to say this and I probably shouldn't.

Charley Red Feather taught me to shoot. Charley was my buddy. Charley died in 1967. Took one in his forehead. I brought Charlie home. He achieved Warior status. Not many do. Odey can appreciate that one.

Charley taught me to be careful, to obey. He was kind. He was soft spoken.

He told me. One of these days, I will collect one. He did.

[BayBreeze]

All respect to Charley Red Feather.

[Wyoming53]

Originally Posted by BayBreeze

All respect to Charley Red Feather.

He was my buddy.

[RVer]

Originally Posted by Wyoming53

Believe it or not, the road is called, "Tongue River Canyon Road." There is actually 2 campgrounds up there. One just after the split with Amsden Creek and another clear at the end of the road.

Lots of Elk and moose in that area. Which also means, lot's of cats.

How do you define a campground in the middle of nowhere? Is it just a clearing? Or has the state or county put up some shelters? Parking lots or you hike to it?

[RVer]

Originally Posted by Wyoming53

I'm going to say this and I probably shouldn't.

Charley Red Feather taught me to shoot. Charley was my buddy. Charley died in 1967. Took one in his forehead. I brought Charlie home. He achieved Warior status. Not many do. Odey can appreciate that one.

Charley taught me to be careful, to obey. He was kind. He was soft spoken.

He told me. One of these days, I will collect one. He did.

Are you referring to Vietnam? Why the name Red Feather? Was he an American Indian?

[Wyody]

Fi'ty - I want one of those cat-hides! I gave my last away last year in Missouri ... just scrape it some and salt it - fold it innard-to-innard and try not to get any salt in the fur ... I'll do the rest. Wouldn't hurt if you froze the brain and sent that too - but you'd need to dry-ice it. Bobcat would be nice as well.
Talk to me when the time comes.
We've got cat around here too - see the tracks out by the ponds sometimes ... but never have seen one. Both, cougar and bobcat. Seen wild pigs and coyote - and the teeniest little deer you've ever seen! Take two or three to make a sandwich! No Elk. Oh ... and I think they have open season on yankees now and then as well.

[SheridanPDC]

Lion steaks??? Hmmm sounds interesting. I've met trappers/hunters who eat whatever they kill, not just the typical "food critters". I find that to be very respectful. If you're going to kill it, might as well eat it 'cause it's made of meat. Do you by any chance save the shoulder blades? Thanks for the tips on the kitties... I will keep Riley close. I would love to have the oppertunity to snap a few photos of one, at a respectable distance of course

I have not been up to the Little Bighorn canyon... would you say it's doable as a day trip/hike? My mom and I like to go on day hikes. This year I know Bucking Mule Falls is on our list of hikes to try. Last year we only got in one new hike, Big Goose Falls. Very peaceful forest hike. However I didn't come prepared for the river crossings... After the third crossing I decided to kick back in a meadow while my mom & sisters went on. I hadn't water proofed my camera well enough for a dunk in the river, should it happen, and the cold water was killing my arthritis. They got lost while I was reclining in the meadow next to a tiny smoke-fire to help cut down on the bugs. Boy were they mad about the two hour detour they took when the missed the turn for the falls

RVer, the campgrounds are just little pull outs on the dirt road I believe... a few clear spaces for tents and a circle of stones piled up for a fire. There might be a few bbq pits, not sure. At the end of the road there is a parking area and a decent outhouse, and this is where the trailhead is. The first part of the trail is steepish, dropping down to the river, no good places to camp. Then when you get a little deeper into the canyon, it opens up to either side and there are various clearings here and there where you can pitch a tent & build a fire. The particular place I am thinking of camping is maybe two hours of hiking into the canyon... possibly more, I forget how long the hike took us last time.

Here are the Box Canyon photos I said I would post...





I was looking through all the TRC photos for the Box pictures and I just couldn't resist... here are a few more from TRC...

This is looking back in the direction of the trailhead... you can see Keyhole rock peeking up...



I want to say this is Amsden Creek, but I'm not sure.



And finally the Flutterbyes... As we were hiking flocks of beautiful butterfies were hovering around... most like these but also some delicate little blue ones, big yellow swallowtails, and my fav. little pretty black ones.

[Wyoming53]

Originally Posted by RVer

How do you define a campground in the middle of nowhere? Is it just a clearing? Or has the state or county put up some shelters? Parking lots or you hike to it?

Actually, it has lots. It's primitive in that there is a faucet at the bathroom. There's no water or anything at the lots. The lot has a place to park and to pitch a tent. There are community bathrooms and such. But basically, you are on your own.

[Wyoming53]

Originally Posted by SheridanPDC

Lion steaks??? Hmmm sounds interesting. I've met trappers/hunters who eat whatever they kill, not just the typical "food critters". I find that to be very respectful. If you're going to kill it, might as well eat it 'cause it's made of meat. Do you by any chance save the shoulder blades? Thanks for the tips on the kitties... I will keep Riley close. I would love to have the oppertunity to snap a few photos of one, at a respectable distance of course

I have not been up to the Little Bighorn canyon... would you say it's doable as a day trip/hike? My mom and I like to go on day hikes. This year I know Bucking Mule Falls is on our list of hikes to try. Last year we only got in one new hike, Big Goose Falls. Very peaceful forest hike. However I didn't come prepared for the river crossings... After the third crossing I decided to kick back in a meadow while my mom & sisters went on. I hadn't water proofed my camera well enough for a dunk in the river, should it happen, and the cold water was killing my arthritis. They got lost while I was reclining in the meadow next to a tiny smoke-fire to help cut down on the bugs. Boy were they mad about the two hour detour they took when the missed the turn for the falls

It is an excellent day trip. I take my grandson up there all the time. It's a nice hour or so trip by car. Then you get out and you will not believe the beauty of the area. I've sat and watched cats just slink up and watch me.

Oh, you don't want to go swimming here. hahaha It's snow melt. We're talking 29-30 degrees and many times you have ice floating down. Not swimming weather. Coarse, Ody has bathed in that cause he had to before he went to town.

Unfortunately I can't hike it like I used to. My walker just don't work for crap on the trails. But I can darn sure get my grandson up a ways so we can spend some Grandpa Time. I love to fish and this is a excellent area to hook a couple.

[Wyoming53]

You're down there where NAFTA has kicked in. NAFTA = North American Firearms Training Area. It's a 1 mile wide strip where it's open season, right?

Ahhhhhh. Head Cheese. Nothing better. You talk about Bobcat. I had one happen a few years back. I actually had a bobcat jump on the hood of my truck. Was creeping up in the timber and I'm not sure what caused it, but the damn thing lit on my hood. I can't remember right off but I think I peed a little. hahahahahaha You know and I know that there's a bunch of windshield between me and him. But you don't think about that when they jump on your hood.

I'll see what I can do.

Originally Posted by Wyody

Fi'ty - I want one of those cat-hides! I gave my last away last year in Missouri ... just scrape it some and salt it - fold it innard-to-innard and try not to get any salt in the fur ... I'll do the rest. Wouldn't hurt if you froze the brain and sent that too - but you'd need to dry-ice it. Bobcat would be nice as well.
Talk to me when the time comes.
We've got cat around here too - see the tracks out by the ponds sometimes ... but never have seen one. Both, cougar and bobcat. Seen wild pigs and coyote - and the teeniest little deer you've ever seen! Take two or three to make a sandwich! No Elk. Oh ... and I think they have open season on yankees now and then as well.

[Wyody]

Wild experience. Bobcats are so skittish - their little brain fries quicker than ours. Cougars, on the other hand ... they're liable to look at you as if you're the crazy one.
Uh, you can say "head-cheese" all you want - I need the brain to tan the hide! Still have to add some beef-brain probably ... but I like the brains what come with the hide.

[Wyoming53]

Originally Posted by Wyody

Wild experience. Bobcats are so skittish - their little brain fries quicker than ours. Cougars, on the other hand ... they're liable to look at you as if you're the crazy one.
Uh, you can say "head-cheese" all you want - I need the brain to tan the hide! Still have to add some beef-brain probably ... but I like the brains what come with the hide.

Ain't got a lof of room. But I do have some brain freeze. It's in there.

[Wyoming53]

Originally Posted by RVer

Are you referring to Vietnam? Why the name Red Feather? Was he an American Indian?

Yes. Charley was an American Indian. Some would call him Native. Sioux. But he didn't think so. He said, and I quote, I'm an ndn. We were buddy's. He taught me to be true, to sing when I layed down. hahahaha Some of you would really think I'm nuts. But Charlie was good people. We would lay down and sing. No, chant. I called it singing, he called it chanting. We had a good time together.

To lay down, to draw a bead at 1000 yds. That's true. Charley would talk in Lakota. I told him several time, Speak English ass hole. He'd just giggle.

There was a time that Charlie and I layed down and we talked. Was kind of a time that Charlie and I had a reconning. Really can't expliane it.

Yes. It was Viet Nam. Charley come out of the Res in South Dakota. He was true to his feathers. His name is on the wall.