Brett French reports: Slowing down reveals overlooked forest

Last June in a historic flood, East Rosebud Creek roared down its narrow valley, wiping out the only access road to a popular lake and trailheads. Work has begun to rebuild the road, but those willing to hike the 3 miles (one way) are exposed to a wild landscape. A faint path exists in places on the east side of the creek, winding through dense willows, across rock slides and over streams and marshes. When the trail drops back to the river hikers are exposed to how large the creek grew last June. In places, the stream bed is now 200 yards wide. Uprooted trees line the bank and rock, so much rock. The terrain makes the going slow, but the payoff comes with having the place to yourself, except for a curious bull moose. To learn more about the area and my trip, check out my story at billingsgazette.com/tncms/asset/editorial/3f69c9c4-1203-11ee-9d7b-6f85d0d4d5b3

Written by Brett French | Outdooors Editor for Billings Gazette Communications