This article originally appeared in the Summer 2025 issue of Montana Parent Magazine.
Article and photos by Katie Daughenbaugh.
Backpacking is a demanding sport. Not everyone likes loading weight on their back and huffing it up a mountain, only to battle mosquitoes, fatigue, sunburn, and mush-for-meals. Plus, there is a distinct lack of furniture. But if you adjust your mindset, backpacking is an opportunity for self-sufficiency, pushing yourself, and seeing a part of Montana that is silent and serene.
In Scouting, we like to take teenagers backpacking. One trip in particular stands out — the 50-mile Gallatin Crest trip we embarked on in July 2023 with Troops 676 and 619, including 13 youth (boys and girls), two moms, and six dads.
Preparation
Preparation is arguably the most important part of a big backcountry adventure, and is a skill taught in Scouting. Scouts learn what to bring and how to load a pack, including delving into the details of sleep systems, how many clothes one really needs (not many!), and how to leave the deodorant at home. They must physically prepare, which includes training hikes with the exact weight and pack you plan to bring. The process is part of the fun.
In 2023, once we were ready, we staged at the Grotto Falls trailhead on a Wednesday in July. We marched up to Hyalite Lake (only one Scout face-planted in a creek crossing — oops!), then continued to Hyalite Peak. We met a gaggle of old guys in the saddle before the peak, who were coming from the opposite direction on the trail. They had been at it for days and were about to embark on the home stretch before realizing that the snow field we had just crossed was threatening to force them to turn around.
Meeting People
Here’s another perk of backpacking: meeting new people. We learned that these gentlemen were former leaders of Troop 676 back in the day; we told them how we made it up the snowfield and how they could do it too. With a bit of encouragement from us, they were off!
We summited Hyalite Peak because why not, then resumed the trail for our first night at Crater Lake. On day two, we hiked nearly 12 miles to reach Windy Pass. Let me tell you — day two would not end, but I’d do it again in a heartbeat. The Scouts learned how to keep going when they wanted to stop, how to lift each other up, and how to find grace in the struggle.
Day three took us up and down rock fields, a lovely display of petrified wood, and one instance where a dad told us we were smooth sailing to our next campsite, only to find that we had to climb a giant mountain first. Learning to read topo maps is important! At Ramshorn Lake, the water was so cold I got a bloody nose when I jumped in, but oh, nothing is as refreshing as a mountain lake to a hot and sweaty human pretending to be a mountain goat.
A Scout Is Helpful
On day four, we climbed Ramshorn Peak and experienced another amazing display of petrified wood, then continued to Buffalo Horn Lakes. We met tourists on the way who were on the trail from Yellowstone but had run out of water and were desperate for relief. A Scout is helpful: We gave them nearly all the water we had, knowing we could top off our stores at the next stream crossing. We also had a Scout with a bloody nose so bad we thought we may have to evacuate, but turns out a tampon is an excellent component of a first aid kit.
The last night on a trek like this is both melancholic and exciting, as the group anticipates reentry. No more solitude, amazing views, and lack of technology. But we took solace knowing that we could shower and eat cheese very soon!
On day five, we did a quick jaunt out Daley Creek in Yellowstone National Park, and were greeted by parents who had come to pick us up, bringing snacks, chairs, and cheer. In total, we covered 50 miles from Hyalite to Yellowstone, including 13,000 feet of elevation gain.
We experienced perseverance, friendship, and the stunning beauty of Montana. If you’re considering an epic adventure with your kids, don’t overlook something challenging. You will be pleasantly surprised.
Katie Daughenbaugh is the Mountain Valley District Chair
This article was originally published in the Summer 2025 issue of Montana Parent magazine.
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