Bailey Underwood
Wilderness Ranger Fellow
Salmon-Challis National Forest / Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness
Little Loon Creek Trail
May 27th, 2024 – June 1st, 2024
My position as a SBFC Wilderness Ranger Fellow has only just begun. A month ago, I was working in a biology lab in a basement with a happylite nearby. Now I am flying into the wilderness on a bush plane, crossing creeks in my sandals, and falling asleep in my tent by 9pm.
Officially took off from Challis airstrip and heading out on hitch. Nervous and laughing a lot. Trying to figure out how to co-pilot in minutes, just in case.
We flew from Challis, Idaho into the Cougar Creek Ranch Airstrip. The Cougar Creek Ranch was built in 1905 and grandfathered into the wilderness area. The ride was smooth thanks to the clear weather, but a bush plane landing has its limits and it was a bumpy one. Our training hitch took place in the Salmon-Challis National Forest. Our work took place on the Little Loon Creek trail. We cleared the trail of fallen trees, brushed away the overgrowth and crossed creeks at least 40 times to do so. I could definitely feel the “training” part of this hitch. My backpack was heavy, overflowing, and my hips ached within a mile. I nearly fell asleep in my tent with half a snickers bar in my pocket. I brought enough salt for a month and not nearly enough coffee.
Little Loon Creek Trail, creek down to the right beneath the alder trees.
In the high desert ecosystem, I saw wild rose, wild strawberry, western larkspur, sage brush, alder tree, chipmunk, rattlesnake, deer mouse, and large cat signs. The sun was hot on the exposed scree fields, but the shade was cool beneath the alders by the creek. I had no expectations for what my summer would look like. But I am here now, and I look forward to what is to come.
Front door of the Cougar Creek Ranch single room cabin.
Flying home at the end of hitch looking over the Salmon River through the bush plane back window.
Missoula, MT
University of Montana- Wildlife Biology
Bailey grew up a military brat and moved around a lot. Despite frequent change in her childhood, her love and appreciation for nature was a constant. Bailey’s education and work experience in wildlife conservation has taught her the importance of balance within nature. Bailey looks forward to exploring the wilderness areas near her new home base through the SBFC Wilderness Ranger Fellowship program. Although new to trail work, she is excited to learn about responsible stewardship of wild places. She believes that respect towards the land is respect to all who inhabit it.