Hidden Gem or Hidden Danger?

The misadventures of a secret (and not so secret) campsite discovery

Looking out at the deserted campground and lake

It all began with a yearning for something extraordinary, a desire to stumble upon a hidden gem far away from civilization and as close to nature as possible. Little did I know that my pursuit of this secret campsite would lead me down a path filled with mud, noise, and an undeniable sense of danger.

When I veered off the well-travel highway outside of Eureka, Montana, I drove about a half hour west to find the forest entrance. This campground was at Timber Lake, two miles into the forest and close to the famous Pacific Northwest trail. 

I finally found the forest road and proceeded to drive the two mile route along a narrow, muddy dirt path, surrounded by towering pine trees and its intoxicating scent. The rain had graced this path before my arrival, leaving a treacherous, slippery trail in its wake. Undeterred by the challenges I pressed on, eager to find this campground that my fellow hikers had highly recommended.

I finally reached my destination and was in total awe. A campsite seemingly plucked from a storybook, tucked away in the heart of the forest, next to a tranquil lake, and no one else around. I  did it. I arrived at the secret getaway where I had the forest all to myself. Only solitude and serenity awaited me.

Enjoying the moment right before encountering the unwelcome guests

Unfortunately, that was not the case. As I walked around, looking for the best place to pitch my tent, a boisterous crowd of young men arrived in a pickup truck, music blaring, guns blasting and beer flowing. Setting up camp a few spots away, they wasted no time in finding target practice on a nearby tree, alarmingly close to my car parked by the trees. As the guns went off, I realized that the peaceful ambiance I was expecting for the rest of the day was not happening.

As the sun set and darkness crept closer, I realized these men weren't going anywhere. This made me begin to reconsider my solo camping plans. It dawned on me that if something were to go awry during the night, I would find myself in a precarious situation. If I needed to get out in a pinch, I would be hampered by pitch-black roads, treacherous potholes and unmarked paths, most likely trapping me in an unfamiliar surrounding filled only with trees and a pickup truck full of beer drinking men.

Begrudgingly,  I made a difficult decision to leave the area. While I was sad to leave this magical place, my safety and peace of mind were paramount. There was no way I was risking my safety and peace of mine for an undeniably unique camping experience. I knew I had to get out before the sun fully set, so I bid farewell to the secret (and clearly not so secret) campsite, and continued my journey to the next campground.

 As I drove away, a mixture of disappointment and relief washed over me. The allure of hidden gems and secret locations beckoned, but the presence of familiar and potentially hazardous individuals altered the landscape of my adventure. It became clear that not every hidden treasure guarantees a positive memorable experience

This misadventure served as a poignant reminder to always prioritize personal safety, even in the face of curiosity and excitement. When traveling alone, it's essential to strike a balance between adventure and caution, and to know when to back out of a questionable situation, even if it means giving up that perfect photo op or social media post. 

I am constantly pursuing new and exciting experiences, but I also know that I must trust my instincts to make informed decisions that guarantee my safety and peace of mind. To me, driving out of a beautiful secluded forest to avoid a potentially unpleasant encounter is totally worth it rather than risking my overall safety and paying for it later down the road. 

So remember, as you embark on your own journeys of discovery, to stay curious, but be mindful of your surroundings. Seek solace in well-established campsites, hiking trails and forest walks, where both safety and tranquility are guaranteed. If something doesn’t feel right, listen, and change plans. 

Above all, trust yourself to navigate the twists and turns that come your way, for it is in moments like this that true adventure is born.

Waking up in my car the next day, at a much safer campsite