My Favorite Camp: Little Pine
There are many wonderful camps on the Middle Fork, and I could write a story about the good times I have had at many of those places. High on that list is Little Pine Camp on river left.
Camp on the Middle Fork
Little Pine gives people lots of options such as hiking, fishing, horseshoes, or simply hanging out around camp. There is a spectacular hike that takes you to a peak with a panoramic view of the river. The hike requires some effort, but it is well worth it. The Middle Fork is famous for its excellent catch and release fishing program. A person would have to work hard to catch nothing. Horseshoes, well, in all modesty, I should say very little. As part of the reigning champs on the ECHO crew, I think our record speaks for itself. All challengers are welcome.
But I think the best part of Little Pine is the sweeping splendor of the fields and rugged cliffs across the river. The open grassland, with its waving wild grasses, has the feel of a Mid-West grain field. Then to see Big Horn sheep casually wandering across this open space is a major treat. The sheep seem to be looking back across the river at us and saying to one another, "Who are those dudes?"
Enjoying the chair circle and a campfire at Little Pine
The ultimate may be the rocky cliffs down river on the right. They lend themselves very nicely to an ever changing light show as the setting sun washes across the face of the mountain. In the summer It takes the sun a long time to set in Idaho, so the show is a good one. Probably the best endorsement I ever heard for Little Pine came from a man with whom I was sharing a beer as we watched the play of light on the cliffs. Very quietly he said, "Even Bill Gates does not have a home like this."
