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The charred trees were a grim reminder of what probably was the Crooked Fire at Lolo pass in August, 2000. "The U.S. Forest Service billed Plum Creek Timber Co. more than $11 million for firefighting and rehabilitation costs from two wildfires ignited by loggers at Lolo Pass and near Powell, Idaho, during the 2000 wildfire season. Both the Crooked and Bear Camp fires began on Plum Creek timberland, but quickly spread into the Clearwater National Forest and both were fought by Forest Service firefighters. Investigations that followed the fires attributed both to negligence in the operation and maintenance of logging equipment, and Plum Creek Timber Company was asked to repay the costs."

The sign was not a joke. What a ride it was!