This is a coming of age story set in 1919 in the Bitterroot Mountains. The three main characters are Head Ranger Elk Summit District Selway Forrest Bill Bell (Sam Elliot), Mac (Jerry O'Connel) and the Cook (Ricky Jay). Mac is 17, trying to prove himself to the rest of the summer crew working in the Bitterroot Mountains and most especially to Bill Bell. This is complicated by the fact that the head ranger has hired a cook that seems to have a special friendship that makes Mac feel excluded. Mac is obviously jealous. Mac makes a nuisance of himself by acting petulant towards the summer crew, and aggressive towards the Cook. His efforts to prove himself also fare poorly. Bill Bell is calm, and patient, but leaves no doubt as to whom is in charge. There is a mystery as to why the Cook is with the summer crew. The climax and ending are satisfying and you wish you could have ridden with Bill Bell.