Mountain Dreaming in Western Montana

Still waiting on snow to melt in the Bitterroots

There is still snow visible in the mountains surrounding Missoula, but with 60 and 70 degree days it is rapidly disappearing. Every weekend we are able to venture higher and higher into the Bitterroots, the Sapphires, and the Missions. While we love the snow, we are excited to explore all that Western Montana has to offer this summer. Here is what we are looking forward to in the mountains the coming months:

1. Weekends in the Rattlesnake Wilderness. The "Snake" is accessible from Missoula and is the gateway to the Mission Mountains. After a 4000' climb the ridgeline between Stuart and Mosquito peaks provides incredible views of lakes, peaks, and the occasional wolf. Lower down, the trails in the Rattlesnake National Recreation Area provide miles of mountain bike trails that need exploring.

2. Long Runs in the Bitterroots. Each drainage in the Bitterroot mountains offers access to the hidden peaks and ridge lines behind the front hills. When the higher trails and ridges melt out it is possible to connect various drainages into 20+ mile long runs, or rugged overnight backpacking trips.

3. Exploring new Wilderness areas. With three Wilderness areas within an hour of Missoula, and the Bob Marshall Complex, and Anaconda-Pintlers a little farther, there is a plethora of mountainous, roadless acres to explore.

This will be our first summer in Missoula and we want to make the most of it by getting up where the air is thin and the views are great.

What summer adventures do you have planned?


Happy Trails,

Forrest and Sara