The Blackfoot Valley's News Source Since 1980
The Blackfoot Valley's News Source Since 1980
WILDERNESS WALKS HOSTED BY WILD MONTANA'S WILD DIVIDE CHAPTER
Keeping the Divide Wild: The Lincoln Prosperity Proposal
Tuesday, June 6
Webinar
Join us online to learn how the Lincoln Prosperity Proposal will permanently protect the wild Continental Divide around Lincoln. We'll converse with Wild Montana Federal Legislative Director Zach Angstead to get grounded in the basics of the proposal and hear what makes this landscape so special. We'll also hear from partners in the area, share upcoming opportunities to see the landscape, and discuss actions you can take to support the Lincoln Prosperity Proposal.
Run the CDT: Stemple Pass to Flesher Pass
Friday, June 9
12.4 miles
Join us for one, two, or three days of running on the Continental Divide Trail through the inspiring landscape of the Lincoln Prosperity Proposal. On day one, we'll run from Stemple Pass to Flesher Pass. The trail will pass through open meadows with abundant wildflowers and lodgepole pine and Douglas fir forests. We'll enjoy views of the Scapegoat Wilderness to the north and the proposed Nevada Mountain Wilderness to the south. We will coordinate camping, carpools/shuttles, and camp dinner for everyone participating in multiple days. All runners must provide their own food and water during the runs as well as breakfast and lunch if participating in multiple days. This adventure is offered in partnership with Run Wild Missoula.
Run the CDT: Flesher Pass to Rogers Pass
Saturday, June 10
13.5 miles
Join us for one, two, or three days of running on the Continental Divide Trail through the inspiring landscape of the Lincoln Prosperity Proposal. On day two, we'll run 13.5 miles from Flesher Pass to Rogers Pass. This run starts in forested woodland and emerges on sweeping Rocky Mountain Front plateaus during peak wildflower season. We'll enjoy dramatic views of the prairies to the east.
Run the CDT: Rogers Pass to Alice Creek
Sunday, June 11
10 miles
Join us for one, two, or three days of running on the Continental Divide Trail through the inspiring landscape of the Lincoln Prosperity Proposal. On day three, we'll run 10 miles between Rogers Pass and the Alice Creek trailhead. This run starts with a steep hike to a plateau. We'll navigate the edge of the plateau as we work our way north. There will be ample forget-me-nots, phlox, evening primrose, and other wildflowers that complement this route's long views towards the Scapegoat Wilderness and out over the prairie.
Hike through History: Lewis and Clark Pass
Sunday, June 18
6 miles
This trek from Alice Creek to the top of Lewis and Clark Pass pairs big views with historical and cultural significance. The route is known as the Buffalo Road. It was used by Native American tribes living west of the Continental Divide to access buffalo hunting grounds on the eastern side. The route was later traversed by Meriwether Lewis and the Corps of Discovery. We'll share some of this history as we take in views of the Blackfoot Valley and Scapegoat Wilderness.
Nevada Creek and the Continental Divide
Saturday, June 24
6 miles
We'll hike up Nevada Creek into the proposed Nevada Mountain Wilderness with our federal legislative director, Zach Angstead. Learn about the Lincoln Prosperity Proposal and how this conservation initiative will protect vital elk, grizzly bear, and wolverine habitat near the Continental Divide.
Art in the Wilderness
Sunday, June 25
6 miles
Time in nature is restorative and gives us a sense of place. This walk asks participants to contemplate where they are in their life journeys. Guided by an expressive arts facilitator and an experienced hiker, participants will bring their reflections to life through drawing, creative writing, and dialogue. All art supplies are provided by the leaders.
Star Party at Montana Learning Center
Friday, June 30
York
Stare into the cosmos through state-of-the-art telescopes at Montana Learning Center. See nebulae and galaxies like you have never seen them before, all with the help of expert guides from the Montana Learning Center. We'll also learn about the importance of wild public lands in sustaining our dark skies. Join us for this late night star party!
Blackfoot Meadows Hike
Sunday, July 2
10 miles
Blackfoot Meadows Trail is a mostly flat hike along the Little Blackfoot River to Blackfoot Meadows. The trail begins just down the road from the Kading Cabin and campground. There will be birding and wildflower identification opportunities as well as time to drop a fishing line in the Little Blackfoot.
Refrigerator Canyon: A Cool Experience
Thursday, July 13
6 miles
This will be a leisurely walk up a gentle, well-maintained trail through a chilly slot canyon on our way to the Gates of the Mountains Wilderness boundary. There is one short and steep section of trail. We'll take time to identify species of wildflowers and birds and chat about Wild Montana's efforts to protect wild public lands.
Mann Gulch Smokejumpers Hike
Saturday, July 15
8 miles
The tragic Mann Gulch Fire of 1949 left a lasting impact on the way wildfire is fought and managed on public lands across the country. Join this trek to the memorial markers of the firefighters who lost their lives to pay respects and get a history lesson on what transpired. This hike is the best way to see the area without the use of a boat.
Nevada Creek Mining History and Wildlife Hike
Saturday, August 26
6 miles
Join us to learn about Montana's gold mining history and explore Nevada Creek. We'll pass abandoned cabins, skirt mine shafts, and follow game trails as we venture into the boundary of the proposed Nevada Mountain Wilderness. This Wilderness is part of the Lincoln Prosperity Proposal. If the proposal becomes law, Nevada Mountain would become the first new standalone Wilderness in Montana in 40 years.
WILDERNESS WALKS HOSTED BY WILD MONTANA'S SHINING MOUNTAINS CHAPTER
O'Brien Creek Loop
Saturday, May 20
5 miles
Spring into Summer with Wild Montana's Shining Mountains Chapter! O'Brien Creek Loop is awash in wildflowers at this time of year. It includes great views of the Missoula Valley, Black Mountain, and the O'Brien Creek Drainage. We'll hike a combination of trails, old logging roads, and open country. After the hike, lunch will be provided at Fort Missoula from 1 to 3 p.m.
House of Sky Trail
Saturday, May 20
6 miles
Spring into Summer with Wild Montana's Shining Mountains Chapter! Hike a portion of one of Missoula's newest trails, along the ridgeline between Deer Creek Road and Mitten Mountain, and enjoy spectacular views and wildflowers. After the hike, lunch will be provided at Fort Missoula from 1 to 3 p.m.
Native Plants on the Blue Mountain Nature Trail
Saturday, May 20
1.5 miles
Spring into Summer with Wild Montana's Shining Mountains Chapter! Join Wild Montana and Blue Mountain Nature Tours for a guided educational hike. Master Naturalist Elena Ulev will discuss native Montana wildflowers, shrubs, trees, and lichens. After the hike, lunch will be provided at Fort Missoula from 1 to 3 p.m.
Family-Friendly Maclay Flat Outing
Saturday, May 20
1–3.5 miles
Spring into Summer with Wild Montana's Shining Mountains Chapter! Maclay Flats offers views of the Bitterroot River and superb walking for all ages. The abundance of animal and plants make the walk extra fun. Who knows what we'll find on this spring day? Maybe we'll see one of the resident owls! The group will choose the distance. After the hike, lunch will be provided at Fort Missoula from 1 to 3 p.m.
Keeping the Divide Wild: The Lincoln Prosperity Proposal
Tuesday, June 6
Webinar
Join us online to learn how the Lincoln Prosperity Proposal will permanently protect the wild Continental Divide around Lincoln. We'll converse with Wild Montana Federal Legislative Director Zach Angstead to get grounded in the basics of the proposal and hear what makes this landscape so special. We'll also hear from partners in the area, share upcoming opportunities to see the landscape, and discuss actions you can take to support the Lincoln Prosperity Proposal.
South Fork Lolo Creek Hike
Saturday, June 24
6 miles
Join Wild Montana and Friends of Lolo Peak to explore the proposed South Fork Lolo Creek Wilderness addition at the northern end of the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness. The hike begins with a gentle streamside ascent along the beautiful and wild South Fork of Lolo Creek and, in less than a mile, begins a steep climb along switchbacks through old clear cuts with fabulous views of the surrounding country and the Grave Creek Range.
Water Hill Adventure
Sunday, June 25
9 miles
This is a ridgetop trail through stands of old growth trees with views up and down the Clark Fork River. We'll look for late spring wildflowers in the meadow on top of Water Hill and enjoy 360-degree views of the glorious Cabinet Mountains, which offer the opportunity to reflect on work being done by Wild Montana and the Cube Iron Cataract Coalition to protect surrounding roadless areas.
Upper Holland Lake Adventure
Wednesday, June 26
14 miles
Join us for a thigh-burning hike past Holland Falls to Upper Holland Lake. We might encounter snow and will have to cross a stream, so please be prepared for both. At the top, you'll be rewarded with spectacular views of the Seeley-Swan Valley, Mission Mountains, and Swan Range. We'll discuss recent efforts to protect Holland Lake, and how you can be and advocate for these wild public lands.
Sunday Mountain Scramble
Friday, June 30
6.5 miles
Views of the Swans, the Missions, Grizzly Basin, and the Bob make this an unforgettable hike. The first two miles are mostly easy. They're followed by more than a mile of world-class, straight-up steepness. On the way up, views of the Missions will hold your attention. At the crest of the Swan Range, views of Grizzly Basin will knock you off your feet. As we enjoy lunch on the summit, it will be obvious why 84% of Montana voters support the Blackfoot Clearwater Stewardship Act.
Diamond Lake to Cliff Lake Walk
Sunday, July 9
2 miles
This gentle family-friendly hike in the Great Burn recommended Wilderness provides amazing bang for your buck, especially with kids in tow. Experience some time in the woods, a meadow with beautiful wildflowers, and a lunch break with stunning mountain views on the shore of an alpine lake. All ages and abilities are Welcome.
Sqaylth-Kwum Creek Trail Plant & Flower ID Hike
Tuesday, July 18
2-4 miles
Join us for a leisurely hike with plenty of stops to identify plants, wildflowers, and trees along the trail and enjoy beautiful views of the Clark Fork River valley. The trail is 4.5 miles long, but our group's plans will be flexible to allow for reflection on our surroundings. Even a short distance will be educational for all participants! Brought to you by Wild Montana and the Cube Iron Cataract Coalition.
Bonanza Lakes Wilderness Inventory
Saturday, July 22
6 miles
The Forest Service kicks off its Lolo National Forest plan revision process this year. This plan will guide how the agency manages the Forest for decades to come. One of the first steps in the planning process is a wilderness character inventory and evaluation. Join Wild Montana's public lands director and our partners from the Great Burn Conservation Alliance to learn about this process and help gather data about this unique roadless area. This walk will require a slower pace and more frequent stops to take notes and photos of our surroundings.
Big Hole Lookout
Saturday, July 29
5.5 miles
Enjoy a hiker's paradise with mature lodgepole pine forests, amazing vistas, and abundant wildlife. We'll be treated to the Dr. Seuss-like spectacle of bear grass in bloom as we make our way toward the recently renovated Big Hole Lookout. The views from the rocky summit showcase the Clark Fork as well as roadless areas, like Scotchman Peaks and Cube Iron Cataract, that local advocates are working hard to protect.
Hub and Hazel Lakes Wilderness Inventory
Saturday, August 5
6 miles
The Forest Service kicks off its Lolo National Forest plan revision process this year. This plan will guide how the agency manages the Forest for decades to come. One of the first steps in the planning process is a wilderness character inventory and evaluation. Join Wild Montana's field organizer and our partners from the Great Burn Conservation Alliance to learn about this process and help gather data about this unique roadless area. This walk will require a slower pace and more frequent stops to take notes and photos of our surroundings.
Baldy Lake Hike
Friday, August 18
6 miles
The Baldy Lake National Recreation Trail traverses some of the most rugged and scenic country in the southern Cabinet Mountains. Our route will take us up and over Baldy Mountain where the old stone foundation of a lookout remains. We'll then drop down to Baldy Lake to enjoy a cool respite from the summer heat before making our way back to the trailhead. Brought to you in partnership with MSU Extension Sanders County.
Illinois Peak Wilderness Inventory
Saturday, August 19
5 miles
The Forest Service kicks off its Lolo National Forest plan revision process this year. This plan will guide how the agency manages the Forest for decades to come. One of the first steps in the planning process is a wilderness character inventory and evaluation. Join Wild Montana's field organizer and our partners from the Great Burn Conservation Alliance to learn about this process and help gather data about this unique roadless area. This walk will require a slower pace and more frequent stops to take notes and photos of our surroundings.
Mount Headley Hike
Sunday, August 20
8 miles
Mount Headley is the highest point in the Cube Iron/Silcox Roadless Area, a priority area for protection in the upcoming Lolo Forest planning process. The views are great, and you will get a good feel for the area while also seeing how the recent Thorne Creek fire reshaped the landscape. It is an up-and-down hike with about 1,500' elevation gain, but very much worth every ounce of sweat. This hike is offered by Wild Montana and the Cube Iron Cataract Coalition.
Confronting Climate Change: An Introduction to Wild Montana's Climate Work
Thursday, August 24
Webinar
Join Aubrey Bertram, Wild Montana's climate and energy program director, for an overview of our work to confront climate change. We'll provide an introduction to our campaign to reform oil and gas leasing, as well as efforts to support sensible wildland fire management policies. In addition, we'll cover how the federal policy and legislation we fight for will help keep Montana's wild public lands intact, connected, and resilient.
Morrell Falls to Grizzly Basin Adventure
Monday, August 28
11 miles
Join us for a beautiful 11-mile hike that will lead us past Morrell Falls into Grizzly Basin, a seldom-visited destination in the Swan Mountains. This hike will leave you with a deep appreciation for this unique place and the need to permanently protect it through the Blackfoot Clearwater Stewardship Act.
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