The Story Behind the "M"

The "M" is 620 feet above the Missoula Valley floor. It is 125' feet long and 100' feet wide. University of Montana forestry students cut the switchbacks into the side of the hill in the early 1900's. The first "M" was assembled out of whitewashed rocks in 1909, and given a fresh coat of paint by freshmen every year, until 1968, when all those rocks were cemented together with concrete.

Photo by Nelson Kenter, kenterphotography.com

Posts Tagged ‘Hiking’

How Proper Gear Can Improve Your Hiking Experience

When properly equipped, the wilderness transforms into a majestic wonderland calling adventurers deeper into its sanctuary.... more

Winter Wildlife Closures on Mt. Jumbo, Mt. Dean Stone Begin Dec. 1st

Missoula Parks and Recreation reminds hikers and bikers that some City open space areas are closed in the winter months to protect wildlife.... more

Putting Missoula on the Flight Map

Let's take a look at just what's brought about this surge in popularity and the options for tourists looking to fly into Missoula.... more

September is Bear Aware Month

Being outdoors means being with wildlife. Here's some simple advice for staying safe while exploring the outdoors and in bear country.... more

FWP REMINDER: Be Bear Aware When Recreating Outdoors

As you make plans for the July 4th holiday, be sure to review these precautionary steps to “Be Bear Aware”:... more

Mount Jump South Zone Closure Extended

In consultation with state wildlife biologists, Parks and Recreation has extended the Mount Jumbo South Zone winter wildlife closure beyond the scheduled March 15 opening date.... more

Top 8 Things to Do Near Missoula

In this guide, we will share some of the best activities you should do near Missoula, so click to know about these interesting activities. ... more

Uncovering the Hidden Gems of Missoula: The Best Things to Do in the City

In the Montana metropolis of Missoula, there is something for everyone. The city offers numerous undiscovered jewels, from outdoor activities to cultural events, just waiting to be found and experienced.... more

5 Must-See Sites Only Found In the Midwest

The Midwest is a beautiful and diverse region of the United States, with something to offer everyone... more

Taking Your Dog for a Hike? Here Are Some Useful Tips

In this article, we will outline six of the most important tips for taking your dog hiking.... more

Like Climbing? Here’s How To Find The Top Gear

It’s better to do a little research than to just wander into nature and climb! So here’s how to find the best gear for your climbing trip! ... more

Setting Bad Habits Ablaze: 7 Campfire Cooking Mistakes to Avoid

Next time you want to cook up some camp stove burgers for the family, here are seven campfire cooking mistakes to avoid.... more

Public Invited to Marshall Mountain Celebration September 12

Missoula Parks and Recreation invites residents to tour the new Marshall Mountain Park on Sunday, September 12, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.... more

Planning A Hangout With Your Friends? Spice It Up With These Cool Activities

Here are some cool activities that you can undertake with your friends that will break the monotony and help you to make new and fresh memories.... more

Wildlife Officials, Blackfoot Community Work Together on Fatal Bear Attack Details and Next Steps

Wildlife officials and the local Blackfoot Valley community are working together to wrap up details of the July 6 fatal grizzly bear attack of a camper in Ovando.... more

Do You Want To Take Up A New Hobby? Climbing Just Might Be The Thing For You

Hiking has many benefits, which makes it worth trying. Here are some of them that will inspire you to try it out.... more

How To Pick The Right Spot To Go On Your Next Camping Adventure

Whether you’re the kind of camper who loves doing group activities or someone who prefers hiking off-trail, here are some tips for picking the right camping spot. ... more

Must-Visit States in the Western U.S. for Every Type of Traveler

In this article we take a look at four specific Western locations that both tourists and even local Americans must visit at least once.... more

Best 6 Family-Friendly Activities For Your Yosemite Getaway

Traveling with the entire fam to none other than the legendary Yosemite? Here's a list of activities for that everyone of any age can enjoy. ... more

Hiking VS Camping – Why Not Both?

Today we’ll talk about the differences and similarities of camping and hiking, as well as the reasons why you can do both in one run.... more

Weekend Student Activities in Missoula

If you study in Montana or somewhere nearby and think about a wonderful weekend destination, you should consider Missoula as a potential gateway.... more

Simple Tips That Will Make Your Next Backpacking Trip So Much Better

The packing looks pretty easy, till it’s time to get down to business. Then you’ll realize it takes a lot of skills to pack, especially when embarking on backpacking trips.... more

Useful Items You’ll Need When You Go Outdoors For A Hike

Here are some of the things you should bring with you on a hike.... more

Backpacks For School at Wholesale Prices

If you need a new backpack or are looking for something cheap and useful, there is no reason why you would ever need to go to a department store.... more

Expert Survival Tips for Hikers and Campers

If you are looking to leave everything behind and enjoy a few days of nature's raw beauty, here are a few expert survival tips for hikers and campers.... more

Top Five Entertaining Things to do While in Missoula

There are many entertaining activities anyone can indulge in while visiting Missoula, and here’s a list of some of the top five:... more

5 Insanely Creative and Fun Things to do in Missoula

From local farmer's markets to natural hot springs, we've compiled a list of the top-rated places to check out in The Garden City.... more

Common Hiking Aches & Pains

Make sure you understand what the different aches and pains are that you can get from hiking, and this will help you deal with them in the best possible way.... more

Why Spending Time in Nature Is Good for Your Health

If you don’t get to spend lots of time outdoors, here are a few benefits that might make you do that more often. ... more

Mount Jumbo South Zone Opens Friday, March 30

By BECKY GOODRICH - Mount Jumbo’s South Zone will reopen to public use on Friday, March 30, bringing the area’s annual winter wildlife closure to a close.... more

11 Northwest Montana Adventures to Add to Your 2016 Checklist

By DILLON TABISH - What better way to make 2016 memorable and constructive than exploring the vast outdoors. Here are a few worthwhile Northwest Montana adventures to try this year.... more

Parks and Recreation Hosts “Too Much Fun Tuesdays” in Area Parks

Parks and Recreation hosts “Too Much Fun Tuesdays” in area parks Join Missoula Parks and Recreation on Tuesdays this fall for unique recreation programs in neighborhood parks. ... more

Busiest June on Record in Glacier Park

By DILLON TABISH - Over 414,000 people visited the national park last month, keeping 2015 on record-breaking pace.... more

Tips for dealing with a Rattlesnake Bite: Quick Tips to Save a Life

By CLAY SPRINGMEYER - If you follow these points, you can help save a life. However, the best life saver in the backcountry is situational awareness.... more

Crazy Canyon

By LIONE CLARE - I was happy to be back in the woods about to climb a mountain, an activity much more accessible and frequent in my hometown of Sitka, Alaska.... more

Smokejumpers’ Trail

By COLIN BRUST - We trudged up the steep and rocky path, leaving the Kim Williams riverside trail below us. Even though there was a great view of the Missoula Valley behind us, I felt uneasy.... more

July Courses at the Glacier Institute

The Glacier Institute has announced it’s July courses, which will get you outside and enjoying the Flathead!... more

Local Physicians Prescribe a Walk in the Park to Their Patients

Missoula Parks and Recreation and Community Medical Center (CMC) have partnered with Montana State Parks to create a Prescription Trail on Fort Missoula’s walking paths.... more

The Third Week in September

It's the autumnal equinox, which some equate with death. But for hunters, anglers, and hikers, the third week of September is a time to anticipate, to delight in, to anxiously await. ... more

Deaths a Stark Reminder of Glacier Park’s Peril

By TRISTIN SCOTT - In a single month between June 26 and July 25, four people died of trauma in Glacier National Park.Their deaths offer a sobering reminder of the perils involved in off-trail exploration.... more

Family Adventure: Exploring the Clearwater Canoe Trail

By ANNIE GRAHAM - If we can take our six children (all with varied personalities and needs) on a canoe trip, then so can you. Our latest adventure: The Clearwater Canoe Trail.... more

Alpine Canine’s Buddy Buses Run on Time So Dogs Can Run Off-Leash in Missoula

By PAM VOTH - Alpine Canine offers hikes to over 200 Missoula dogs per week with hikes tailored to every type of dog. All hikes include pick-up and drop off in one of Alpine Canine’s buses or van.... more

One last fall hike (or two) at Glacier National Park

By DONNA HULL - Do summer crowds discourage you from visiting Glacier National Park? Now is the time for one last fall hike in a national park that’s practically in Missoula’s backyard.... more