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
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
