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 ‘Boomers in Missoula’

Hiking Blodgett Canyon Trail

By DONNA HULL - How long has it been since you’ve been to Blodgett Canyon, the Bitterroot Valley’s version of Yosemite? Long-time Missoula boomers have probably hiked Blodgett Canyon Trail more times than t... more

In Italy, It’s All About the Pasta

By DONNA HULL - Food is one of the defining elements of a culture. When visitors arrive in Missoula, I’m guessing you feed them a grass-fed beefsteak or trout perhaps? In Italy, it’s all about pasta!... more

Experiencing Italy the Slow Way

After a month at home in Montana, my feet are itchy to explore again. This time on a road trip in southern Italy followed by a cruise through the Mediterranean and across the Atlantic back to Ft. Lauderdale, Fl... more

Trading the Road for the Sea in Alaska

By DONNA HULL - On the fourth and final week of our Alaska Highway road trip adventure, we parked the truck in the bowels of the MV/Kennicott and let an Alaska Marine Highway ferry captain do the driving.... more

Eye Candy From the Far North

By DONNA HULL - Scenery, scenery, scenery—that’s been the buzzword for Week Three of our Alaska Highway road trip. The scenery on the Glenn Highway from Tok to Palmer topped it all.... more

Watching a Grizzly Eat Breakfast

By DONNA HULL - Welcome to week two of the Alaska Highway road trip where my husband, Alan, and I are exploring Northern British Columbia, Yukon and Alaska. ... more

Riding on a Ferry to Prince Rupert

By DONNA HULL - Hello from the Alaska Highway. What is a Missoula boomer doing on a road trip in the wilderness of the Yukon, Northern British Columbia and Alaska? Come along and find out!... more

Let’s Take a Road Rrip to Washington Wine Country

By DONNA HULL - Ever wonder what’s on the other side of the Bitterroot Mountains? Well, I can tell you—it’s the wine country of Walla Walla, Washington.... more

Spend the Day (or Night) at Painted Rocks Reservoir

By DONNA HULL - Do you like to go exploring? My husband and I were curious about Painted Rocks Reservoir and decided to find out why friends and neighbors RAVE about it. All I can say is WOW!... more

Circling the Wagons at Western Heritage Days in Stevensville

By DONNA HULL - Ever wondered what eating on the trail was like during pioneer times when wagon trains headed across the West? You’ll find out this weekend at Western Heritage Days in Stevensville.... more

Escape to Victor

By DONNA HULL - Getting away doesn’t have to mean an exotic vacation or a multi-week road trip. Sometimes, a traveling close to home will do just fine. Why not escape to Victor in the Bitterroot Valley?... more

Breakfast in the Bitterroot: Pie and Paintings at Glen’s Cafe

By DONNA HULL - Missoula baby boomers, are you ready for another breakfast in the Bitterroot? Welcome to Glen’s Café in Florence, where paintings and pie accompany your breakfast. ... more

Spend a Romantic Winter Weekend at Broad Axe Lodge and Restaurant

By DONNA HULL - Are you looking for a winter getaway that’s romantic yet offers plenty of active things to do? Missoula boomers, do I have the place for you. Drive on down to Broad Axe Lodge and Restaurant in... more

13 Western Montana Travel Resolutions for 2013

By DONNA HULL - Do you make travel resolutions? As I sit here in front of a toasty fire at the beginning of 2013, I’m thinking of all the things I’d like to see and do this year in Western Montana. What do ... more

Take a Winter Day-Trip to Lolo Pass

By DONNA HULL - How long has it been since you took a day trip to Lolo Pass? Home to one of the campsites of Lewis and Clark, and the location of trails trekked by the Salish and the Nez Perce Indians, Lolo Pas... more

Start the holiday season with a Montana Celebration

By DONNA HULL - Do you enjoy holiday celebrations as much as I do? A little snow, some sparkly Christmas lights and maybe a cup of hot chocolate and I’m ready to celebrate!... more

Hiking Blodgett Canyon Trail

By DONNA HULL - How long has it been since you’ve been to Blodgett Canyon, the Bitterroot Valley’s version of Yosemite? Long-time Missoula boomers have probably hiked Blodgett Canyon Trail more times than t... more

Breakfast in the Bitterroot: Memories Cafe

By DONNA HULL - Breakfast and a scenic drive just seem to go together, don’t you think? I’m starting a new series called Breakfast in the Bitterroot.... more

Road Tripping to Helena

By DONNA HULL - Once in a while my feet get itchy for a road trip. That’s how my husband Alan and I found ourselves in Helena earlier this summer.... more

Cool off at Skalkaho Falls

By DONNA HULL - How many waterfalls are in the Missoula area? I’m sure long-time residents could fill me in. My suggestion as a newcomer—Skalkaho Falls... more