Western Montana

In my hometown of Bozeman, Montana, skiing is king. This shouldn’t come as much of a surprise; we have a world-class resort just 45 miles down the road at Big Sky, as well as the local favorite, yet still impressive Bridger Bowl ski area. But lost in all the downhill excitement is the soothing experience of cross-country skiing. I’ve found that many residents are surprised to find that the city of Bozeman operates several cross-country trails within the city limits.

On a recent visit to Glacier National Park I asked the park ranger at the Apgar visitor center for easy hikes for my boyfriend and I to do as we are not avid hikers. She suggested the Trail of the Cedars near Avalanche Creek and a unnamed path near Fish Creek that goes along the Lake McDonald shoreline.

b>The Blackfoot River runs through Missoula and was featured in the book and movie, A River Runs Through It by Norman Maclean. The third Saturday in May marks the opening of the “general” fishing season in Montana. This means fishing season opens on small streams and lakes that were closed to winter fishing. It also means that waters that have been open for “catch-and-release” now allow taking of a daily limit for various species.

Hiking trails can get busy come spring in Western Montana, and if you’re looking to get away from the crowd and see a land in it’s most pristine and unspoiled state, the beauty of the backcountry is where you should be headed. Off of Hwy 93, whether coming from Missoula or Darby, there are numerous drainages to be discovered that lead into the Bitterroot Mountain Range. Being a person who is inspired by exploration and adventure, I wanted to choose a location I had never been to, so I picked one right from the pages of my Montana Atlas and Gazetteer: The Big Creek Trail.

Ideally located right between the University of Montana and the quaint blocks of Downtown Missoula, Kiwanis Park is easily reached by car (signs will lead you to parking just south of E. Front Street) or by foot/bike. The trail that borders the park is paved and wheelchair/stroller accessible and sits along the edge of the Clark Fork River offering a spectacular view

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