SEPTEMBER
The Bitterroots: Where the West Still Feels Wild
Straddling the border of western Montana and central Idaho, the Bitterroot Mountains form one of the most rugged and remote sections of the northern Rockies. Granite peaks rise sharply above forested valleys, where solitude still defines the landscape. Named after Lewisia rediviva—the bitterroot flower gathered for centuries by the Salish people—the range lives up to its name: tough, beautiful, and deeply rooted in resilience.
Along the Glen Lake Loop
For hikers and photographers, the Bitterroots reward effort with quiet alpine basins, mirror-like tarns, and dramatic granite walls. Trails like Blodgett Canyon, Lolo Peak, and St. Mary Peak offer sweeping views across the Bitterroot Valley, while the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness remains one of the largest intact wild areas in the lower 48. Light here shifts quickly—morning mist, storm clouds, and long evening shadows create ever-changing scenes that capture the untamed spirit of the range.
Source: U.S. Forest Service – Bitterroot National Forest; Montana Office of Tourism and Business Development.
Saint Mary Peak Trail
8.67 mi Length 2,628 ft Elevation Gain
St. Mary Peak Trail in the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness rewards hikers with sweeping views of the Bitterroot and Sapphire Mountains. The trail winds through subalpine forests and rocky ridges, offering both solitude and stunning scenery.
At the summit, the historic St. Mary Peak Fire Lookout stands as a reminder of the area’s past. Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1931, the original tower was replaced in 1952 with the current L-4 cab after high winds destroyed the first. Today, it’s recognized for its architectural and fire-detection significance.
Sources: U.S. Forest Service, SummitPost, Hiking Project, FireLookout.com
Smokin’!
Another smokey week, but I was happy to find a few great areas to explore. Just give me above tree line any day! Today, I would have the pleasure of meeting Jeff, who has been volunteering for a number of years, with 2 week stints at a time.
Jeff, an avid long-distance hiker, has dedicated his time to manning the tower booth and keeping it operational.
Glen Lake Loop
7.2 mi Length 2,486 ft Elevation Gain
Another long, early morning approach on a windy forest road!
Trapper Peak
8.5 mi Length 3,638 ft Elevation Gain
If I was in the area again, this would be one of those do-overs. Not because I didn’t enjoy it, but with greater visibility, I can just imagine. But, the other worldly feel and the challenge of route finding, it was a great day out!
