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

Archive for the ‘Recreation’ Category

How to Holiday at Home in Missoula

Here are some of the things you could try in Missoula, but use our website to do a little searching and you'll be amazed at what you can find.... 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

Outdoor Activities you Do With Your Pet in Missoula

Tucked away into a peaceful corner of the Rockies, the pet-friendly city of Missoula offers plenty of outdoor activities you can do with your pet. ... more

Things to Do in College Instead of Partying

Check out this list for a few activities you might consider adding to your college schedule.... more

Top 10 Cars That Fit the Montana Outdoors

To go out and enjoy Montana's outdoors, the first thing you need is a vehicle that can take you where you want to go. Here are some ideas:... 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

Benefits of Playing Football For Kids

In this article, we look at the top 3 reasons why football is a great sport for kids.... more

7 Effective Ways To Help You Improve Your Golf Skills

Here are 7 effective ways that will help you achieve your goal of improving your golf skills.... more

Dry, Hot Conditions Call For Special Consideration When Living With Wildlife

More than 70 percent of Montana is experiencing severe drought conditions. You can help avoid conflicts with wildlife by following these suggestions:... 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

Best Entertainment Places in Missoula

There's something available for everyone when you visit Missoula! Here are just a few: ... 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

Here’s What You Need to Look For When Buying a Rifle Scope

Here are some things that you need to look for when buying a new rifle scope for your gun.... 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

4 Top Fish Finders: How To Make The Most Out Of Your Fishing Trip

There are numerous options for fish finders to choose from. Here's a guide on the best fish finder devices available on the market in 2021. ... 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

An Exceptional Clothes Guide for Fishing in the Tropics

From hot and humid to sudden wet and cold, the weather in the tropics will test your clothing. Here's what you need to know:... more

Professional Equipment That’ll Greatly Improve Your Hunting Experience

When you go hunting, you will need the necessary equipment. When you prepare thoroughly, it is easy to capture your prey.... more

Be Safe on Montana’s Waters This Summer

Montana’s many rivers, lakes and reservoirs offer fun recreational opportunities but it’s important to remember to be safe while enjoying the water.... more

A Beginner’s Guide for Buying a Bike

Choose a good bike that is well-suited to the type of riding you do regularly.... more

Tips for Becoming a Biking Family

These are tips you'll need as a beginner cyclist to help every member of the family get on board with biking.... more

3 Tips For Your First Hunting Trip In Montana

To help you with this and get educated in the necessary areas, here are three tips for your first hunting trip in Montana. ... more

Live Bait Fishing Regulations Vary Across the State

With fishing season in full swing across Montana, anglers need to keep in mind some important regulations pertaining to live bait.... 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

There Are A Million Ways You Can Camp: Check Out The Most Common Ones

Ways to spend time in the wild vary almost as widely as the gear required for the activity. Take your pick from any of the following forms. They’re presented from least to most glamourous. ... more

Steps Every Fisherman Should Follow To Get The Most Out Of The Experience

Follow these steps to learn how to find and catch more fish, and, of course, become a better angler.... more

Celebrate Mother’s Day Out on the Water

This weekend give your mom the best Mother’s Day gift around – take her fishing!... more

Interested In Learning How To Play Golf? Here’s What You Need To Know

Taking up golf can be intimidating. The following tips can help you gain more confidence and improve your playing style.... more

Useful Things You Might Want to Bring on Your Next Camping Trip

Tents, sleeping bags, clothes, and so on. Here are some useful things you can take with you on your next camping trip. ... more

5 UTV Tips for Beginners to Enjoy the Ride in Safety

If you plan to ride on the Moab or the Imperial Dunes, read on to learn how to avoid rookie UTV mistakes and enjoy a memorable UTV ride!... more

Hunting Permit Drawing Results Now Available

The wait is over as the deer and elk permit drawing is complete, just 12 days after the application deadline. ... more

5 Ways to Maximize Your Golfing Experience

Here are 5 ways to maximize the whole golfing experience. ... more

Want to Try Kayak Fishing? Here’s How to Prepare

Kayak fishing is one of the best ways to spend a relaxing day on the water. If you're a beginner, here are some ways to prepare for your first day on the water. ... more

How Golfing Can Easily Help You Combat Depression

Studies have shown that golf has therapeutic effects on human health. Here are a few ways in which golfing can easily help you combat depression.... more

Be Bear Aware When Recreating Outdoors

Bears are emerging from dens with the onset of spring, and people are reminded to “Be Bear Aware.”... more

Mount Jumbo South Zone Closure Extended to March 22

In consultation with wildlife biologists at Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, Parks and Recreation has extended the Mt. Jumbo South Zone winter wildlife closure to March 22.... more

7 Essential Things Every Hunter Should Know

Here are seven essential things every hunter should know and must put into practice. ... more

6 Must-haves For Every Hunter For An Ultimate Experience

Preparation is key if you want to be safe and successful while hunting. If you want to make your hunt a memorable experience, follow this easy guide.... more

Tips for Easily Staying Safe When Skiing

Like most sports out there, skiing can be hazardous, particularly if the necessary precautions are overlooked. Here are tips for easily staying safe when skiing.... more

Going Rock Climbing? Here Are The Essential Items You Should Get

To make the job easier for you, we’ve picked out the most important items that you should get before going rock climbing. ... more

2021 Smith River Permit Drawing Results Now Available

The permit lottery results to float Smith River State Park in 2021 are now available online at fwp.mt.gov.... more

Everything You Need To Know Before Buying Yourself A Hoverboard

Here’s everything you need to know before buying yourself a hoverboard.... more

Hunting and Fishing License Year Begins March 1st

The new license year opens March 1, which means that is the day you can buy your 2021 hunting and fishing licenses and begin applying for permits and special licenses.... more

National Parks You Need to Visit When in Montana

If you’ve set your heart on Montana for your next trip, here are 8 national parks you absolutely need to visit during your visit. ... more

What You Should Know About Kickboxing and the Equipment You Need for This Sport

Here's what you should know about kickboxing and a few pieces of equipment that you will most certainly need.... more

Tips on How to Choose the Right Rifle for Enthusiasts

Here are some tips you should consider when selecting the right rifle. ... more

6 Practical Tips For Golfers Before A Big Game

Every golfer has a different preparation process before a big game. However, there are certain things that every golfer should do. ... more

A Beginner’s Guide On What Golfing Equipment To Get

As a beginner, you're probably not familiar with how many things you can find in stores when it comes to golf equipment. Here are some tips:... 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

All You Need to Know About Prepping

Here's all you need to know about prepping for a trip outdoors. ... more