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

Mount Sentinel: The Landmark of Missoula, Montana

By DAN SAXTON - The best way for me to get a feel for a new place is to climb the most prominent local mountains, and for Missoula, Mount Sentinel perfectly fits that bill. ... more

Tripp Named Preseason Big Sky Defensive MVP

By JOEL CARLSON - Montana senior linebacker Jordan Tripp was named the Big Sky Conference preseason Defensive MVP, the league announced Monday. Here are the rest of the All-Big Sky picks.... more

The Day After the Missoula Half Marathon

By BRIAN MARSH - It's the day after my son, Trevor, and I, along with four other dear friends, joined the almost 4000 runners and walkers for the 2012 Missoula Marathon. And what a day it was.... more

UM’s Donated Soccer Balls Making a Global Difference

By JOEL CARLSON - One photo. One ball. How many lives changed for the better? But set one of those balls loose, see that it gets to Africa, and smiles break out all over. A Griz-sponsored epidemic. ... more

The Day Before the Missoula Half Marathon

By BRIAN MARSH - This is my second Half Marathon and my last. Why, you ask? Because i'm not built to be a marathoner--but bring on the 5K and 10K!... more

Oh Deer

By BRUCE AUCHLY - It was great to see seven mule deer walk by the front of the house yesterday. Why? Because they passed by the newly fenced vegetable garden in the back of the house.... more

Missoula Marathon Festivities Bring Thousands to the Garden City

By LINDA McCARTHY-One of Montana’s largest events takes place this weekend (July 12-14, 2013) right here in the Garden City, as thousands of Montanans and out-of-staters flock to the Missoula Marathon.... more

My Unique Situation in Missoula, Montana

By DAN SAXTON - So far, Missoula has been an awesome place to get to know. However, as someone with a hearing disability, I do face some unique challenges as I settle down here.... more

UM Sports Trivia | July 8

By CHRIS WALTERSKIRCHEN - Making Chris' top trivia mentions this week: Brad Stevens and Rick Pitino, Cincinnati Reds pitcher, Homer Bailey, Johnny Callison of the Phillies and more!... more

Summer Heat Has FWP Watching Conditions For Possible Fishing Restrictions

With recent temperatures leaping into the 90s throughout Montana, state fishery officials are gearing up now should the need arise to protect wild fish. ... more

UM Sports Trivia | July 1

By CHRIS WALTERSKIRCHEN - Making Chris' top trivia mentions this week: The Missoula Osprey, the Dempsey-Gibbons fight, the Yale Bulldogs, and more!... more

The Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation Issues $35,000 Challenge Grant for All-Abilities Playground Project

The Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation has issued a $35,000 challenge grant essentially doubling the impact of dollars donated for the All-Abilities Playground at McCormick Park. ... more

Family Adventure: Exploring the Clearwater Canoe Trail

By ANNIE GRAHAM - If we can take our six children (all with varied personalities and needs) on a canoe trip, then so can you. Our latest adventure: The Clearwater Canoe Trail.... more

Summer Safety Around Water

By BRUCE AUCHLY - Summer swimming in Montana's lakes and rivers can be a great way to cool off if a few simple precautions are taken. How simple? Try these tips:... more

My First Impressions of Missoula, Montana

By Dan Saxton - I'd made the decision to Move to Missoula, MT. What would be my first impression of the Garden City? Was its beauty real or or simply ordinary--it's people hospitable and friendly?... more

No Fireworks on FWP Land or City Limits of Missoula

UPDATE: Fireworks are illegal on FWP lands and within the city limits of Missoula. The City of Missoula plans vigorous enforcement of the City’s fireworks laws during this holiday week.... more

2013 Griz Football Schedule and Game Times

The game times for all 12 of The University of Montana’s football games in 2013 have now been established. All 12 contests will be televised by either Max Media of Montana or by ROOT Sports.... more

The 7th Running of the Missoula Marathon – July 14

The 7th Running of the Missoula Marathon to Take Place on July 14. Over 6,500 Participants Expected in the Missoula Marathon, Half Marathon, 5k and Kids Marathon, July 13 – 14; The Marathon and Half Marathon ... more

So Why Missoula, Montana?

By Dan Saxton - I’ve recently arrived in Missoula after moving up from Southern California. Many may wonder: why did I leave the land of eternal sunshine; why Missoula, Montana?... more

UM Sports Trivia | June 25

By CHRIS WALTERSKIRCHEN - Making Chris' top trivia mentions this week: Annette Whitaker Rocheleau, Freddie Owens, Yasiel Puig, Mike Kleckner and more!... more

Max Wave Fundraiser at Flathead Lake Brewery

The Max Wave will have a fundraiser tomorrow (June 25, 2013) at Flathead Lake Brewery. $1 of every pint sold between 6pm and 8pm will be donated to Max Wave. ... more

Summer Solstice: Paint it Black

By MATT DEVLIN - (Video) As the summer solstice comes and goes, the days begin a slight but evident bend towards fall. We’ve been getting busy sharing our rivers, our trout, and our love of fly fishing.... more

Weekend Fun with Missoula Parks and Recreation

Join Missoula Parks and Recreation this weekend for a Kids’ Fishing Derby, Splash Montana Water Volleyball league and Adult Night, Open Ropes Course and Skateboard Mentors at MOBASH Skatepark.... 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

Taking a Break: Summer Camps in Missoula

By BRANDON KENDALL - Summer has finally come to Missoula. For parents interested in continuing your child's learning process this summer, here are some fun, well-balanced ideas.... more

UM Sports Trivia | June 17

By CHRIS WALTERSKIRCHEN - Making Chris' top trivia mentions this week: Justin Rose, Robin Selvig, Mekayla Izaak and Sean "SJ" Touhy and more.... more

All 12 Griz Football Games in 2013 Will be Televised by Max Media & Root Sports

By DAVE GUFFEY - All 12 of The University of Montana’s football games in 2013 will be televised by either Max Media of Montana or ROOT Sports. See the schedule here.... more

Paying My Last Respects to a Good Friend, Miller Barber

By JIM O'DAY - My friend, PGA golfing professional Miller Barber was affectionately known as “Mr. X, or “The Mysterious Mr. X.” Miller passed away Tuesday night in Scottsdale, Arizona. He was 82.... more

15 Home Games Highlight 2013-14 Lady Griz Schedule

The 2013-14 Montana women’s basketball schedule is just out. Some interesting changes--read to find out more!... more

UM Sports Trivia | June 10

By CHRIS WALTERSKIRCHEN - Making Chris' top trivia mentions this week: Riley King, George Frazier, Drew Gooden, Tiger Woods, Rocco Mediate, Rory Mcilroy and more.... more

Signs and Signals of Summertime in Missoula

By JASON SHREDER - The Best in the West Kayaking Championship marks the beginning of the summer for me and the guides here at Zoo Town Surfers. What marks the beginning of summer for you?... more

Splash Montana Opens June 8

F.Y.I. - Splash Montana, Parks and Recreation’s outdoor waterpark in Playfair Park, will open for the 2014 season on Saturday, June 8 from 11:30 a.m to 8 p.m. ... more

Take Her Fishing

By MATT DEVLIN - Take her fishing because she deserves it, to impress her, or to say thank you, or sorry. But Whatever you do, just take her fishing a time or two before the summer.... more

UM Sports Trivia | June 2

By CHRIS WALTERSKIRCHEN - Making Chris' top trivia mentions this week: Labron James, Wayne Gretsky, Julie Krone, Rose Nigerski , Jeff Hays, Robin Selvig & more!... more

Challenge Yourself — by Running

By EVA DUNN-FROEBIG - Eva Dunn-Frobig blogs about how to challenge yourself by running. Her own story is shared, along with the story of Brian Boyle, Iron Heart author, as examples. ... more

Biking the Hiawatha Trail With Kids

By ANNIE GRAHAM & BRANDON KENDALL - This year for our Memorial Day weekend adventure, we decided to bike the Route of the Hiawatha, a 15 mile “Rails to Trails” bike path that begins in Montana and ends in I... more

UM Sports Trivia | May 27

By CHRIS WALTERSKIRCHEN - Making Chris' top trivia mentions this week: Big Sky Eagles Boys Track Team claims their first Track Title, Major League Baseball, Larry Kryskowiak, the NBA, and More.... more

Epic Salmonfly Hatch Predicted for Western Montana Rivers

By BRYCE MCLEAN - By all predictions, the 2013 Salmonfly Hatch should be EPIC! We're talking about all-out crazy, fish eating every cast, don't even finish one beer all day because you don't have time...kind o... more

Parks and Recreation Offers Summer Job Training for Teens

Missoula Parks and Recreation offers “Teen Workreation,” a summer volunteer program which provides on-the-job training in recreation and aquatics.... more

Griz Basketball Program Adds UW Transfer Martin Breunig

By DAVE GUFFEY - Coach Wayne Tinkle announced that Martin Breunig, a 6-8, 210-pound forward is transferring from the University of Washington and joining the University of Montana’s Grizzly Basketball Program... more

UM Sports Trivia | May 20

By CHRIS WALTERSKIRCHEN - Making Chris' top trivia mentions this week: Jessi Schafer of Big Sky High School, Miguel Montero, Bruce Quande, Dan Hodge, The Final Four in the NBA and more!... more

Lack of Significant Financial Resources Stressing FCS Programs

By JIM O'DAY - There are many obstacles to building successful intercollegiate athletics programs at small Division I schools – and, unfortunately, most future decisions may be dictated by limited funding.... more

UM Sports Trivia | May 13

By CHRIS WALTERSKIRCHEN - Making Chris' top trivia mentions this week: Former UM Grizzly Basketball coach, Mike Montgomery to speak at Sportsmen of the Year Banquet, Mike Stepovich, John Stockton, Jeff Griffin ... more

Rivers Are On The Rise In Western Montana

By JASON SHREDER - The local river users are bursting with joy as the water levels continue to rise. Here are some safety tips that will assure you of a memorable yet safe experience.... more

Montana’s Clark Fork River: A Return to Glory

By BRYCE MCLEAN - As most of you probably already know, they opened up the Clark Fork from Turah to Sharon last week. Just like the rest of Missoula I couldn't wait to fish it...and it didn't disappoint.... more

YMCA Riverbank Run: Fun for the Entire Family

The YMCA's Riverbank Run is this Saturday, May 11 and offers fun for the entire family including a fast 1-Mile, 5K or 10K and Trifecta . ... more

Glacier Plows Make Progress Toward Logan Pass

Plow crews in Glacier National Park are slowly making their way up Going-to-the-Sun Road. As of May 3, the road was open to vehicles as far as Avalanche on the west side and Rising Sun on the east side. ... more

UM Sports Trivia | May 6

By CHRIS WALTERSKIRCHEN - Making Chris' top trivia mentions this week: The recent death of former UM Lady Griz hoopster, Julie Deming, the River Bank Run, New York Yankees, and more!... more

Doggie Dash Expo and Fun Run: Sunday, May 5, McCormick Park

Join Missoula Parks & Recreation and Missoula City-County Animal Control for the 2nd annual Missoula celebration for your four-legged buddy on Sunday, May 5, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at McCormick Park.... more

Spartan Race Expected to Bring Big Economic Boost to the Flathead

By JUSTIN FRANZ - Organizers of the 2013 Montana Spartan Race start to build the course for the May 11 event in Bigfork.... more