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 ‘Montana outdoors’

5 Thrilling Adventures You Need to Experience in Montana

Here are five exciting activities to consider if you’re looking to experience the thrill of adventure in Montana.... more

Best Rifle Magazines in 2022

our rifle becomes unreliable when feeding from a poor-quality mag. Read our guide and shop for the best magazines for AR-15 and other platforms. ... more

How Tactical Gear Impacts Your Performance While Hunting

Here are some tips on tactical gear that will improve your hunting success:... 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

Smoke Be Damned: Fall Is Headed Our Way

By PAUL QUENEAU - It’s been bad around the Missoula and Bitterroot valleys these past couple months. But a Pacific deliverance and autumn may well be headed this way.... more

Ain’t No Mountain High Enough for Montana Adventurer Conrad Anker

By DILLON TABISH - For 30 years, Bozeman resident Conrad Anker has explored the world, including Mt. Everest, as one of its most renowned climbers and mountaineers.... more

Missoula’s Crazy Spring Weather, a Conversation Starter

By JEN SLAYDEN - Missoula, with your fickle seasons, winter inversions, spring snow storms, and river running through it: Thank you for giving us something to talk about!... more

Multimedia: The Sights of Spring in Missoula

By JEN SLAYDEN - I get a little weary during spring, wanting Mother Nature to hurry up and let the sun shine. While we wait, here are a few early Missoula spring sights.... more

Photo Gallery | Gratitude as Mount Jumbo’s South Zone Reopens

By PAUL QUENEAU - Today, Mount Jumbo's south zone reopens to people after its winter hibernation so that the elk and mule deer could range in peace. ... more

An Elegy for a Tree

By JEN SLAYDEN - Like many Missoulians, I take to the trails to alleviate my stress. Recently, I was sad to find that my favorite lone tree on Mount Jumbo was chopped down.... more

Missoula Story of the Week: Wolf Hunting in Montana

By TOM DIDDEL - A recap of this week's most talked-about story in Missoula. This week, it's wolf hunting in Montana and the controversy that surrounds it.... more

Missoula Bucks Lightening their Loads

By PAUL QUENEAU - February is antler-shedding month for many whitetails and mule deer around western Montana. ... more