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 ‘outdoor recreation’

Between the Sporting Seasons

By BRUCE AUCHLY - Most outdoor enthusiasts are in the doldrums right now, wondering what to do between seasons and how to keep from going crazy.... more

Montana Skiing Decisions? Choose Wisely, Grasshopper.

By MARK VOSBURGH - If, like me, you have Split Ski Loyalties Syndrome, you faced a lot of choices last week. Last week's cornucopia of ski options reminded me how great it is to live in Missoula.... more

It’s Not the Snow in the Dog, It’s the Dog in the Snow

By DANIELLE LATTUGA - What makes dogs love the snow? Something is altered in them—this energy propels them forth, regardless of short legs and snowballs.... more

The Big Snow Cometh: Schools Closed, 30 inches at Lost Trail

By PAUL QUENEAU - Missoula awoke this morning a foot of snow and flakes still falling. Here are the latest snowfall reports from around Western Montana.... more

The 20 Best Montana Outdoor Photos of 2011

By PAUL QUENEAU - Missoula writer and photographer Paul Queneau shares his twenty favorite outdoors photos that he took around Western Montana in 2011. Enjoy!... more

Holiday Gift Ideas for River Rats (aka Kayakers)

By JASON SHREDER - Just in time for Christmas, here are my top 11 gift ideas that are sure to please that river runner in your family and guaranteed to get some use!... more

Christmas Traditions – Find and Cut a Christmas Tree

By TRAVIS GOODKIND Every year, we get a tree to decorate for the holidays. It's one of our Christmas traditions. It’s a fun tradition, and also a good excuse to put our ornament collection on display. W... more

Elk Hunting in Montana: A Bit of History

By BRUCE AUCHLY - Thanks to conservation efforts, there are now roughly 150,000 elk ranging in Montana. Whether or not you got your elk, these are the good old days of elk hunting.... more

Mount Jumbo to Close Dec 1 for Elk Herd Winter Range

The snow has started to fly, and that means it's time for Mount Jumbo's elk herd to return to their winter range. The North and South Zones of Mt. Jumbo will close for the winter on December 1.... more

How to Lose a Staring Contest with an Elk

By PAUL QUENEAU - Montana’s rifle hunting season is over, my freezer sits empty, but I’m more grateful than ever for this place that I live.... more

Hunting for Clarity on Thanksgiving Break

By CLAY SPRINGMEYER - Whether you're in Missoula or not, if you live or have ever lived in Montana, count yourself lucky. 20 years of Big Sky Country have taught me to be thankful.... more

Early Season Skiing: First Turns of the Year at Lolo Pass

By TRAVIS GOODKIND - It was hard to image a better ski day, considering that it was my first day on skis since May. I was jealous of the stories of great early-season skiing. It was time to make some turns of m... more

Winter Kayaking Motivation: Don’t Hesitate, Just Go!

By JASON SHREDER - The ultimate winter day is going to Snowbowl in the morning and surfing Brennan’s Wave in the afternoon. How many places can you do that?... more

Ski Gear Review: MFD All Time Touring Bindings

By TRAVIS GOODKIND - With their All Time touring binding, MFD has combined what we love about alpine bindings and touring bindings. We’ve been waiting for this. ... more

Photo Gallery: The Beginnings of Winter in Missoula

By PAUL QUENEAU - Could the mountains above Missoula see 40 inches by this weekend? The snow might not have stuck much to the valley floor, but the mountains are eating it up.... more

Storm Bears Down – Prelude to a 2011 Monster Montana Winter?

By PAUL QUENEAU - [Photo Gallery] - Late tonight, a powerful cold front will sweep across western Montana. Could we be in for a repeat of last year's epic winter weather?... more

Paul Queneau Showcases Missoula’s Stunning Fall Foliage

Paul Queneau sent us so many gorgeous fall color photos for his post, Missoula's Fall Colors: The Best Ever?, that we couldn't resist putting them all in one big gallery for you to enjoy.... more

Best Brown Trout Flies for Spawning Season

By BRYCE MCLEAN & MATT DEVLIN. This weekend was the opening weekend of this year’s big game hunting season--one of the best weekends of the year. Unfortunately it falls during some of the best streamer fishin... more