WINTER A winter hiker near Ten Lakes. Photo by Steven Gnam

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1 WINTER 2015 A winter hiker near Ten Lakes. Photo by Steven Gnam

2 ABOUT THE REGISTRATION PROCESS The Montana Wilderness Association is excited to announce the 2015 Winter Walks Season. Walk participants can visit to find a walk suitable for them and to preregister. After preregistering the walk participant must contact the walk leader via phone or within 24 hours to discuss the details of the walk and to double-check that the walk is a good fit for the participant. Failure to do so will forfeit your spot(s). To sign up for walks follow these simple steps: 1. Visit 2. Choose a walk that fits your ability and desires. 3. Walks are organized by chapter area and the map will help you to pin point which hikes are in your area. 4. Review the details of the walk and click on the link to sign up for a walk. 5. The link will take you to an Eventbrite form created specifically for that walk. Fill out the form, read and check the waiver information, and click submit. 6. A confirmation will be sent to you and the walk leader. This will contain the walk leaders contact information. 7. YOU MUST CONTACT THE WALK LEADER to discuss the details of the walk and confirm your participation directly with the walk leader. YOUR CHECKLIST FOR WINTER SNOWSHOE WALKS Be sure to ask questions when you call so you are well informed and assured that the walk matches your abilities. Carefully review the descriptions and make your selections of walks based on your physical abilities, general state of health, hiking/snowshoeing experiences, and equipment. Children with adult guidance are welcome unless it is noted in the narrative that a hike is not suited for children. Each walk has a size limit to guarantee a quiet experience, to protect fragile wildlands, and to comply with the guidelines of the managing land agency. All personal gear, food, and water are your responsibility. Please be sure you are properly equipped for abrupt weather changes with extra layers of clothing. No dogs are permitted, in fairness to fellow hikers and wildlife. Please leave all firearms at home. Be sure to plan adequate travel time so you are at the meeting place at the appointed hour. Don't be a "no show" at the trailhead after you have made your reservation. It leaves everyone waiting and worrying and denies someone else the chance to hike. If your plans change, you must notify the Walk leader as soon as possible. 1

3 Butte-Bighole Area Southwest Region 1. Humbug Spires Snowshoe Trek Date: Saturday, Feb. 28 Location: Divide Public Land Management: Bureau of Land Management Trail Miles: 2 to 4 Meeting Time and Place: 10:00 a.m., Blue Moon Saloon in Divide Leaders: Amanda Hagerty and Nathan Jones The trek will be into the lower parts of the Humbug Spires WSA. The terrain is a combination of Douglas Fir, sagebrush, and rocky outcroppings that are within the Boulder Batholith. We will try to stay in areas that are not steep. The goal will be to reach the falls on Moose Creek where there should be some beautiful ice formations. Dress Warm, bring water and a lunch. Eastern Wildlands Chapter Eastern Region 2. Acton Recreation Area Date: Saturday, Jan. 24 Location: Acton Public Land Management: Bureau of Land Management Trail Miles: 2 to 3 Meeting Time and Place: 8:00 a.m. at the Montana Wilderness Association Office in Billings ( th St. West #5) Leaders: Roger Otstot and Cameron Sapp Located approximately 18 miles north of Billings, the Acton Recreation Area consists of an extremely diverse landscape. With Cretaceous Age upland bluffs of Eagle sandstone, minor badlands, steep drainages, weathered shale, and scattered ponderosa pine, this 3,800-acre parcel of land allows for many wildlife-viewing opportunities. 3. Terry Badlands Date: Saturday, Jan. 31 Location: Terry Public Land Management: Bureau of Land Management Trail Miles: 3 to 4 2

4 Meeting Time and Place: 10:00 a.m. at the Prairie County Museum in Terry (204 Logan Ave) Leader: Forrest Theisen Experience the Terry Badlands in a new light. Many people visit this beautiful landscape during the summer, but few visit during the winter. Join us to learn from MWA s AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer about how we are using geotourism to promote the protection of special places like this. The route and details of the trip may change depending on weather conditions. 4. Sioux Charley Lake Date: Saturday, Jan. 31 Location: Nye Public Land Management: Custer National Forest Trail Miles: 6 Meeting Time and Place: 8:30 a.m. at the Lowe's Parking Lot in Billings (2717 King Avenue West) Leader: Carlin Hantz This will be a moderately easy snowshoe hike along the Stillwater River up to Sioux Charley Lake. An addition of a short side hike to see some waterfalls can be included if the group desires. Snowshoes can be provided with advanced notice. 5. Castle Butte Date: Saturday, Feb. 7 Location: Billings Trail Miles: 3 Group Size: 14 Meeting Time and Place: 8:30 a.m. at the Montana Wilderness Association Office in Billings ( th St. West #5) Leader: Forrest Theisen Castle Butte is a hidden gem about 50 minutes northeast of Billings. We will hike to the top of this beautiful butte (about a 200-foot elevation gain) and enjoy sweeping views of the prairie wild lands. Expect to see petroglyphs and great views. Bring a lunch and water. 6. Pryor Mountains Date: Saturday, Feb. 21 Location: Bridger 3

5 Public Land Management: Bureau of Land Management, Custer National Forest, and the National Park Service Trail Miles: 4 to 6 Group Size: 10 Meeting Time and Place: 8:00 a.m. at Riverstone Health in Billings (123 S 27th St) Leaders: Bernie Quetchenbach and Rita Harding The exact location of the walk will depend on late winter/early spring weather and snow conditions. Possible walk routes are the Layout Creek Trail in the Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area or the Hikers Haven area on the south side of the Pryor Mountains. According to the Pryors Coalition ( The Pryor Mountains are unlike any other landscape in Montana geologically, meteorologically, and culturally unique an island of mountains rising from the prairie, formed by erosion of uplifted limestone instead of glacier-carved granite. We will explore some of the various landscapes and habitats, ranging from the desert to the mountain forests that make the Pryors unique. Flathead-Kootenai Chapter Northwest Region 7. Stanton Lake Date: Saturday, Jan. 10 Location: West Glacier Public Land Management: Flathead National Forest Trail Miles: 4 Meeting Time and Place: 9:30 a.m. at the Junction of Highway 2 East and Highway 206 in Columbia Falls Leader: Ellen Horowitz Learn about winter ecology while snowshoeing to Stanton Lake in the Great Bear Wilderness. This outing is geared for families with children and novice snowshoers. We ll take our time climbing about 200 feet over 1½ miles to reach the wilderness boundary. Along the way we ll stop and look for tracks and other wildlife signs and talk about the ways animals cope with cold and snow. We will have lunch at the lake that sits beneath Great Northern Mountain, the highest peak in the Flathead Range. Bring water, snacks and lunch. 8. Aldo Leopold s Birthday Date: Sunday, Jan. 11 Location: Clark Fork, ID Public Land Management: Idaho Panhandle National Forests Trail Miles: 4 to 5 DIFFICULTY: Moderate 4

6 Meeting Time and Place: 11:15 a.m. at the Clark Fork Junior-Senior High School Parking Lot in Clark Fork, ID Leader: Phil Hough We will snowshoe up Lighting Creek road and then follow the course of the creek, stopping for lunch along the way. Bring your favorite Aldo Leopold passage or several quotes to share at lunch in honor of his birthday. This is an easy to moderate hike with very little elevation gain or loss, but expect some bushwhacking. Cosponsored by the Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness 9. Winter Ecology Date: Saturday, Jan. 24 Location: Kalispell Public Land Management: Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation Trail Miles: 3 Meeting Time and Place: 9:00 a.m. at the Kalispell Montessori School in Kalispell (349 Willow Glen Dr) Leaders: Brian Baxter and Amy Robinson Join us for an in-depth look into the adaptations of plants, animals, and birds that enable them to survive in winter. We will examine the challenges that trees, shrubs, and forbs face with colder temperatures and less sunlight. We will discover how mammals and birds have evolved for survival. Our discussions will focus on the adaptations of snowshoe hare, lynx, ptarmigan, elk, weasels, boreal owl, and wolverine. Depending on conditions, our field session will include a snowshoe hike through a unique riparian and forest area to study the botany and biology of the plants, animals, and birds we find along the trail. There may be some uneven terrain and brush. Co-sponsored by Montana Audubon and Flathead Audubon 10. Animal Tracking and Sign Interpretation Date: Saturday, Jan. 31 Location: Libby, MT Public Land Management: Kootenai National Forest Trail Miles: 4 Meeting Time and Place: 9:00 a.m. at the Treasure Mountain Restaurant in (485 US Hwy 2) Leader: Brian Baxter 5

7 Come along with us on an adventure to learn and observe the tracks, scat, and sign of Montana wildlife! We will roam into the forest, conditions willing, on snowshoes below the beautiful Cabinet Mountain Wilderness Area to study winter activity that otherwise may go unnoticed by the human eye. Participants are asked to bring a measuring tape, appropriate layers, curiosity, and personal items. Children over 10 years of age are welcome with adult supervisor. Cameras are encouraged! 11. Garry Lookout Date: Saturday, Feb. 7 Location: West Glacier Public Land Management: Flathead National Forest Trail Miles: 2.5 Meeting Time and Place: 10:00 a.m. at the Junction of Highway 2 East and Highway 206 in Columbia Falls Leader: Ellen Horowitz Located between the Great Bear Wilderness and Glacier National Park, Garry Lookout offers spectacular mountain views. We will take our time climbing about 250 feet to reach our destination. As we travel through the woods you will learn about winter tracks from those left by animals to those left by early day rangers traveling by snowshoes. This outing is geared toward families with children and novice snowshoers. Bring water, snacks, lunch and binoculars. 12. Singles Snowshoe Foray Date: Saturday, Feb. 14 Location: Libby Public Land Management: Kootenai National Forest Trail Miles: 4.5 Meeting Time and Place: 9:00 a.m. at the Treasure Mountain Restaurant in Libby (485 US Hwy 2) Leaders: Brian Baxter and Sharon Johnson Celebrate Valentine s Day in a unique fashion by joining like-minded naturalists for a fun day of exploring Montana in winter! If conditions are right, we will snowshoe (or hike) in to the winter wonderland of the Northwest and share it's beauty. Our group will observe and study forest structure, winter ecology, animal, bird tracks and signs, and predator-prey relationships. Please dress appropriately, and bring personal items, lunch, cameras and smiles. Children over 10 years of age are welcome with an adult supervisor. 13. For the Love of It Hike Date: Saturday, Feb. 14 6

8 Location: Noxon Public Land Management: Idaho Panhandle National Forests Trail Miles: 4 to 5 Meeting Time and Place: 8:00 a.m. at Mile Post 6.2 off Montana Highway 200 about 10 miles east of Noxon Leader: Kristen Nowicki Join us for a lovely X-Country Ski alongside Lightning Creek. What more romantic way to start your Valentine s Day than a ski with your sweetie in this breathtaking Treasured Landscape? Our hike leader has been intimately involved in restoration work for this valued and valuable ecosystem for the past two summers. Learn all about the history and current stewardship efforts we are spearheading in the area. Do it for the LOVE! Cosponsored by the Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness 14. Animal Tracking and Sign Interpretation Date: Saturday, Feb. 21 Location: Kalispell Public Land Management: Flathead National Forest Trail Miles: 4 Meeting Time and Place: 9:00 a.m. at the Chalet Building in Kalispell at the intersection of Highway 2 and Kila Cutoff Road Leader: Brian Baxter Enjoy a robust winter day with us as we learn the art of animal and bird tracking with sign interpretation. Our mentor has over 25 years of professional tracking, and will to sites of different habitat and wildlife occurrence. Depending on conditions, we will hike on foot around a lake area, to examine mammal and bird evidence, then head up to a forested site, perhaps on snowshoes to check out the different variety of wildlife in that area. Please come prepared with appropriate layers, lunch, water, a tape measure, and camera. Children over 10 years old with adult are welcome. 15. Blue Creek Gourmet Date: Sunday, Feb. 22 Location: Noxon Public Land Management: Kootenai National Forest Trail Miles: 8 to 10 Difficulty: Strenuous Meeting Time and Place: 10:00 a.m. at Blue Creek Hill 14 Miles west of Noxon off Highway 200 7

9 Leaders: Celeste Grace and Eric Grace Join us to explore the Blue Creek drainage in the southern reaches of the Scotchman Peaks. A gourmet lunch will be provided. Adventurous participants can opt to snowshoe as far as anyone might wish. Please bring a sense of humor and sense of adventure. Black tie wilderness gear is optional. Cosponsored by the Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness 16. Ross Creek Cedars Date: Saturday, Feb. 28 Location: Noxon Public Land Management: Kootenai National Forest Trail Miles: 9 Difficulty: Strenuous Meeting Time and Place: 9:30 a.m. at Mile Post 17 at the intersection of MT Highway 56 and Ross Creek Road Leader: Sandy Compton Come and explore the Ross Creek Cedars, home of the largest Western Red Cedars in Montana. We will travel up a closed Forest Service Road into a quiet wonderland and journey through a grove of huge trees more than 500 years old. Cosponsored by the Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness 17. Winter Birds of Prey Date: Saturday, March 21 Location: Kalispell Public Land Management: Flathead National Forest Trail Miles: 4 Meeting Time and Place: 9:00 a.m. at the Chalet Building at the intersection of Highway 2 and Kila Cutoff Road Leaders: Brian Baxter and Amy Robinson Patrol the skies, forest edges, and lake areas for late winter, early spring signs of our local raptors with fellow birders and naturalists. We will discuss and pursue sightings and signs of owls, forest hawks, common hawks, harriers, eagles and falcons. Along the way, we'll learn spotting techniques using visual skills, habitat characteristics, and binocular, spotting scope and camera strategies utilized by ornithologists in Montana. Most likely, we will also scope out waterfowl, passerines, and varied wildlife of the region. Please dress for the weather and wear proper 8

10 footwear. Bring binoculars, spotting scopes, and cameras. Children over 10 with adult guardian are welcome. 18. Star Party Equinox Date: Saturday, March 21 Location: Heron Public Land Management: Kootenai National Forest Trail Miles: 10 Difficulty: Strenuous Group Size: 8 Meeting Time and Place: 9:00 a.m. at Mile Post 6.2 off Montana Highway 200 about 12 miles east of Noxon Leader: Sandy Compton As spring arrives in the Scotchman Peaks, we will chase winter up the mountain to Star Peak Lookout. The lookout is about 6,200 feet above elevation and we will take the new Trail #999. We will experience great views and an absolutely stunning panorama from on top. Cosponsored by the Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness Island Range Chapter North-Central Region 19. Blacktail Gulch Date: Saturday, Jan. 10 Location: Augusta Trail Miles: 4 to 6 Meeting Time and Place: 9:30 a.m. at the hike leader's home in Augusta (2 Legion St) Leaders: Len Kopec and Deva McKnight This out and back hike is different than the usual Rocky Mountain Front hikes. Rather than cliffs, steep trails, and windswept ridges, we'll be hiking a rolling trail through old growth and mixed forest. After a short climb from the parking lot, the rest of the hike is gently rolling past some ancient trees mixed with new growth. This is a good hike for beginners and moderate hikers. Due to the newly passed Rocky Mountain Front Heritage Act Blacktail Gulch will remain roadless as a Conservation Management Area. 20. Crawford Creek Date: Saturday, Jan. 10 Location: Monarch 9

11 Trail Miles: 4 Group Size: 8 Meeting Time and Place: 8:00 a.m. at 4B's Restaurant Parking Lot in Great Falls ( th Ave S) Leaders: Eric Heidle and Julie Demarais This is a short hike and/or snowshoe along Crawford Creek in the Little Belt Mountains, beginning at the Belt Creek Ranger Station. The hike follows the creek for about 2 miles through the forest, and is suitable for most hikers. We'll use snowshoes if conditions permit, but be sure to wear solid winter footwear in case the trail is dry. The trail is a quiet stroll with slight elevation gain; we may see small animal tracks and other signs of wildlife. 21. Kings Hill Deadman Creek Date: Friday, Jan 16 Location: Neihart Trail Miles: 3 to 5 Meeting Time and Place: 8:00 a.m. at 4B's Restaurant Parking Lot in Great Falls ( th Ave S) Leaders: Chuck Jennings and Gerry Jennings This hike begins at the parking lot on the east side of Kings Hill Pass in the Little Belt Mountains. The trail gently rises 600 feet over the first mile. The second mile follows a ridge south for another 1 to 2 miles providing great views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. We will return by the same route. The group will determine the total round-trip distance. The estimated hiking time will be 3 to 4 hours, including lunch. Please bring water, lunch and snacks. Be prepared for cold and possibly windy conditions. 22. Middle Fork Judith Winter Exploration Date: Saturday, Jan. 17 Location: Utica Trail Miles: 5 Difficulty: Strenuous Group Size: 10 Meeting Time and Place: 9:30 a.m. at the Oxen Yoke Inn in Hobson (11532 MT Highway 541) Leaders: Mark Good and Laurie Loher Experience the scenic canyon of the Middle Fork of the Judith Wilderness Study Area. Snow conditions are unpredictable so this may be more of a hike than a snowshoe. It will also depend on whether the ice is solid on the Middle Fork. If conditions are not favorable, an alternative route will 10

12 be to hike up Woodchopper Ridge. Bring snowshoes, poles and hiking boots. We will make a decision at the trailhead about whether to hike or snowshoe. Bring a lunch, plenty of water and layers of clothes. After the hike we can stop for some hot drinks and famously large burgers at the Oxen Yoke Inn in Utica. 23. Jefferson Creek Date: Saturday, Jan. 24 Location: Neihart Trail Miles: 6 to 8 Meeting Time and Place: 9:00 a.m. at the Big R Parking Lot in Great Falls ( th Ave S) Leaders: Monty Pirtle and Tammy Filliator Jefferson Creek is a designated trail for snowshoers and cross-country skiers. This snowshoe walk is a gentle trek along a creek that ends near a meadow. Even though the weather in the past has been clear and sunny this time of year, part of the trail is shaded by trees, so bring layers of clothing for regulating warmth. In addition, bring water, lunch, and snacks. This is a good outing for beginning snowshoers. 24. Home Gulch Date: Saturday, Jan. 31 Location: Augusta Trail Miles: 7 Difficulty: Strenuous Meeting Time and Place: 9:00 a.m. at the hike leader's home in Augusta (2 Legion St Leaders: Len Kopec and Scott Friskics This partial loop in the Sun Canyon area follows an abandoned jeep trail through mixed forest. You'll get great views of the backside of Sawtooth on our way to an overlook of Agropyron Flats and the cliffs to the west. It is a steady climb with an elevation gain of 900 feet with several ups and downs. We will take a shorter route back along the creek bottom. Home Gulch is an important link for elk moving from the Bob Marshall Wilderness to the Sun River Wildlife Management area winter range. Due to the newly passed Rocky Mountain Front Heritage Act this area will remain roadless. 25. Devil s Glen Date: Saturday, Feb. 7 Location: Augusta 11

13 Trail Miles: 7 Meeting Time and Place: 9:30 a.m. at the Lewis and Clark National Forest Service Office in Augusta (405 Main St) Leaders: Casey Perkins and Roy Jacobs Come join the Montana Wilderness Association staff member Casey Perkins and local legend Roy Jacobs for a hike along a rugged stretch of the upper Dearborn River as we travel through the heart of the Dearborn/Falls Creek area. This area is now a part of the Scapegoat Wilderness that was included in the newly passed Rocky Mountain Front Heritage Act. Snowshoe hikers will be rewarded with majestic views of the reefs and cliffs that form the Dearborn River Canyon en route to the stunning waterfall and deep pools near Devil s Glen. This is a relatively easy hike that follows the river into the rugged country of the southern stretch Rocky Mountain Front. 26. Sweetheart Snowshoe Date: Saturday, Feb. 14 Location: Choteau Trail Miles: 4 to 5 Group Size: 14 Meeting Time and Place: 9:00 a.m. at the Old Trail Museum Parking Lot in Choteau (823 Main Ave N) Leaders: Yvonne Geisel and Casey Perkins Enjoy a leisurely snowshoe through the fabulous Choteau mountain country. We will head up the valley of Jones Creek for a mile before swinging into the seldom-visited West Fork. We will pause for breaks along the way to accommodate beginning snowshoers. Weather permitting; we will have lunch in the West Fork. 27. Mother Daughter Walk Date: Monday, Feb. 16 Location: Great Falls Trail Miles: 3 to 5 Meeting Time and Place: 8:30 a.m. at the Big R Parking Lot in Great Falls ( th Ave S) Leaders: Heather Lucero and Bonnie Warren This walk will start where the road ends. The Upper Highwood Road is gated in the winter near Arrow Peak Ranch. We will walk the road towards the Thain Creek Campground. The road follows 12

14 the creek where there will be plenty of opportunity for winter photos, sled rides and animal track sightings. We will end the walk with some hot chocolate, treats, and photos. 28. North Fork of Waldron Creek Date: Saturday, Feb. 21 Location: Choteau Trail Miles: 6 Difficulty: Strenuous Meeting Time and Place: 8:00 a.m. at the Morning Light Coffee Roasters in Great Falls (119 9th At N) 9:00 a.m. at the Log Cabin Family Restaurant in Choteau (102 Main Ave N) 10:00 a.m. at the Teton Pass Ski Resort (N Fork Teton Rd) Leaders: Mary Courteau and Colin Maas The North Fork of Waldron Creek near Teton Pass Ski area receives tons of snow and is protected from the wind. The snow piles up deep and fluffy. We have found this valley holds the best snow on the Front. We will start at Teton Pass Ski area, traverse the edge of the ski area and access Waldron Creek. The first two miles are on trail followed by 1+ miles off trail to reach a large bowl just south of Mt Lockhart. We will pause for lunch in the scenic bowl and enjoy the views. Avalanche transceivers are not required but are always a good idea. Food and hot beverages are available at the ski lodge after the hike. 29. Maynard Ridge Date: Saturday, Feb. 21 Location: Lewistown Trail Miles: 5 Meeting Time and Place: 9:30 a.m. at the Albertson's Parking Lot in Lewistown (117 W Janeaux St) Leaders: Noel Birkland and Sandy Birkland This hike will take us into the Big Snowy Mountains. The hike will follow a ridge toward Old Baldy, from that area we will have great views of the Judith Mountains and the Little Rockies. A four-wheel drive vehicle will be needed or you can car pool. It can be windy so dress accordingly. Snowshoes are available if needed. 30. Lonesome Ridge Date: Sunday, Feb. 22 Location: Choteau Trail Miles: 8 13

15 Difficulty: Strenuous Meeting Time and Place: 9:00 a.m. at the Outpost Deli in Choteau (824 Main Ave N) Leaders: Bill Cunningham and Polly Cunningham From the historic 7LazyP Guest Ranch we'll snowshoe up the scenic Middle Fork Teton valley, bound by lofty limestone peaks, cliffs and ridges. After two miles, gaining only about 300 feet elevation, we'll cross the Middle Fork and follow a trail through dense forest to an open windswept saddle atop Lonesome Ridge. Total elevation gain is 1100 feet. Depending on conditions we can climb higher along the edges of the park to get spectacular views of this rugged portion of the Conservation Management Area that was recently protected in the passing of the Rocky Mountain Front Heritage Act. 31. Rocky Mountain Front Snowshoe Trek Date: Saturday, Feb. 28 Location: Choteau Trail Miles: 4 to 6 Difficulty: Strenuous Meeting Time and Place: 8:30 a.m. at the Log Cabin Family Restaurant in Choteau (102 Main Ave) Leaders: Bill Hallinan and Robert Hamud Join us on a wonderful snowshoe hike through the deep snow-filled canyons of the Rocky Mountain Front! Depending on conditions and accessibility we will either trek through Waldron Creek or the West Fork of the Teton River. Wildlife sightings are common even in winter, and the solitude and sheer beauty of the area rivals any in Montana. The walk leaders will discuss the newly passed Rocky Mountain Front Heritage Act wilderness campaign and various existing and potential threats to this pristine environment. This will be a moderately strenuous hike through (we hope) deep snow with gradual elevation gain. Please be in adequate shape to navigate deep snow, cold temperatures and changing conditions. 32. Lubec Lake Date: Sunday, March 1 Location: East Glacier Public Land Management: National Park Service Trail Miles: 2 to 3 Meeting Time and Place: 10:00 a.m. at the Two-Medicine Grill in East Glacier Park (314 US Highway 2) Leaders: Donna Caruso-Hirst and Jo Flick 14

16 Please join us for an easy hike at the far south end of Glacier National Park. We will be snowshoeing in and out of stands of Aspen and Lodge Pole Pine as we go along Lubec Lake. Leaders will share some of the rich homesteading history of this area and we will be keeping an eye out for animal tracks along the way. To the south of the area is the beautiful, quiet Badger Two Medicine area of the Lewis and Clark National Forest. This walk is ideal for beginning snowshoers and children. Dress warm and bring water, snacks, and a lunch. 33. Sawmill Gulch Date: Saturday, March 7 Location: Monarch Trail Miles: 2 Group Size: 20 Meeting Time and Place: 8:00 a.m. at the Paris Gibson Square (1400 1st Ave N) 8:30 a.m. at Armington Junction in Armington 9:00 a.m. at the Cub's Den Bar and Restaurant in Monarch (5012 US Highway 89) Leaders: Dan Bennett and Jo Ann Wright This is an easy hike for novices, first-timers and families. The trail is level and elevation gain is imperceptible. The hike follows an old logging road across a gorgeous meadow to our wooded lunch spot. We'll build a fire to warm up and make s'mores. The hike leaders will provide the makings. Sawmill Creek supports Westslope Cutthroat Trout, American Dippers, black bears, and mountain lions. The Sawmill Gulch Roadless Area is designated as a quiet, non-motorized area as a result of the Little Belt Travel Management Plan. 34. Buffalo Lakes Date: Saturday, March 14 Location: East Glacier Trail Miles: 2 to 3 Meeting Time and Place: 10:00 a.m. at the Two-Medicine Grill in East Glacier (314 US Highway 2) Leader: John Schmid Buffalo Lakes are small lakes about two miles into the Badger-Two Medicine area south of Glacier National Park. This will be a nice walk for families and kids as well as beginning snowshoers or anyone just looking for an easy outing. Join us to hear more about what the local Glacier Two Medicine Alliance and MWA are doing to protect this cultural and ecological treasure. Madison-Gallatin Chapter South Central Region 15

17 35. Specimen Creek Trail Date: Saturday, Jan. 10 Location: Big Sky Public Land Management: National Park Service Trail Miles: 4 Group Size: 6 Meeting Time and Place: 10:00 a.m. at Bozeman Hot Springs in Bozeman (81123 Gallatin Rd) Leader: Catherine Nelson Specimen Creek Trail is in Yellowstone National Park. It is a 56-mile drive one way to the trailhead from Bozeman Hot Springs. It is a gradual trail going through forest and meadows along Specimen Creek. There is a wooden footbridge to cross and as we climb and approach our turn around point, we will see old burnt forest and the regeneration of trees and plants. We could see moose, elk, and other wild animals along the way. Some say it is the quintessential ecological hike. Be ready for colder temperatures and different weather patterns in Yellowstone National Park. Bring water, snacks, lunch, and extra clothing. This is an ideal trip for beginner snowshoers. 36. Porcupine Potluck Date: Saturday, Jan. 17 Location: Bozeman Public Land Management: Gallatin National Forest Trail Miles: 2 Group Size: 10 Meeting Time and Place: 11:00 a.m. at the hike leader's home in Bozeman (3020 Upper Rainbow Road) Leaders: Cynthia Yates and Joeseph Yates Don t suffer from Nature Deficit Disorder another minute! Conquer your cabin fever by getting out into the beauty, stimulation, and diversity of the natural world, right here in our own backyard. Take an easy hike through open grasslands with a Master Naturalist and her retired forester husband. Pack some awesome grub to share with new friends for a mid-hike potluck picnic. Come celebrate the wonder and joy of the earth and all it has to offer! 37. Winter Wildlife Tracking in the Gallatin Range Date: Saturday, Jan. 24 Location: Bozeman Public Land Management: Gallatin National Forest Trail Miles: Varies By Group Group Size: 30 Meeting Time and Place: 8:30 a.m. at the Gallatin Valley Mall (in front of Macys) in Bozeman (2825 W Main St) 16

18 Leaders: Faith Doty and John Todd Explore the quiet beauty of the Gallatin Range and make your contribution to science at the same time! Join us on a backcountry adventure tracking wildlife in the heart of the wild Gallatin Range. We will spend the day tracking with local experts, looking for signs of the elusive wolverine and lynx. This winter survey will build on recent studies of wildlife in the Gallatin Range by biologist Steve Gehman of Wild Things Unlimited and the Custer-Gallatin National Forest. It is one of three citizen-monitoring field days in the Gallatin for Winter Participants will break into smaller crews with a wildlife biologist leading each group. This will be a moderate to strenuous day of snowshoe travel, although distances and elevation gain will vary based on each crew's skill level and interest. This field day will be preceded by a required evening snow tracking and track identification workshop on Thursday, Jan. 22nd from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. 38. Hyalite Meadows Tour Date: Saturday, Jan. 31 Location: Bozeman Public Land Management: Gallatin National Forest Trail Miles: 4 to 5 Meeting Time and Place: 9:30 a.m. at the Gallatin Valley Mall (in front of Macys) in Bozeman (2825 W Main St) Leaders: Roger Jenkins and Susie McDonald Seldom visited meadows, a huge old tree, and tantalizing views of the high peaks of the northern Gallatin Range. What more could one ask for in an easy to moderate snowshoe hike? We will start on an unnamed creek, climb to a magnificent meadow, and cut across the Buckskin and Moser Creek drainages before returning to our starting point. Difficulty will, of course, depend on snow conditions, but the lollypop route is generally not too challenging. You might even consider this as a scouting trip for a great backcountry ski tour. Total elevation gain is about 700 feet. 39. Winter Wildlife Tracking in the Gallatin Range Date: Saturday, Feb. 21 Location: Bozeman Public Land Management: Custer-Gallatin National Forest Trail Miles; Varies By Group Group Size: 30 Meeting Time and Place: 8:30 a.m. at the Gallatin Valley Mall (in front of Macys) in Bozeman (2825 W Main St) Leaders: Faith Doty and John Todd 17

19 Explore the quiet beauty of the Gallatin Range and make your contribution to science at the same time! Join us on a backcountry adventure tracking wildlife in the heart of the wild Gallatin Range. We will spend the day tracking with local experts, looking for signs of the elusive wolverine and lynx. This winter survey will build on recent studies of wildlife in the Gallatin Range by biologist Steve Gehman of Wild Things Unlimited and the Custer-Gallatin National Forest. It is one of three citizen-monitoring field days in the Gallatin for Winter Participants will break into smaller crews with a wildlife biologist leading each group. This will be a moderate to strenuous day of snowshoe travel, although distances and elevation gain will vary based on each crew's skill level and interest. This field day will be preceded by a required evening snow tracking and track identification workshop on Thursday, Feb. 19th from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. 40. Little Ellis Date: Sunday, Feb. 22 Location: Bozeman Public Land Management: Gallatin National Forest Trail Miles: 5 Group Size: 8 Meeting Time and Place: 7:30 a.m. at the Sola Café in Bozeman (290 W Kagy Blvd) Leader: Al Parker This hike starts at 5,284 feet elevation on state land) and then climbs about 2,400 feet onto Little Ellis, a diminutive yet iconic peak on Bozeman's southeast skyline. We are sure to cross moose tracks on this snowshoe adventure! The first mile is a stroll across a large meadow along a wellused track until a recently constructed logging road. While the road eventually accesses the logged area on Ellis's east side, we'll only follow the road a short way until veering south into thick timber. After a short, trail-less, tough ascent, we'll gain the open ridge that continues to climb over the last mile. With one last steep we will reach the peak of 'Little Ellis' at 7,690 feet that offers expansive views of the northern-most reaches of the Gallatin Range. We will not continue on the rough and avalanche-prone route to 'Big Ellis' 1.5 miles further south. While Mount Ellis is north of the Wilderness Study Area that encompasses the Hyalite Area down to Yellowstone National Park, Mount Ellis is in an adjacent 'inventoried roadless area.' This wild place is included in the proposal for wilderness by 'Montanans for a Gallatin Wilderness.' 41. Bear Creek Date: Saturday, Feb. 28 Location: Ennis Public Land Management: Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest Trail Miles: 5 Meeting Time and Place: 9:30 a.m. at the Valley Bank in Ennis (118 W Williams St) Leader: Bob Bayley 18

20 We will be snowshoeing in the Madison Range, which regularly receives a lot of snow in winter. Depending on conditions, we will walk along the Bear Creek Trail for about 2.5 miles while gaining 900 feet in elevation. Along the way we can expect to see great views of the mysterious Sphinx Mountain and the shear south face of the Helmet before heading back to the trailhead. 42. Trail Creek (Newman) Trail Date: Saturday, March 7 Location: Bozeman Public Land Management: Gallatin National Forest Trail Miles: 4 Group Size: 10 Meeting Time and Place: 10:00 a.m. at the Public Library (south parking lot) in Bozeman (626 E Main St) Leader: Roxanna McLaughlin We will travel from Bozeman, taking the Trail Creek exit to the Newman Creek Road. This is a wonderful snowshoe hike, taking us across meadows and a small saddle, through lodgepole forests. We will pass a small forest service cabin where there is an outhouse. This will be our turn around point. This trail has some ups and downs, and the total elevation gain is 400 feet from the trailhead to the turn around point. Dress in layers and bring plenty of water, lunch and snacks. Protect your eyes from glare with sunglasses and remember your sunscreen. We will carpool in 4x4's or AWD with good snow traction. 43. Winter Wildlife Tracking in the Gallatin Range Date: Saturday, March 21 Location: Bozeman Public Land Management: Gallatin National Forest Trail Miles: Varies By Group Group Size: 30 Meeting Time and Place: 8:30 a.m. at the Gallatin Valley Mall (in front of Macys) in Bozeman (2825 W Main St) Leaders: Faith Doty and John Todd Explore the quiet beauty of the Gallatin Range and make your contribution to science at the same time! Join us on a backcountry adventure tracking wildlife in the heart of the wild Gallatin Range. We will spend the day tracking with local experts, looking for signs of the elusive wolverine and lynx. This winter survey will build on recent studies of wildlife in the Gallatin Range by biologist Steve Gehman of Wild Things Unlimited and the Custer-Gallatin National Forest. It is one of three citizen-monitoring field days in the Gallatin for Winter Participants will break into smaller crews with a wildlife biologist leading each group. This will be a moderate to strenuous day of snowshoe travel, although distances and elevation gain will vary based on each crew's skill level 19

21 and interest. This field day will be preceded by a required evening snow tracking and track identification workshop on Thursday, March 19th from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Wild Divide Chapter Central Region 44. Continental Divide Winter Wildlife Monitoring and Tracking Workshop Date: Friday, Jan. 9 and Saturday, Jan. 10 Location: Helena Public Land Management: Helena National Forest Trail Miles: Varies By Group Group Size: Friday (unlimited), Saturday (30) Meeting Time and Place: Tracking Workshop: Friday, Jan. 9, 6:00 8:00 p.m. at the Montana Wild Building in Helena (2668 Broadwater Ave) Winter Wildlife Monitoring, Saturday, Jan. 10, 8:30 a.m. at the Montana Wild Building in Helena (2668 Broadwater Ave) Leaders: Steve Gehman, John Gatchell, and Amanda Hagerty On Friday evening, Steve Gehman from Wild Things Unlimited will conduct a wildlife ecology and snow-tracking workshop. No need to RSVP for this workshop. On Saturday, experience the quiet beauty of the Helena area wildlands, and make your contribution to science at the same time. Spend the day snowshoeing and collecting data on wildlife presence and habitat. Learn about winter ecology and the importance of this area as a critical wildlife corridor. Be prepared for varying weather conditions, good winter gear is a must. Bring a lunch, snacks, and something to drink. Participants will break into smaller crews with a wildlife biologist leading each group. This will be a moderately strenuous day of snowshoe travel, although distances and elevation gain will vary based on the group s skills and interest. The Saturday wildlife-monitoring trip will be limited to 30 people, so sign up today (to go on Saturday outing one MUST attend Friday night s program.) 45. Travis Peak Date: Saturday, Jan. 17 Location: Helena Public Land Management: Helena National Forest Trail Miles: 2 to 4 Difficulty: Strenuous Group Size: 8 Meeting Time and Place: 10:00 a.m. at the Lewis and Clark County Library in Helena (120 S Last Chance) Leader: Tom Kreissler 20

22 We will start our snowshoe hike by walking the trail that accompanies the old Park Ditch that wraps around the southwest side of Travis Peak. Once on the west side of this mountain, we will have delightful views of Red Mountain, Colorado Mountain, Black Mountain, and the scenic roadless area spread out below us. Once we have come to the end of the Park Ditch trail, the group can decide on where to go next: up to Travis Peak for a higher vantage point, farther west toward Nelson Gulch or down the drainage into the heart of this roadless area. 46. Trout Creek Canyon Date: Saturday, Jan. 24 Location: Helena Public Land Management: Helena National Forest Trail Miles: 3 Meeting Time and Place: 8:30 a.m. at the Costco Parking Lot (Northwest Corner) in Helena (2195 E Custer Ave) Leader: Bill Hallinan Starting outside of York at Vigilante Campground, the nearly flat trail enters the narrows of Trout Creek Canyon. This is a beautiful walk for a beginner or anyone wanting to enjoy the intense quiet of the limestone canyon. We will stop for burgers at York Bar afterwards. 47. Lazyman Gulch/Ten Mile Environmental Trail Date: Sunday, Feb. 1 Location: Helena Public Land Management: Helena National Forest Trail Miles: 1 to 2 Meeting Time and Place: 9:00 a.m. at the Lundy Center (west end) in Helena (400 Euclid Ave) Leaders: Tom Kreissler and Cara Orban Get ready to have some fun! This hike is for families so bring your lunch and sleds. We will do a one-mile loop with a gradual short climb in the beginning and then it's all down hill from there. After the snowshoe walk we can look forward to a campfire, hot cocoa, roasted marshmallows, and sledding. 48. Continental Divide Winter Wildlife Monitoring and Tracking Workshop Date: Friday, Feb. 6 and Saturday, Feb. 7 Location: Helena Public Land Management: Helena National Forest Trail Miles: Varies By Group 21

23 Group Size: Friday (unlimited), Saturday (30) Meeting Time and Place: Tracking Workshop: Friday, Feb. 6, 6:00 8:00 p.m. at Carroll College in the Trinity Lounge) in Helena (1601 North Benton Avenue) Winter Wildlife Monitoring, Saturday, Feb. 7, 8:30 a.m. at the Lundy Center (west end) in Helena (400 Euclid Ave) Leaders: Steve Gehman and Amanda Hagerty On Friday evening, Steve Gehman from Wild Things Unlimited will conduct a wildlife ecology and snow-tracking workshop. No need to RSVP for this workshop. On Saturday, experience the quiet beauty of the Helena area wildlands, and make your contribution to science at the same time. Spend the day snowshoeing and collecting data on wildlife presence and habitat. Learn about winter ecology and the importance of this area as a critical wildlife corridor. Be prepared for varying weather conditions, good winter gear is a must. Bring a lunch, snacks, and something to drink. Participants will break into smaller crews with a wildlife biologist leading each group. This will be a moderately strenuous day of snowshoe travel, although distances and elevation gain will vary based on the group s skills and interest. The Saturday wildlife-monitoring trip will be limited to 30 people, so sign up today (to go on Saturday outing one MUST attend Friday night s program.) 49. Flesher Pass Date: Saturday, Feb. 14 Location: Helena Public Land Management: Helena National Forest Trail Miles: 3 Meeting Time and Place: 9:00 a.m. at the Lundy Center (west end) in Helena (400 Euclid Ave) Leader: Cedron Jones This snowshoe hike is targeted for families with children. We will be snowshoeing along the Continental Divide, which is an easy winter hike. There are great views, a moderate elevation gain and it is only an hour s drive from Helena. Bring a lunch, snacks and water. We will return to town by 3:00 p.m. 50. Black Mountain Date: Saturday, Feb. 21 Location: Helena Public Land Management: Helena National Forest Trail Miles: 2 to 4 Group Size: 10 Meeting Time and Place: 8:30 a.m. at Colorado Gulch (turn off) outside of Helena 22

24 Leaders: Doug Powell and Sonia Powell Climb the north west side of Black Mountain. We will enjoy the sites and stop for lunch. This is always a beautiful view over looking an area long proposed for wilderness. Depending on snow depths, bring both hiking boots and snow shoes. We will observe the changes in this area's winter landscape. Our route will vary according to the group s interest and current snow conditions. Bring plenty of water, a lunch and dress in layers for changing weather. 51. MacDonald Pass Date: Saturday, March 7 Location: Helena Public Land Management: Helena National Forest Trail Miles: 3 to 4 Meeting Time and Place: 9:30 a.m. at the Lundy Center (west end) in Helena (400 Euclid Ave) Leader: MaryAlice Chester Enjoy a wonderful day learning to snowshoe along the beautiful snowdrifts on MacDonald Pass! The wind piles up snow on the edge of the forest and we will walk along gently rolling terrain before eventually heading into the quiet snow covered woods. From there we will follow a portion of the Continental Divide Trail south and observe winter tracks of forest inhabitants. We ll learn about winter ecology and the importance of this area as a wildlife corridor. Be prepared for windy conditions on the pass. Good winter gear is a must. Bring a lunch and something to drink. 52. Sheriff s Gulch Date: Saturday, March 14 Location: Helena Public Land Management: Helena National Forest Trail Miles: 5 Group Size: 10 Meeting Time and Place: 8:30 a.m. at the Costco Parking Lot (Northwest Corner) in Helena (2195 E Custer Ave) Leader: Bill Hallinan Beginning at Fish Hawk Campground on the west shore of Canyon Ferry Lake, this snowshoe hike will wind its way up to Sheriffs Gulch via seldom traveled and unexpected ravines and open slopes. The trail gradually climbs the Spokane Hills to a breathtaking view of Canyon Ferry Lake. The top of the Spokane Hills can be windy and cold. The walk traverses Bureau of Reclamation, State, and Bureau of Land Management lands. It has unique habitat covering a small, but important, piece of public land. We will have hot chocolate at a yurt after the hike. 23

25 Shining Mountains Chapter Western Region 53. Lee Creek Nature Trail Date: Sunday, Jan. 25 Location: Lolo Public Land Management: Lolo National Forest Trail Miles: 5 Group Size: 8 Meeting Time and Place: 11:00 a.m. on the south side of the Harvest Foods Parking Lot in Lolo. Leaders: Sherry Ritter and Chris Ryan This is a snowshoe hike on the 5-mile Lee Creek Nature Trail. This is a loop hike. The group will follow the nature trail guide, looking at wildlife signs, birds, old fire scars, and anything else if interest we find along the way. The trail ascends moderately steeply from the Lee Creek Campground for the first mile or so then follows the ridge for great views and descends back down to the campground road. Typically there is enough snow for this to be a fun and interesting hike. 54. Winter Tracking Date: Saturday, Jan. 31 Location: Florence Public Land Management: MPG Ranch Trail Miles: 4 Difficulty: Strenuous Group Size: 6 Meeting Time and Place: 10:00 a.m. at the MPG Ranch (contact for directions) Leaders: Joshua Lisbon Learn the basics of winter tracking to help unlock the narratives left behind by the daily movements of animals and birds. Participants will meet at the ranch entrance and then carpool in a ranch vehicle to the site. Hiking will include some steep and slick terrain and be mostly off trail. Traction devises for shoes are recommended. Snowshoes might be necessary depending on conditions. Be sure to dress for the weather and to bring food and water. 55. Maclay Flat Family Walk Date: Sunday, Feb. 15 Location: Missoula Public Land Management: Lolo National Forest Trail Miles: 1.8 Meeting Time and Place: 1:00 p.m. at the Maclay Flat Trailhead, (1.8 miles west of US Hwy 93 on Blue Mountain Road) 24

26 Leader: Elena Ulev This easy hike is targeted for families with young children. We will hike a 1.8-mile loop through ponderosa pine forest and along the Bitterroot River. We'll stop occasionally to talk about local flora and fauna and have a treasure hunt! 56. A Place to Winter Date: Saturday, Feb. 21 Location: Missoula Public Land Management: Lolo National Forest Trail Miles: 5 Group Size: 10 Meeting Time and Place: 9:30 a.m. at the main Rattlesnake Trailhead on Sawmill Gulch Road north of Missoula. Leader: Bert Lindler Depending on the snow conditions, we will be walking or snowshoeing through hillsides overlooking Grant Creek where elk spend some of the winter. We will learn about the challenges and rewards of having a large elk herd wintering on the outskirts of Missoula. Conditions permitting, our trip will be a loop, taking about four hours. We will climb 500 feet. Most hiking will be off trail, some of which is on hillsides where snow buries slippery logs and sticks. Ski poles are recommended, as are cleats of some kind for boots or snowshoes. 57. Fawn Creek Wandering Saturday, Feb. 28 Location: Seeley Lake Public Land Management: Lolo National Forest Trail Miles: 3+ Group Size: 10 Meeting Time and Place: 10:30 a.m. at the Seeley Lake Yurt Leader: Ron Cox The bushwhacking route is within a future Nordic skiing area with a trail network. The trek will be up and down though moderate terrain on gentle slopes. The elevation gain is less than 200 feet with most climbs and descents less than 20 feet. This area was logged about 50 years ago. Now, a relatively thick tree canopy offers shelter from the wind. Snow will cover most ground cover and obstacles. 25

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