Trip Reports
Latest Trip Reports
Nov
09
The Mountain Ear, November 2025
Sometime in early 2024, I stopped being fun. It wasn't permanent, and it didn't come about
5 min read
Oct
14
The Mountain Ear, October 2025
The guide book said the left channel through Gunbarrel rapid was the best option in low water, but everyone else
5 min read
Jul
27
St Mary Peak (Bitterroots) July 19, 2025
St. Mary Peak elevation 9,351
Saturday July, 19th
Trip leader: Susanna Girolamo
Participants: Edna, Hannah, Sean, Zach and Candy
2 min read
Jul
13
Carlton Lake Base Camp (Bitterroots) May 22nd-25th
Carlton Lake Base Camp – Lolo Peak
Dates: May 22–25, 2025
Leaders: Francis Horton, Sean Colvin
Participants: Mark Albrecht, Sam
4 min read
Jul
13
Sweeney Peak (Bitterroots) June 28, 2025
Sweeney Peak, Bitterroot Mountains
Saturday, June 28, 2025
Participants: Zack and Susanna
This was a short-notice trip posted for The
1 min read
Jun
03
Stuart Peak (Rattlesnake)-June 3, 2025
Date: June 3, 2025
Participants: Tom Statz, Helena Koelle, Kora Perugini,
On a fine spring day we met at the
2 min read
May
10
Lolo Peak (Bitterroots)- May 10, 2025
Lolo Peak Bike and Ski (Bitterroots)
Date: May 10,2025
Participants: Forest Dean, Tony LeBaron, Elizabeth Smith
Originally planned this
2 min read
May
03
Milltown State Park-Wildflower Walk- May 3, 2025
Participants: Steve Schombel, Ed Monning, Katie Renick, Zack Irwin, David & Julie Kahl
This was a trip that showcased some
2 min read
May
03
Black Mountain (Horizon Peak) - May 3, 2025
Date: May 3, 2025
Participants: Tom Statz, Dell Muechel, Rupert Williams, Taryn Bramhsteadt
On a fine spring day we met
1 min read
May
03
Stuart Peak (Rattlesnake)- May 3, 2025
Date: May 3, 2025
Participants: Forest Dean, Tony LeBaron
On a fine spring day Tony and I met at the
1 min read
Apr
30
The Mountain Ear
May 2025
President’s Message
Greetings again,
Well folks, I am sitting down here to compose my final President’s
13 min read
Apr
13
Whitaker Bridge (Blackfoot River Area)- April 13, 2025
Participants: Roy Regel, Steve Schombel, David & Julie Kahl
I always find it interesting, when we are doing what was
4 min read
Apr
08
The Mountain Ear
April 2025
President’s Message
Greetings Members,
As I sit down to write this, dusk is overtaking the Missoula valley
8 min read
Apr
03
21st Annual Kercher Glacier Classic
21st ANNUAL KERCHER GLACIER CLASSIC
Friday, August 29- Monday, September 1
We are very excited to once again be putting
2 min read
Mar
23
Lolo Pass Snowshoe- March 23, 2025
Participants: David & Julie Kahl
With temperatures in the 50’s/10c predicted for Lolo Pass the following week, and
3 min read
Mar
08
Nascar (Lolo Pass Area)- March 8, 2025
BCPS Outing
Leader: Francis Horton Participants: Sam Watson, Carson Ramsden, Mark Albrecht, Miguel Gonzalez, Megan Perry, Billy Brown
Nascar continues
2 min read
Feb
22
Mill Point (Bitterroots)- February 22, 2025
Date: February 22. 2025
Participants: Kimberly Meade-White, Paul Jensen, Sean Parslow, Forest Dean, Bily Brown, Tony LeBaron, Dexter Hale
After
1 min read
Feb
08
Crystal Amphitheater (Lolo Pass Area)- February 8, 2025
BCPS Outing
Leader: Francis Horton Participants: Sam Watson, Miguel Gonzalez, Mark Albrecht, Frank Dean
Crystal Amphitheater is easily one of
2 min read
Jan
31
TRM Cabin Weekend - January 31-February 2, 2025
Participants: Elizabeth Smith, Forest Dean, Corey Hinshaw, Stefan Kolis, Kevin Ewing, Francis Horton
Another great weekend of skiing up above
1 min read
Jan
25
Ward Mountain (Bitterroots) - January 25, 2025
Participants: Kimberly Meade-White, Paul Jensen, Ted Kays, Rupert Williams, Taryn Brahmsteadt, Dori Gilels, Eli Kruse, Sean Parslow, Ben Bagniewski, Susanna
2 min read
Jan
19
Nascar- Winterfest- January 19, 2025
Leader: Francis Horton Participants: Billy Brown, Tony LeBaron
Nascar is an underrated gem in the Lolo Pass backcountry. Located just
1 min read
Jan
18
G-Spot- Winterfest- January 18, 2025
Leader: Francis Horton, Participants: Billy Brown, Krissy Ramirez, Tony LeBaron
Located just outside Missoula, G-Spot is a well-known and easily
1 min read
Jan
04
Mt. Fuji (Lolo Pass area)- BCPS
Fuji Mountain, Lolo Pass area, BCPS
Date: January 4th, 2025
Leader: Francis Horton
Co Leader: Sean Colvin
Participants: Candy Hartman,
3 min read
Dec
01
Lolo Pass Winter Outing - December 1, 2024
Participants: David and Julie Kahl
It was Thanksgiving weekend, there were folks who wanted to go but had other obligations,
4 min read
Nov
23
Black Mountain - November 23, 2024
Participants: Kaitlen O'Dell, Drew Iaderosa, Duncan Lennon
Trip Leader: Ryan Gregson
We started the day off with a
2 min read
Oct
13
Black Cat Gulch - October 13, 2024
Participants: David & Julie Kahl
It was another of those incredible fall days, perfect for hiking except the air quality,
6 min read
Sep
29
Union Peak (Swans) - September 29, 2024
Leader: Forest Dean
Participants: Jacob Potter, Kevin Ewing
The three of us departed the south side of Missoula at 6am
1 min read
Sep
03
Heart Lake (Great Burn) - September 3, 2024
Participants: David & Julie Kahl
We were busy over the weekend and decided to shift this trip one day, to
5 min read
Jun
30
Telephone Butte - June 30, 2024
Participants: David and Julie Kahl
We gave it a gallant try. It was a perfect day, in the 60’s/
6 min read
Jun
29
Castle Crag (Bitterroots) - June 29, 2024
Leaders: Ryan Gregson and Sean Colvin
Participants: Jennifer Osorio, Kaitlen Odell, Eli Kruse, Levi Stubblefield and Taryn Brahmsteadt
We hit
2 min read
Jun
22
Sweeney Peak (Bitterroots) - June 22, 2024
Participants: Larry Abramson, Kimberly Meade, Edna Blanchfield, Jacob Potter, Tom Stalz,
Leaders: Susanna Girolamo Phillips & Candy Hartman
Sweeney Peak
2 min read
Jun
08
Ch-paa-qn Peak – June 8, 2024
Trip Leader: Susanna Girolamo Phillips
Participants: Edna Blanchfield, Michael Shroyer, Brian Forgeron
“The hardest part of this trip is getting
1 min read
May
26
Deerlodge Valley Excursion - May 26, 2024
Participants: Becky & Gary Jones, David & Julie Kahl
This trip had three parts to it, it was postponed from
5 min read
May
18
St Mary Peak (Bitterroots) - May 18, 2024
Leader: Sean Colvin
Participants: Kaitlen ODell, Jay Osorio
We left Missoula around 6:45 and made it to the summer
2 min read
May
11
Alberton Rest Stop Rock Climbing - May 11, 2024
Leader: Sean Colvin
Participants: Forest Dean, Francis Horton, Levi Stubblefield
Our Spring Fling rock climbing trip started with the four
1 min read
May
04
El Capitan (Bitterroots) - May 4-5, 2024
Little Rock Creek (Bitterroots)
Date: May 4-5, 2024
Leader: Forest Dean
Participants: Brent Maier, Carson Ramsden, Sam Lashley
This trip
3 min read
Apr
27
Biking Going To Sun Road - April 27, 2024
Participants: Kimberly Meade-White, Paul Jensen, Joan Schumacher, Laurel Vielle
The forecast leading up to the weekend didn’t look promising
2 min read
Apr
14
Heavenly Twins (Bitterroots) - April 14, 2024
Leader: Forest Dean
Participants: Elizabeth Moore, Francis Horton
Way back in 2016, I completed a Heavenly Twins traverse with Brent
2 min read
Apr
14
Woody Mountain - April 14, 2024
Participants: Steve Schombel, David & Julie Kahl
It was hot…temperatures in the valley today got up to 77/24c
4 min read
Apr
12
Snow Climbing and Glacier Travel Field Days - April 12-13, 2024
Leader: Forest Dean
Participants: Elizabeth Moore, Haley Eakin, Luke Jacobsen, Kimberly Meade White, Paul Jensen, Kyle Goeke, Sam Watson, Cory
1 min read
Mar
24
Cherry Gulch (North Hills) - March 24, 2024
Particpants: Becky and Gary Jones, David and Julie Kahl
It’s a season where we defaulted to a “nature hike”
2 min read
Mar
01
TRM Cabin Weekend - March 1-3, 2024
Leader: Paul Jensen
Participants: Kimberly Meade-White, Zach Robertson, Matt Roscoe, Francis Horton, Elizabeth Moore, Forest Dean
On Friday, March 1
1 min read
Feb
10
Lolo Pass Ski Tour (Winterfest)
Leaders: Forest Dean and Mark Albrecht
Participants: Sean Colvin, Megan Apple, Ryan Gregson, Kevin Gregson, Francis Horton, Zach Robertson, Brook
2 min read
Jan
06
Lolo Pass to Crystal Ampitheater - January 6, 2024
This route is an interesting cross country alternative to the groomed Lolo pass ski trails. It is a 6 mile
2 min read
Dec
10
Lolo Pass Winter Outing - December 10, 2023
Participants: Alden Wright, David & Julie Kahl
Finally a winter outing, that was real winter. There were only a few
1 min read
Nov
24
Hyalite Canyon Ice Climbing Trip - Nov 24-26, 2023
Leader: Forest Dean
Participants: Jim Semmelroth, Alec Cottrell, Joe Wagner
Jim and I both drove our van/campers over to
1 min read
Aug
17
19th Annual Kercher Glacier Classic - August 17-20, 2023
Once again a great group of us all joined up for our annual pilgrimage known as the Kercher Glacier Classic.
16 min read
Aug
04
Whites Mtn and East Whites - August 4, 2023
Leader: Corey Hinshaw
Participants: Laurel Vielle, Josh Lewis, Anne Dellwo
The four of us headed out early on August 4th
3 min read
Jul
21
Benchmark to Hungry Horse - July 21-23, 2023
Leaders: Forest Dean, Elizabeth Moore
Participants: Alec Cottrell, Ethan Levin, Francis Horton, Sean Colvin
This little adventure was a long
5 min read
Jul
01
McDonald Peak (Missions) - July 1-2, 2023
Leader: Corey Hinshaw
Participants: Forest Dean, Stefan Kolis, Anne Dellwo, Kevin Ewing
This peak had been on my list for
1 min read
Jul
01
North Canyon Peak (Bitterroots) - July 1, 2023
The first of July found six eager climbers in the Bitterroot Mountains just west of Hamilton on Canyon Creek. Our
1 min read
Jun
16
Companion Rescue Practice Course - June 16-17, 2023
Participants: John Welter, Zach Robertson, Henry Williams, Francis Horton, Elizabeth Moore, Forest Dean
This was a rescheduled event from a
1 min read
Jun
09
Mt. Adams (Cascades) - June 9-12, 2023
Leader: Forest Dean
Participants: Elizabeth Moore, Erin Carey, Ethan Levin
Due to a poor forecast, we decided to head west
3 min read
Jun
04
Triangle Peak (Rattlesnake) - June 4, 2023
Participants: Forest Dean, Taylor Brugh, Taylor’s neighbor Peter, Stefan Kolis, Corey Hinshaw
Going after this seldom visited peak to
2 min read
Jun
04
Baudette Creek - June 4, 2023
Participants: Jaynee Levy, Dave Gonzales, Steve Schombel, David and Julie Kahl
This was called the Burdette Cr. Trail #2, wondering
13 min read
May
14
Lubrecht E Trail - May 14, 2023
Participants: David & Julie Kahl
With it being Mother’s Day it was no surprise that it was only David
3 min read
May
13
Cha-paa-qn Peak - May 13, 2023
Trip Leader: Susanna Girolamo Phillips
Participants: Candy Hartman, Stephanie
We started the day with little information on the condition of
2 min read
Apr
29
Cold Peak (Missions) - April 29-30, 2023
Leader: Forest Dean
Participants: Elizabeth Moore, Sarah Kilbourne
This 8522’ peak, with its seldom glimpsed striking west couloir, is perhaps
3 min read
Apr
16
East Saint Mary’s Peak (Mission Mtns) - April 16, 2023
Leader: Forest Dean
Participants: Elizabeth Moore, Leland Earls, Ryan Gregson
I’ve been up the standard southeast ridge on East
3 min read
Apr
16
Lubrecht Trails - April 16, 2023
Participants: Steve Schombel, Vick Applegate, David & Julie Kahl
I thought I had the Lubrecht Trail system figured out, but
2 min read
Mar
19
Marshall Canyon - March 19, 2023
Participants: Steve Schombel, David and Julie Kahl
This was neither an epic or even strenuous snow hike, exploring what the
2 min read
Mar
12
Larry Creek Loop (Bitterroots) - March 12, 2023
We had a very pleasant hike with Dave and Julie, two old friends, and Vic A., who joins us sometimes.
1 min read
Jan
07
Crystal Amphitheater Ski Tour (Winterfest) - January 7, 2023
Leader: Forest Dean
Participants: Elizabeth Moore, Chris Soriano, Scott Williams, Joe Wagner, Mark Albrecht, Ashley Prunier, Tim Ward, Sean Colvin,
1 min read
Jan
07
Lee Creek - January 7, 2023
Participants: Michael Young, David & Julie Kahl
I have been leading this trip, almost every year, for over 20 years
4 min read
Dec
11
Lolo Pass Winter Outing - December 11, 2022
Participants: Steve Schombel, David and Julie Kahl
It was snowing all day at Lolo Pass, we met at 9:30
2 min read
Dec
03
East Boulder Peak (Bitterroots) - December 3, 2022
Leader: Forest Dean
Participants: Brent Maier, Frank Dean, Tim Ward, Jacob McFarlane
A couple winters ago, Brent had skied up
2 min read
Nov
27
Lolo Pass -November 27, 2022
Participants: Steve Schombel, David and Julie Kahl
Though this trip was slated for Lolo Pass, with a winter storm coming
3 min read
Sep
23
Cedar Peak Trail Project (Great Burn) - September 23-25, 2022
Participants: Great Burn ranger Rory, Great Burn representative Kat, Rocky Mountaineer members Arthur Endsley, Forest Dean, Jim Semmelroth, Cathy Semmelroth,
2 min read
Sep
17
Petty Mountain - September 17, 2022
Participants: Gail & Dell Meuchel, Mark Albrecht, Candy Hartman, Cathy & Jim Semmelroth
We knew we had a lucky day
2 min read
Aug
18
18th Annual Kercher Glacier Classic - August 18-21, 2022
Divide Creek Campground, St. Mary, Montana
Another year and another great Classic! 33 of us made the trip to St.
23 min read
Aug
13
Little Tin Cup Peak (Bitterroots) - August 13, 2022
Participants: Corey Hinshaw, Andrew Twardowski
Checking off Bitterroot 9k peak number 18 off the list! Andrew and I got an
1 min read
Aug
06
Holland Peak (Swans) - August 6, 2022
Participants: Corey Hinshaw, Nate Bender, Stefan Kolis, Kim Pearce, Nick Triolo, James (?)
This was a trip that was officially posted
1 min read
Jul
23
Koch Mountain (Bitterroots) - July 23, 2022
Participants: Corey Hinshaw and Adam Drobish
This was another Bitterroot 9ker checked off the list. Adam was interested in joining,
1 min read
Jul
22
Nee Me Poo Trail (Lolo Pass) - July 22-24, 2022
Participants: Steve Schombel, David & Julie Kahl
The Nee Me Poo (NMP) trail was just one part of a longer
13 min read
Jul
09
West and East Goat Peak (Pintlers) - July 9, 2022
Participants: Josh Lewis, Casey Lammers, Corey Hinshaw
This was a pleasant climb up to the high point of the Pintler
1 min read
Jul
02
Peak 8650 (Missions) - July 2, 2022
Participants: Forest Dean, Kevin Ewing
Kevin and I met up at the Wye at 6am and headed north. We were
1 min read
Jun
25
Babcock Mountain - June 25, 2022
Babcock Mountain Trail #10 in Rock Creek.
I was joined on this hike by Dave and Julie Kahl, who had
1 min read
Jun
22
Lolo Peak (Bitterroots) - June 22, 2022
Lolo Peak summit climb, planned for 18 June (canceled due to weather), actual 22 June.
Participant: Mark Albrecht
Anne Dellwo
3 min read
May
07
Dean Stone Trails - May 7, 2022
Participants: Carolyn Pardini, Lily and Mariah Haines, Gail & Dell Meuchel, Robin Young, Laurel Vielle, Lee Thornton, Ruth Anderson, Steve
4 min read
May
07
Petty Mountain Report - May 7, 2022
Trip Leader: Jim Semmelroth
Participants: Candy Hartman, Peter DiFurio, Cathy Semmelroth, and me
It was raining at 9 am so
4 min read
May
01
Calf Creek - May 1, 2022
This hike went pretty much as described. Like we thought last year, the first left near a large
rock outcropping
1 min read
Apr
10
Mittower Gulch to Marshall Mtn - April 10, 2022
This was a fairly straight forward hike, we’ve done this a lot as an early season, tick reduced hike,
2 min read
Mar
20
Old Mullan Road (Alberton) - March 20, 2022
It was a hard day to dress for, the weather reports said we could find a dusting of snow at
3 min read
Mar
18
TRM Cabin Weekend - March 18-20, 2022
This trip to the Rocky Mountaineers cabin was the usual mix of great company and great skiing. Well, I would
Feb
25
TRM Cabin Weekend - February 25-27, 2022
On Friday Feb 25 Kimberly Meade-White and I started the tour up to the cabin around 11 while John Bardsley
1 min read
Jan
23
Lee Creek (Lolo Pass area) - January 23, 2022
Participants: Peter DiFurio, David and Julie Kahl It was the best of conditions, it was, almost, the worst of conditions,
7 min read
Jan
15
Lolo Hot Springs Snowshoe - January 15, 2022
Participants: Steve Schombel, Julie Kahl While waiting for any “Maybe-s” to show up at the bar at Lolo Hot springs,
3 min read
Jan
02
Pattee Canyon XC Ski - January 2, 2022
January 2, 2022
Saddle between Deer Creek and Miller Creek
This was a hybrid trip with Thursday Night Mountain Bike
2 min read
Dec
21
Ward Mountain (Bitterroots)- December 21, 2021
Date: December 21, 2021
Participants: Candy Hartman, Megan Apple, Jordan Martin, Forest Dean
Four of us headed down the Bitterroot
1 min read
Dec
19
Lolo Pass Winter Outing - December 19, 2021
Participants: Steve Schombel, Peter DiFurio, Eric, Mitch, Shirley & Tracy Hall, David & Julie Kahl
When it seemed that we
3 min read
Nov
13
Mt. Dean Stone - November 13, 2021
11.94 miles, 2415 elevation gain
Participants: Peter Difurio, Jenny Parker
Leader: Candy Hartman
The hike began at the Sousa
Oct
30
Blue Mountain - October 30, 2021
11.38 miles 2120 ft elevation gain
Participants: Edna Blanchfield, Anne Dellwo, Mary Hanson, Dev the dog
Leader: Candy Hartman
1 min read
Oct
17
Clearwater Crossing (Great Burn) - October 17, 2021
Participants Steve Schombel, Peter Rice, Christann Schmid & Dog, Cooper, David & Julie Kahl
It was another incredible autumn day!
4 min read
Oct
09
Ch-Paa-Qn Peak - October 9, 2021
Leader: Elizabeth Smith Moore & girls
Participants: Astrid Moore (13), Campbell Moore (9), Christy Knuchel, Brynlee Knuchel (9)
The five
1 min read
Oct
03
Hidden Lake Peak (Bitterroots) - October 3, 2021
Leader: Forest Dean
Participants: Tom Statz, Arthur Endsley, Raymond Cavalcante, Corey Hinshaw, Elizabeth Moore
The six of us met at
2 min read
Sep
25
Ogden Mtn - September 25, 2021
Participants: David and Julie Kahl
Ogden Mt. FINALLY! And how about that day, could we have had a better day
5 min read
Sep
11
The Shard and The Tusk (Bitterroots) - September 11-12, 2021
Dates: September 11-12, 2021
Leader: Forest Dean
Participants: Corey Hinshaw, Andrew Twardowski, Leland Earls
On a great early fall weekend,
3 min read
Aug
19
Glacier Classic 2021 - August 19-22, 2021
17TH Annual Glacier Classic- August 19-22, 2021
Divide Creek Campground, St. Mary, Montana
After a year in near hiatus (only
9 min read
Jul
04
Brushy Fork (Lolo Pass area) - July 4, 2021
Trip Report for Brushy Fork Marmot Study Hike.
Date: July 4, 2021
Co-leaders: Alden Wright & Jim Semmelroth
We did
1 min read
Jun
26
Oregon Lakes Marmot Hike - June 26, 2021
Oregon Lakes Trip Report June 26, 2021
This trip was part of the Marmot Madness proposal described at http://hs.
3 min read