Now in its 53rd season, MWA’s Wilderness Walks program continues to offer hikers of all ages and experience levels an opportunity to participate in a traditional recreation opportunity while enjoying Montana’s quiet beauty and remaining wild places. For more information or to pre-register, visit www.wildmontana.org/walks.
Saturday, June 6
Burnt Lodge Wilderness Study Area
Location: Glasgow
Trail Miles: 6
Difficulty: Moderate-Strenuous
Group Size: 10
Meeting Time: 8:00 a.m.
Place: The BLM Office (5 Laser Drive) in Glasgow
Leaders: Mark Good and Kelly Burke
Explore the Burnt Lodge Wilderness Study Area, one of Eastern Montana’s most scenic wildlands. Kelly Burke, a rancher and outfitter who lives near Burnt Lodge, will lead this car-to-car hike. Hikers will mostly follow ridge tops with spectacular views of river breaks topography. The eroded terrain offers exposed sandstone, sheer walls and castle-like formations. There are no developed trails, but hiking is generally easy among dispersed trees and open land. The Burnt Lodge borders the C.M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge. Be sure to bring rain gear, plenty of water and a lunch.
Sunday, June 7
Bitter Creek Wilderness Study Area
Location: Glasgow
Trail Miles: 5
Difficulty: Moderate
Group Size: 15
Meeting Time: 8:00 a.m.
Place: The BLM Office (5 Laser Drive) in Glasgow
Leaders: Joan McKeown and Lisa Flowers
Experience prairie wilderness at Bitter Creek, a large expanse of shortgrass rolling prairie in full bloom with wildflowers and birds. It is one of the top must-stop birding areas in the region. Expect to see teepee rings and other historic artifacts. There are no formal trails but hiking is easy. Hikers have the option of car camping under the brilliant night sky. Bring plenty of water. The road can be rough, so please let us know if you have a four-wheel drive vehicle with high clearance, as with any backcountry outing, rain can make the roads impassable.
Saturday, June 13
Mortarstone Bluffs
Location: Poplar
Trail Miles: 6 to 8
Difficulty: Moderate
Group Size: 12
Meeting Time: 8:00 a.m.
Place: The Veterans Memorial (US Highway 2) in Poplar
Leader: Guy Dean Bateman
Hike through the bluffs and high, barren plateaus south of the Missouri River, including some high grassland plateau. Especially prominent features are the mortarstones themselves, unusual and interesting rock formations found in soft soil. There will be some elevation gain and loss, as well as some steep challenging areas with poor footing (and maybe mud). Bring lunch, lots of water, sunscreen, and insect repellant.
Sunday, June 14
Poplar Badlands
Location: Poplar
Trail Miles: 6 to 8
Difficulty: Moderate
Group Size: 12
Meeting Time: 8:00 a.m.
Place: The Veterans Memorial (US Highway 2) in Poplar
Leader: Guy Dean Bateman
Hike through the badland areas south of the Missouri River, through breaks, coulees and high grassland plateau. There will be some elevation gain and loss, steep challenging areas with poor footing and possibly mud. Bring lunch, lots of water, sunscreen and insect repellant.
Thursday, July 16
Frenchman Breaks Archeological Hike
Location: Malta
Trail Miles: 5
Difficulty: Moderate
Group Size: 15
Meeting Time: 9:00 a.m.
Place: The BLM Office (501 S. 2nd Ave East) in Malta
Leaders: Terri Hildebrand and Mark Good
Frenchman Breaks borders a portion of Canadian Grasslands National Park and has been identified as “land with wilderness characteristics.” This hike follows along ridges and drops in and out of Frenchman Creek Basin for a loop hike that features the glaciated prairie habitat for which north-central Montana is renowned. Artifacts, especially teepee rings, are present. Shells and other evidence of an ancient sea are visible in the lower basin. Hi-Line archeologist Josh Chase will provide a history of the area and interpret human artifacts. In addition to the breath-taking panoramic views, Frenchman Breaks affords essential habitat for nesting birds, pronghorn and mule deer. Bring plenty of water. As with any backcountry outing, rain can make the roads impassable, please be prepared.
Friday, July 17
Rock Creek Archeological Hike
Location: Hinsdale
Trail Miles: 4 - 5
Difficulty: Moderate
Group Size: 15
Meeting Time: 9:00 a.m.
Place: The Quick Stop Convenience Store (Highway 2) in Hinsdale
Leaders: Patrick Johnson and Mark Good
Rock Creek has been identified as a “land with wilderness characteristics.” It is one of the few places along the Hi-Line where a perennial stream flows through a largely intact prairie setting. The extensive exposures of sandstone along Rock Creek provides outstanding scenery, while the riparian area along the creek provides habitat for amphibians and other wildlife. Both greater sage-grouse strutting grounds and sharp-tail grouse dancing grounds exist in the area and the diversity of native grasses provides quality grassland habitat for nesting birds. Cultural resources are present and the group will be joined by Hi-Line archeologist Josh Chase who will provide a history of human use in the area and help interpret human artifacts. Be sure to bring plenty of water, lunch and rain gear. Be aware that travel on backcountry roads can be impassible when wet, so bring extra
food, water and sleeping bag, just to be safe.
