Bob Marshall Wilderness

The Bob Marshall Wilderness of Montana lies just south of the grandeur of Glacier National Park, and is known as the best preserved mountain/valley ecosystem in the lower forty-eight states. Affectionately referred to as "The Bob", this wilderness contains imposing peaks, open prairies, wildflower meadows, green forests, glacial lakes and clear mountain streams.

Bob Marshall was an extraordinary figure: founding the Wilderness Society and fighting for wilderness preservation long before it became a widely recognised issue, he would hike between 30 and 40 miles a day through mountainous regions - allegedly leaving the Native Americans who accompanied him trailing far behind. It was through his efforts that Congress became convinced of the need to protect the natural environment against human activity, and hikers today can experience his legacy in the peace and escapism of this isolated wilderness. The ecological and environmental debates are far from over; those seeking new sources of energy are looking to areas bordering the wilderness and, fortunately for future hikers, they face strong opposition from locals and environmentalists hoping to extend the protected wilderness zone.

The wildlife, as with other protected areas and national parks in the Northwest USA, is remarkable. Grizzly bears, wolves, wolverines, mountain lions, cougars, elk, moose, and deer wander the wilderness: Harlequin ducks breed here, whilst ptarmigan shed their dull brown in favour of a snow white each winter. During the autumn elk often gather in the Sun River Game Preserve, at the base of the Chinese Wall, for mating season, and their bugling echoes over the mountains.

With nearly 3,000km of trails reserved for walking and stock-use, hikes of every length abound.

• Long limestone cliffs, the products of geological movement along the Continental Divide, criss-cross the wilderness. The most impressive of these is the 35 km long Chinese Wall, which can be walked in a great six day loop through the splendour of The Bob.
• Upper Holland Loop makes a tough day walk or a more relaxed overnight trek, exploring the beautiful alpine landscape around Swan Peak.
• Another strenuous day walk follows the trail to Sunburst Lake, which lies cradled below Swan Peak and Swan Peak glacier, in the northwest corner of the Wilderness. The scenery here is stunning, but the richly filled lake is also a popular trip for anglers.
• A longer hike leads to Gateway Pass and Gateway Gorge, with some of the best scenery in The Bob. Multi-day walks such as this are also a good way of escaping the crowds, as many visitors remain within half a day?s walk of the main access points.

It is important to remember that walking in The Bob can be tough, and given the lack of access roads you will often have to be self-sufficient. Come prepared, and be aware of and sensible about wildlife and weather. You will have to carry all your gear, although it is possible to hire horses to carry equipment on some trails, the Chinese Wall in particular.