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people. The communities
that are at the base of the
A-P protect the wilderness
fiercely as does non-prof-
its such as WildMT, The
Anaconda Trail Society to
name a couple that hold hikes in the wilder-
ness to highlight areas of concern or teach
why we need to protect these wild places.
One of my favorite things about the A-P is
a hostel that lies, not in the wilderness, but
in the nearby picturesque town of Anacon-
da itself. In fact, many Continental Divide
Trail hikers and others seeking to get out
into the A-P stay at Pintler's Portal Hostel. It
is an impressively trendy (and comfortably
appointed) local hangout catering to hikers,
recreationists, and adventuresome travelers
who need a comfy, affordable bed and a great
community vibe.
Owners Steve and Marsha Hill told me
that had between 375 hiker night stays be-
tween June 1st and September 30th last year,
most to use Pintler's Portal as a base camp for
further adventures. This year, based on what
they have seen so far, they have every indica-
tion that it will be more.
It's true that in the past five years recre-
ational use has grown in the area and with this
poses new problems. Several areas are expe-
riencing overuse and there are areas that are
ANACONDA ANACONDA
PINTLER PINTLER
WILDERNESS WILDERNESS
MANY WHO COME TO JOIN THE CONTINENTAL DIVIDE TRAIL OR TO GET OUT
INTO THE A-P STAY AT PINTLER'S PORTAL, THE IMPRESSIVELY TRENDY (AND COMFORTABLY APPOINTED)
LOCAL HANGOUT FOR HIKERS, RECREATIONISTS, AND TRAVELERS WHO NEED A COMFY BED.
