D I S T I N C T LY M O N TA N A • FA L L 2 0 1 6
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Originally established in 1941, the Bob Marshall
Wilderness Area was named in honor of the late
Robert Marshall, a strong wilderness preservation
advocate and member of the Forest Service. Now
encompassing over 1.5 million acres, this area harbors
a trove of natural treasures for generations to come.
is time my journey included my husband and
my 16-year-old son. My stepfather (now known as
"Grandpa David") is our humble leader, both on the
trail and in determining our route. He pores over
maps in search of interesting trail intersections with
regular water access. I search for the most captivating
photographs of lakes, waterfalls, peaks and panoramic
views before turning to the map to determine how we
might best witness them for ourselves. Somewhere
between his patient logic and my eagerness to scale
multiple mountaintops lie the ultimately decided
routes for our yearly expeditions into the pristine Bob
Marshall Wilderness Area.
Article and Photos By
HOLLY MATKIN
BOB MARSHALL
BACKPACKING
IN
THE
WILDERNESS
Campsite at Lena Lake
E
NCASED IN A DOWN SLEEPING BAG, I wriggle a bit to readjust the pile of clean clothes contained within the
pillow case beneath my head. Water droplets collect at the top of the dome above me and spill down nylon slopes
to the ground, the intensity waxing and waning. Good morning, Bob Marshall Wilderness, I think to myself.
