Mission Mountains

The Mission Mountains Wilderness is located in the Flathead National Forest in Montana. The area was official classified as a Wilderness Area in 1975; it encompasses 73,877 acres and is managed as part of the National Forest System in compliance with the National Wilderness Act.

The Wilderness Act prescribes that the Mission Mountains Wilderness will have no roads or permanent commercial developments, no motorized or mechanical transportation, and no buildings or other permanent structures except to meet minimum administrative needs for the area. Commercial logging is prohibited. Development of water resources within any wilderness area may be authorized only by the President. The only commercial activities permitted in any wilderness areas are those connected with wilderness recreation. Only one commercial outfitter operates in the Mission Mountains.

Elevations in the Mountains range from 4,500 feet to 9,000 feet. The highest point is McDonald Peak on the Flathead Tribal Wilderness side of the Mountains that reaches a height of 9,820 feet. The area has amazing scenic beauty. Here you will find rugged, snowcapped peaks, a few small glaciers, some alpine lakes, meadows, and sparkling clear frigid streams. There is rugged steep terrain, and slopping basins.

The Mission Mountains have 45 miles of trails which are maintained by the Forest Service. Most of the trails are best suited for hiking rather than horseback riding because of the severely rugged terrain. Mountain bikes, hand gliders, motorized trail vehicles of any kind and snowmobiles are not permitted. To travel in the Mission Mountains, you should be an experienced hiker and should possess map reading and compass skills.

Historically, the Mission Mountains were used by the Native American Tribes of the Salish and Kootenai. They used the Mountains for fishing, hunting, berry gathering. and other cultural events (they would go into the Wilderness alone, often depriving themselves of food and water, in hopes of seeing a vision). The paths used by the Native American across the Mission Divide from the Mission Valley into the Swan Valley are very well traveled. However, these are usually steep and difficult to follow. They are suitable for only the most experienced horse users or backpackers.

There is abundant wildlife in the area, which includes elk, dear, black bears, grizzly bears, mountain goats, mountain lions, a few gray wolves and a multitude of furbearing mammals. Bald Eagles are among the 50 species of birds that have been sighted here. There are a few fish, but they are confined to the lakes.