Wilderness 101

The Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation seeks connections with nature for all Montanans and Americans – connections that come from time spent on the lands we all share. We’re working to remove barriers for those that have not traditionally seen themselves as part of the American public lands story, including Black, Indigenous, People of Color and LGBTQ+ communities. Our Wilderness 101 trips are designed for folks who may not have grown up recreating in the outdoors, to help them learn and practice wilderness skills so that they can continue to safely and comfortably access their public lands on their own.

Each Wilderness 101 trip serves an Affinity Group, a.k.a. a group of people linked by a shared identity or unifying characteristic that has been traditionally underrepresented, who may feel isolated from the status quo. The goal of this project is to engage individuals with a shared kinship and passion, to build wilderness skills within an accepting and supportive environment and foster life-long friendships. Every moment spent in an affinity space is a chance to connect with each other and ourselves. Around the campfire, on our mountain trails, and while exploring new landscapes, we build a community where everyone thrives.

This Wilderness experience is designed to be a learning opportunity for those who are wanting to engage with nature, be challenged to learn new things and experience the beauty of wilderness within the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex. You will gain the skills and knowledge to become a more confident wilderness user, and find strength and belonging amongst peers who can relate to your lived experience.

In 2024 we have one Wilderness 101 trip available through Here Montana. Please contact Education and Partnership Specialist Erynn Castellanos at (406) 387-3808 or erynn@bmwf.org if you’re interested in participating!

LOCATION

Just south of Glacier National Park, “The Bob” is 1.5 million acres of designated Wilderness. The third largest Wilderness in the lower 48, the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex straddles the Continental Divide and is considered by many to be the “crown jewel” of the American Wilderness system. This area encompasses the homelands of the Blackfeet tribe on the east side of the Divide and the Salish and Kootenai tribes on the west.

Read more about the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex here.

GETTING HERE

BMWF can facilitate transportation to and from airports, train stations etc. to the meeting place and trailhead as needed. Participants are usually responsible for covering travel expenses to get to Northwest Montana, although some travel grants may be available – please reach out to us if anyone if your group needs assistance with travel costs.

Plane: The nearest airport Glacier International Airport in Kalispell has daily flights to and from Denver, Portland, Seattle, Minneapolis, and weekly from San Francisco, LA and Chicago.

Train: Amtrak’s Empire Builder has stops in Whitefish and West Glacier, both of which are conveniently located close to Hungry Horse.

PARTNERSHIP DETAILS

In order to create a successful affinity group wilderness experience, we hope to work as a partnership with groups or individuals to create a collaborative program. We envision working with a group leader who is interested in being an active contributor so that trip participants are hearing and learning from someone who identifies as a member of their affinity group.

The Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation provides: 

• Local coordination, planning and leadership

• Detailed trip itinerary, packing list and other logistical details

• Workshops in: 

  • Leave No Trace

  • Backcountry camp set-up – tents, kitchen, latrine, water, bear hang, etc. 

  • Wildlife encounters and safety

  • History of Wilderness

  • Backcountry travel and basic navigation skills

  • Wilderness horse and mule packing

  • Backcountry food, meal prep and cooking 

  • Plus other topics based on group’s requests

• All group gear including kitchen gear, water filters, etc.

• All food and meal planning while on the trip

• Pack support for group gear and food to lighten hiking packs

• Personal backpacking/camping gear as needed through our gear lending library

• Co-leadership while on the project with 2-3 of the BMWF staff

Questions?

Contact our Education and Partnership Specialist Erynn Castellanos at (406) 387-3808 or erynn@bmwf.org.

We also offer opportunities for Affinity Group Volunteer Partner Projects!
If you’re interested in gathering a group to do some trail work and give back to Wilderness, this is your chance. Learn more.

OTHER HELPFUL INFORMATION