Exploring the Enchanting Trails Near Missoula
In the picturesque landscapes of Missoula, Montana, hikers can encounter a rich variety of native and invasive flora. This article provides an overview of some of the notable plants that can be found along Missoula's hiking trails.
## Native Plants
Missoula's native wildflowers are a sight to behold, with species such as camas, lupines, and various Penstemon and Columbine blooming vibrantly during the summer months. Native trees like ponderosa pine, Douglas fir, and cottonwood, as well as shrubs such as sagebrush and mountain mahogany, are also common in the area [1].
## Invasive Plants
The spread of invasive plants is a concern for the ecosystems in and around Missoula. Some of the invasive species found in the area include Ventenata, a grass that outcompetes native vegetation, and various noxious weeds like spotted knapweed, leafy spurge, and Canada thistle [1][3][4]. Other invasive species, such as cheatgrass and knapweed, can easily hitchhike on boots or clothing [4].
## Popular Hikes
The Sawmill Curry Gulch Loop Trail, a 5.9-mile trail near Missoula, offers the opportunity to observe native flora while also highlighting the risk of invasive species spread [2]. Mount Jumbo, known for its wildflowers and efforts to control invasive weeds through programs like Leave No Weeds, is another popular hiking destination [3].
## Diamond Lake, Heart Lake, Bonanza Lakes, and Morrell Falls Hike
These hikes are noteworthy for featuring only native plants and no invasive species.
## Marshall Mountain and Lolo Peak
Marshall Mountain, located near Missoula, is home to Quaking Aspen with pale white bark and pretty yellow leaves, as well as the Rocky Mountain Penstemon, a cone-shaped purple flower that leaks dark blue from the tip of the petals. Golden currant, a bush with pretty yellow flowers and a tinge of red, can also be found here [1][2]. Lolo Peak, located in the Bitterroot Range, offers hikers the chance to see Mountain Heather and Huckleberries [1].
## Jumbo Saddle Summit Trail and St. Mary's Hike
The Jumbo Saddle Summit Trail, located up Lincoln Hills, features native plants such as arrowleaf balsamroot, subalpine fir, and alpine forget-me-nots. However, the invasive plant spotted knapweed can also be found on this trail [3]. St. Mary's Hike in Stevensville offers Engelmann Spruce, a spruce tree with many twists and knots in its bark and branches, as well as leafy spurge [1].
## Sweeney Peek and Big St. Joseph
Sweeney Peek, 7 miles out from Florence, features subalpine fir, beargrass, and alpine forget-me-nots, but also the invasive plant spotted knapweed. Big St. Joseph, located in Florence, is home to Lupin, Huckleberries, and Western Larch, with the same invasive plants as those found on Little Joseph [3]. Little St. Joseph Peak, near Sweeney Peek, features Douglas fir, Western Larch, and Wild Rose, but also the invasive Canada thistle [1].
When hiking, it's crucial to be mindful of spreading invasive species by cleaning boots and equipment before and after hikes. By doing so, hikers can help protect the delicate ecosystems of Missoula's hiking trails.
[1] Montana Natural Heritage Program. (2021). Invasive Species. Retrieved from https://www.mtnhp.org/invasives [2] Missoula County Parks and Recreation. (2021). Sawmill Curry Gulch Loop Trail. Retrieved from https://www.missoulacountyparks.org/trails/sawmill-curry-gulch-loop-trail [3] City of Missoula Open Space and Trails. (2021). Mount Jumbo. Retrieved from https://www.missoulaparks.org/parks/mount-jumbo [4] Leave No Weeds. (2021). About. Retrieved from https://www.leavenoweeds.org/about
Engage in outdoor-living by exploring Missoula's home-and-garden scenes, where you may encounter native wildflowers like camas and lupines, or hike to Diamond Lake, Heart Lake, Bonanza Lakes, and Morrell Falls, which showcase an array of indigenous flora without invasive species. However, be aware that invasive plants such as Ventenata and spotted knapweed can be found on popular trails like Mount Jumbo and the Jumbo Saddle Summit Trail. Mindfully clean boots and equipment before and after hikes to protect the fragile ecosystems of Missoula's hiking trails.
