Things to Do in Mission Mountains Tribal Wilderness

The Mission Mountains Tribal Wilderness is a rugged wilderness area located on the Flathead Indian Reservation in northwestern Montana. It is the first tribally designated wilderness in the United States, managed by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes. The area features towering peaks, glacial lakes, and dense forests.

The primary outdoor activity available in Mission Mountains Tribal Wilderness is hiking. The area offers a challenging and immersive experience with significant elevation changes and panoramic views. Visitors can explore a network of trails to various natural features.

Yes, non-tribal members aged 18 to 64 are required to obtain a Tribal Conservation Permit for all recreational activities on Tribal owned lands, including hiking and camping. These permits can be purchased online or from various vendors on the Flathead Reservation.

Popular hiking destinations include Ashley Lakes, McDonald Peak, Mission Falls, Moon Lake, East Saint Marys Peak, and Lucifer Lake. These routes often feature significant elevation changes and offer panoramic views. For more details, consult the Hiking in Mission Mountains Tribal Wilderness guide.

Trails in Mission Mountains Tribal Wilderness are characterized by significant elevation changes, rocky ascents and descents, and can sometimes be difficult to follow. The terrain ranges from dense forests to high alpine environments with glacial features.

The wilderness is home to diverse wildlife, including elk, mule deer, white-tailed deer, mountain goats, black bears, and grizzly bears. Other animals like wolverines, bobcats, Canada lynxes, marmots, and pika also inhabit the area. Bird species such as bald and golden eagles are also present.

Elevations within the wilderness range from approximately 4,000 feet (1,219 meters) to over 10,000 feet (3,048 meters). Prominent summits include McDonald Peak, which stands at 9,787 feet (2,983 meters), Glacier Peaks, and East Saint Marys Peak.

Yes, the Mission Mountains Tribal Wilderness features numerous waterfalls. Notable examples include Elizabeth Falls and Mission Falls, which boast impressive plunges of approximately 1,000 feet (305 meters).

The Mission Mountains Tribal Wilderness is home to approximately 113 lakes. Many of these are high alpine tarns, which are fed by permanent snowfields and several small glaciers within the wilderness area.

The wilderness holds significant cultural importance for the Salish, Pend d'Oreille, and Kootenai people. It is used for traditional practices such as gathering medicinal herbs, hunting, fishing, and spiritual ceremonies like vision quests. Management prioritizes the preservation of tribal culture and wilderness values.

Visitors are expected to stay on designated trails, pack out all trash, and avoid disturbing wildlife. It is also important to honor cultural sites within the wilderness. Specific regulations, such as summer closures in some areas, may be in place to protect wildlife like grizzly bears.

For official information regarding the Mission Mountains Tribal Wilderness, including access and use, visitors can refer to the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes' official website. The website is www.cskt.org.

For questions regarding permits and other access information, contact the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes' Wildland Recreation program. They can be reached by phone at +1-406-675-2700, extensions 7289 or 7290.