Favorite Hiking Spots in Missoula

My favorite summer activity is hiking, and I am in love with all of the hiking trails in Missoula.

My all time favorite spot would probably be Rattlesnake. This trail-head is pretty simple to get to; you just follow Rattlesnake road until you hit the hiking entrance.

Rattlesnake has a plethora of different trails, it provides you with a different experience no matter how often you walk this area. Enormous trees offer generous amounts of shades, which gives you have the opportunity to hike at really any time of day without suffering from heat exhaustion. 

There is crystal clear spring run-off that runs along the trails, and is spotted with enjoyable beaches. The bubbling water is great for humans and creatures to cool off. 

You are able to hike in the Rattlesnake as long or as little as you would like. The Nature Boundary is about 15 miles in which can mostly be done on a bike. Most trails allow dogs and bikes, but clear signs explain what is permissible on each trail. 

 The Rattlesnake is pretty deep into nature, so it is important to be careful with creatures that may be enjoying their homes. This summer, mountain lions and bears have been spotted quite often; a bear bell or animal spray is a good thing to keep on hand, and always remember to be aware of your surroundings. Coghlan's Bear Bell with Magnetic Silencer (Google Affiliate Ad)

Another enjoyable place for hiking is the Water Works mountain. I use the Orange Street trail head to get to Water Works. This is located right next to the Orange Street Exit. 

This area is a little steeper than Rattlesnake, but is does give you a great view of Missoula. You can see the train tracks crossing through town.

I opt for this hiking trail when I am looking for more of a work-out. You will find a few off-trails on this mountain which ultimately hook-up into a big circle, this takes me about and hour a half to complete. Some off-trails will take you to a homestead, past a livestock pen which occasionally houses livestock, or down towards the Rattlesnake area. 

Trail Towards Rattlesnake

Dogs are allowed on all of the trails, and are permitted to be off the leash after only about 100 feet up the trail. Remember to bring water for your pooch if he is coming along. This trail doesn't have a lot of shade, so the best time to go is in the morning or evening, that way the sun is not beating down on you.

The 'M' is a destination that everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime. This trail is located on Mount Sentinel which hugs the University of Montana campus. 

The M is not very high up, however it gives a great vantage point of the University Campus. You do have a couple options for getting to the concrete letter. All trails are fairly steep, again this is a trail you don't want to hike during mid-afternoon. 

Fun Fact: Groups of people will sometimes carry up rocks and spell a variety of words out with the M on various holidays or special occasion. My favorite has been the word "mom" spelled out on Mother's Day.

  

The "M"

If you are looking for more of an adventure, you can continue on to the summit of Mount Sentinel which supplies a breath-taking view of Missoula.

Across the highway is Mount Jumbo which houses The "L". This destination is not as popular as The "M", but is does provide a more leisurely trek. 

Blue Mountain is in my top 3 hiking destination because it supplies an endless amount of trails that reach out across a wide area of land. Blue Mountain Trail Head is located just past Super Walmart towards Lolo.

This heavenly spot is very well shaded with pine trees which create the great smell of warm pine-needles. 

Blue Mountain is very dog-friendly, and I have noticed it is a popular destination for dog owners. 

I hope this post provided you all with ideas of where to go for a fun hike if you are planning on visiting Missoula, and maybe this reminded Missoula Natives of destinations forgotten.

Feel free to comment, subscribe, maybe explain an area around Missoula where you enjoy a hiking trip. 

Global Adventures in the Kitchen

I have personally experienced many funks in my meal ideas and creativity. Recently I have taken the initiative to step out of my cooking comfort-zone and create a few affordable multicultural meals to pull me out of my food funk.

It all started with a curiosity in Gumbo. A quick search online found me an easy and affordable recipe. I headed out to the store with a list of thrilling ingredients. There were a few substitutions I needed to make, but the end result was still delicious.
            Green Gumbo:
1 pound turkey(recipe called for sausage, but I was craving turkey at the time)
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
3 tablespoons flour
1 chopped onion(I used a white onion)
1 chopped green bell pepper
3 stalks of chopped celery
salt and pepper(add it to taste, I used more pepper than salt)
1 teaspoon spicy paprika(I used about 3 teaspoons)
2 cups of vegetable broth (I used chicken because that is what I had on hand)
1 pound of kale(seems like a lot, but it cooked down and was very tasty)
10 ounce bag of black beans
2 cups of rice
1 tablespoon of soy sauce

1 jar Thai Kitchen Curry Paste(this stuff is the best, and very spicy. I am sure you can use as little or as much as you would like.)
First thing you should start is your beans, boil them until soft. Also get started on your rice. My favorite type of rice is short-grain. The recipe doesn't call for rice, but I love me some carbs. Once you have your beans and rice started, put the turkey in a warm skillet and cook up with curry and other spices you enjoy. I used a lot of curry and some chili powder. Get a big pot and start warming up the flour and vegetable oil. Put in all the liquids, chop up the veggies and toss those in. Add curry, cooked beans, and turkey.
Put a dollop of rice in a bowl and scoop a healthy serving of gumbo over that! You will be transported to New Orleans in your very own kitchen.

Now let us head over to India and try some spicy rice noodles.
          Curry Noodles
1 green bell pepper cut into thin strips
2 chopped carrots
1 jar Thai Kitchen Curry Paste
1 cup coconut milk
1 cup chicken broth
package of rice noodles
cilantro

Submerge noodles in boiling water. Put a layer of olive oil on a warm skillet. Place a generous amount of curry paste in skillet. Add water, broth, and carrots. Let boil for about ten minutes. Add coconut water, peppers, and soy sauce. After all was said and done, I used up the whole jar of curry. Serve delectable mixture over noodles, top with cilantro, and enjoy a taste-bud explosion!

All this spicy food gave me a hankering for some Hispanic dishes.
I have enjoyed many Carne Asadas, but this was my first attempt at creating this treat.

                  Carne Asada

2 pounds of steak

1 recipe of Mojo

olive oil

salt and pepper

whole wheat tortillas

shredded iceberg lettuce

chopped white onion

1/2 cup Pico De Gallo

2 limes

Marinade steak in Mojo for 1-8 hours. This is a perfect thing to prepare in the morning and enjoy as an evening feast. Grill steak, cut into thin strips, serve on warmed tortilla. If you have a gas stove use this to your advantage and heat tortilla over the flame. Top with Pico De Gallo, lettuce, onion, and sour cream. My boyfriend is a lover of cilantro and cheese, so he added a liberal helping of both. 

Mojo

2 tablespoon minced garlic

1 minced jalepeno or 2 tablespoons canned jalepenos

1 large handful of chopped cilantro

salt and pepper

2 juiced limes

1 juiced orange

2 tablespoons white vinegar

1/2 cup olive oils

The recipe asked for everything to be mashed together with a mortar and pestle. My young kitchen does not contain a mortar and pestle so I just mashed everything together and added the juices.

Pico De Gallo

4 chopped tomatoes

1/2 chopped white onion

2 chopped green onions

1 teaspoon chili powder 

2 tablespoons minced garlic

1 juiced lime

1/4 cup olive oil(I only used about 2 tablespoons)

1 tsp salt

Mix all ingredients together. If you have any Pico De Gallo left over after your Carne Asada, it makes and amazing salsa. 

Chiviro is another amazing Hispanic meal.

Chiviro:

1 pound ground beef

2 tablespoons minced garlic

3 tablespoons chopped white onion

2 teaspoon salt

1 tsp oregano

3 tablespoons white vinegar

2 tablespoons chili powder

1 tablespoon paprika

1 tablespoon cumin

Mix up meat and ingredients, fry, serve on warmed whole wheat tortilla with sour cream, cilantro, onion, and iceberg lettuce. 

Now a need for greasy Papa John's Pizza caused me to buy up ingredients for a home-made pizza. This is one of my favorite things to make. Pizza is great for a fun date night or even a fun girl's night. Opting for home-made is so much healthier than any pizza you can order in Missoula. It is required to run to the Good Food Store on Russell and Third and pick up Magnificent Pizza Dough by Le Petit Outre. I have recently used this dough to create cheesy bread sticks which are....sinful!

Also, while you are at the Good Food Store, pick up some fresh mint for a refreshing Mojito. 

Home-made pizza needs no instructions, just grab up all your favorite ingredients to top off your unique pizza. I used basil marinara, white cheddar, onions, and green pepper. 

Please use your imagination while trying and creating new cultural meals. Adventure is everywhere, including your kitchen.