‘The Bob’ as it is often called was named after a legendary Forest service figure called Bob Marshall who worked tirelessly to set aside this area for future generations. This area was designated in 1964 and set aside as a wilderness area to protect the landscape, plants and animals from human encroachment. It is the second largest wilderness area in the lower 48.

This area is known for its wildlife and an impressive rock wall known as 'The Chinese wall' that stretches for around 40 miles. The forest service says this area has the highest density of grizzly bears in the lower 48.

 Part of the Chinese Wall in the Bob Marshall Wilderness

I entered the area from ‘Marias pass’ on US highway 2 in Montana. (Montana is about 1.5 times the size of the UK.) From the entry point I had 120 miles of roadless hiking to the south.

'Marias pass' is approximately 100 miles north from the town of Kalispell, Montana. It borders Glacier National park, the Scapegoat wilderness and the Great Bear wilderness.

 Passing through a large burn area

Forest fires are common in the ‘lower 48’ and a big one hit ‘the Bob’ back in 2007. Another big fire hit the area in 1988 although some regrowth can now be seen with young Pine trees reaching 20ft tall.

Forest fires can look devastating but while they change the flora and fauna temporarily, wild flowers will grow as soon as the next year. Personally I have seen many deer and birds in burnt forest. One problem you may encounter passing through burn area is the temperature can be very hot due to the lack of shade and moisture and dead fall often blocks the trail creating a difficult and sometimes dangerous obstacle course to negotiate.