Mount Jumbo Summit

Missoula Conservation Lands, Montana

Mount Jumbo is seen from almost every location in is Missoula and is said to resemble an elephant that is reclining. The first mile or so of the trail is a staple in family hikes as it climbs steeply up to the "L" on the north side of Hellgate Canyon. I go up it a few times each year, but today the flowers were in bloom. Not just any flowers but some of my favorites, and a few I don't know the names of.

I always get a kick out of these purple Elkhorn, or stag horn as I have also heard them called. Their real name is Clarkia and they are named for Clark from the Lewis and Clark expedition. I was surprised to see several of them in a section near the summit ridge of the mountain.

Views from the side looking north to the Rattlesnake were pretty good. I stayed on this part of the mountain for a bit enjoying the flowers and the views of the nearby mountains.

The big find for me was hundreds of blooming Bitterroots. I have never seen any in bloom here before today. They really are small delicate flowers. I must have taken over 100 pictures of them. About 30 or so came out good. I just happen to like this one.

 I did see some wildlife as well. Two deer ran past me near the summit. And a huge ant hill. Lots and lots of ants playing around their home.