Trails
The wilderness area presents a variety of hiking options. Some, like the route to Marion Lake, are relatively short day hikes; many, like the trail to Picture Ridge, are long and strenuous. Contact the Forest Service for more information and for map suggestions.
Terrain and Weather
Hikers should be conditioned for the rigors of mountain hiking. Some trails require river fords; use the utmost caution in these situations, some of the most dangerous the backcountry hiker encounters. Be prepared for snow, which blankets the high country for much of the year, and stay off exposed ridges and summits during thunderstorms.
Safety
While you are unlikely to encounter any, grizzly bears inhabit the Bob Marshall and are potentially dangerous. Be aware of bear sign like scat, tracks and diggings, and avoid animal carcasses. Give other creatures like mountain lions, black bears and elk plenty of space.
Article Written By Ethan Schowalter-Hay
Ethan Schowalter-Hay is a writer and naturalist living in Oregon. He has written for the "Observer," the Bureau of Land Management and various online publishers. He holds a Bachelor of Science in wildlife ecology and a graduate certificate in geographic information systems from the University of Wisconsin.
