Hiking up Smokejumper’s Trail to the top of Mount Sentinel over Missoula
January 25, 2021
There are many ways to scale Mount Sentinel and see Missoula from above. Some routes are obvious as the trail scar follows the west-facing ridge up to the top. Others like the Smokejumper’s Trail are a little less apparent.
Branching to the south from the Kim Williams Trail, this route starts at the Clark Fork River and ascends nearly 2000 feet. Hiking up a forested ravine, the trail is mostly a series of switchbacks with views of the river and Mount Jumbo. We decided to descend using the traditional trail which goes down to the M and the University of Montana.
On the way back down as we crossed the open face of Mount Sentinel, Vida explored the old copper mine that is located about a mile from the trailhead. She definitely enjoys crawling into those dark, tight spaces…Radd stayed safely at the entrance.
It is the perfect trail for a quick challenge with minimal travel (If you live in Missoula. If you live in Florida, it is a bit of a drive).