Marshall Mountain
Full-moon rides at Glacier This one isn’t organized, but it does require a certain amount of planning—specifically around the lunar cycle. During the summer on clear nights with a full moon—or a day before or after—cyclists can take to Going-to-the-Sun Road. The ride itself is a blast, highlighted by a slow, steady grind uphill before a breather at the brilliantly moon-lit Logan Pass. The descent features almost a dozen miles of black ribbon dodging in and out of moon shadows. Couple pointers: it’s cold, especially as you’re barreling downhill, so dress appropriately. Also, the Park Service requires all riders to have both front and rear lights, and to wear helmets. Lastly, expect company. The ride can attract Photo by Chad Harder as many as 500 other cyclists, many of whom park at Avalanche Campground to start their journey. Needless to say, this is one of the coolest—literally and figuratively—ways to experience one of Montana’s treasures.
Montana Whitewater Championships It’s hard to miss Brennan’s Wave, one of downtown Missoula’s best summer attractions. It’ll be even harder to miss the manmade wave under the Higgins Avenue bridge on June 27 and 28 during the Montana Whitewater Championships. That’s when U.S.A. Freestyle Kayaking concludes its 2012 tour with a two-day event featuring competition in nine different categories. Kayakers can register at the USAFK website, or line the banks of the Clark Fork to watch. For more information, visit mtwhitewaterchampionships.com.
Photo by Chad Harder
Montana Whitewater Championship