If you have experienced the Mission Mountains and Mount McDonald (el.9820) ... we salute you!
Where else can you find such a dynamic array of forest, fauna, and features?
Surrounding Mount McDonald are some mystical places: Lake of the Clouds, Icefloe Lake, Panoramic Peak, Mountaineer Peak, Lucifer Lake, Lake of the Stars, Vacation Pass, High Park Lake, Angels Bathing Pool, Gray Wolf Lake, Turquoise Lake, to name a few.
Whether or not you plan to summit Mount McDonald, or kick back at Kicking Horse Reservoir to enjoy the view, the McDonald Peak Treeline Hoodie from True Earth Wear will keep your head in the clouds!
Please remember that the McDonald Peak Grizzly Bear Area is closed to all recreational use from July 15 to October 1st each year so the local Griz can gorge themselves on Army Cutworm Moths, rumored to be quite a delicacy for Ursus Horribilis!
• 95% recycled polyester, 5% spandex
• Fabric weight (may vary by 5%): 9.08 oz./yd.² (308 g/m²)
• Soft cotton-feel fabric face
• Brushed fleece fabric inside
• Double-lined hood with design on both sides
• Unisex style
• Comes with drawstrings
• Overlock seams
• Imagery compliments of USGS
Size guide
CHEST (inches) | WAIST (inches) | HIPS (inches) | |
2XS | 34 ⅝ | 28 ⅜ | 35 ⅜ |
XS | 36 ¼ | 29 ⅞ | 37 |
S | 37 ¾ | 31 ½ | 38 ⅝ |
M | 39 ⅜ | 33 ⅛ | 40 ⅛ |
L | 42 ½ | 36 ¼ | 43 ¼ |
XL | 45 ⅝ | 39 ⅜ | 46 ½ |
2XL | 48 ⅞ | 42 ½ | 49 ⅝ |
3XL | 52 | 45 ⅝ | 52 ¾ |
4XL | 55 ⅛ | 48 ⅞ | 55 ⅞ |
5XL | 58 ¼ | 52 | 59 |
6XL | 61 ⅜ | 55 ⅛ | 62 ¼ |
History
Mount McDonald is a notable peak in the Mission Mountain Range of western Montana, a range known for its rugged beauty, ecological diversity, and significant cultural and spiritual importance to the Salish and Kootenai tribes. Located within the Flathead Indian Reservation, Mount McDonald and the surrounding Mission Mountains reflect a rich history that intertwines natural heritage with Indigenous culture, European exploration, and modern-day conservation efforts.
Geographical Context
Mount McDonald is one of the prominent peaks in the Mission Range, a part of the northern Rocky Mountains. This range stretches approximately 45 miles north to south along the western edge of the Flathead Valley, bordered to the west by the Flathead River and to the east by the Swan Valley. The mountains’ sharp, jagged peaks and steep cliffs were shaped by glacial and volcanic activity over millennia, resulting in the rugged, dramatic topography characteristic of the area. Mount McDonald itself rises to over 8,000 feet, making it a significant peak within the range and offering sweeping views of the surrounding valleys and distant mountain ranges.
Indigenous History and Cultural Significance
Long before European settlers arrived, the Mission Mountains, including Mount McDonald, were part of the ancestral lands of the Salish and Kootenai tribes. These tribes have deep-rooted connections to the land, with cultural, spiritual, and practical ties to the mountains. The Mission Mountains and Mount McDonald were considered sacred, serving as places for vision quests, spiritual renewal, and the gathering of medicinal plants. For generations, the Salish and Kootenai people navigated these challenging landscapes, developing a profound understanding of the mountains and a unique relationship with the environment.
The arrival of European settlers in the early 19th century brought significant changes to the lives of the Indigenous communities and the landscape itself. Early explorers, missionaries, and fur traders disrupted traditional practices, and by the 1850s, treaties like the Hellgate Treaty of 1855 redefined land boundaries. The Flathead Reservation was established, and though the Salish and Kootenai tribes retained control over a portion of their land, their lives and practices were profoundly altered.
European Exploration and Development
European exploration of the Mission Mountains began in the early 1800s, largely driven by fur traders and missionaries. The Lewis and Clark Expedition of 1804-1806 helped introduce non-Indigenous people to western Montana, and soon, French-Canadian trappers, Jesuit missionaries, and settlers began to arrive. In 1854, Jesuit missionaries established the St. Ignatius Mission in the foothills of the Mission Range, which brought more settlers into the area and resulted in further cultural exchanges and conflicts between Indigenous communities and settlers.
With the establishment of the Flathead Reservation, settlers saw new opportunities to develop land and industry in the region. However, the remote, steep, and rugged terrain of the Mission Mountains limited large-scale settlement or industry. Instead, these mountains became more widely known for their natural beauty, attracting climbers, explorers, and early conservationists who sought to experience and preserve the pristine wilderness.
Conservation Efforts
By the 20th century, conservation efforts gained momentum, driven by both local tribes and the state of Montana. In 1979, the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes established the Mission Mountains Tribal Wilderness, the first tribally designated wilderness area in the United States. This historic action was part of an effort to preserve the cultural and ecological heritage of the mountains, including Mount McDonald, by restricting development and allowing only limited recreational activities.
The creation of the Mission Mountains Wilderness, which spans over 73,000 acres, protects these lands from logging, mining, and other forms of industrial use. This designation also helps maintain the environmental integrity of the Mission Range, safeguarding critical habitats for wildlife species such as grizzly bears, mountain goats, and wolverines. The preservation of this wilderness area has allowed for continued spiritual and traditional practices by the Salish and Kootenai people while making the beauty of the mountains accessible for recreational hikers, climbers, and nature enthusiasts.
Mount McDonald in the Present Day
Today, Mount McDonald remains a popular destination for experienced hikers and climbers seeking the challenge of its steep, demanding trails and the reward of stunning views. Though it is relatively remote and requires considerable skill to access, the mountain attracts those drawn to the unspoiled wilderness and cultural richness of the region. Efforts by the Salish and Kootenai tribes to maintain the ecological and spiritual integrity of the area continue, ensuring that Mount McDonald and the surrounding Mission Mountains remain protected from overuse and environmental degradation.
The history of Mount McDonald and the Mission Mountains serves as a reminder of the enduring connection between people and nature. From the Salish and Kootenai tribes’ spiritual connection to the land to early explorers’ awe of the wilderness and modern conservation efforts, this landscape has long inspired a sense of reverence. Mount McDonald stands not only as a physical landmark but as a symbol of resilience, cultural identity, and the importance of environmental stewardship.