Essays
Thoughtful, personal reflections on mountain life, conservation ethics, community challenges and the big questions facing the West. Long-form contemplation that connect with personal experience through the author's own words.
August 18, 2026
Words by Rick Bass | Illustration by Seth Neilson We know the beginning by rote: "In our family, there was…July 27, 2026
Words by Yetta Rose SteinPhotos by Ben Weyer The Smith River is home to trout, owls, moose, and other early…July 27, 2026
By Kaley Burns I almost didn't go to Boston. Not because of the training. Not because of the distance. Not…July 24, 2026
Words and Photos by Jeremy Lurgio We opened the large double-sided map of the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness and splayed it across…July 23, 2026
Words by Eric LaddPhotos by Isaias Miciu Nicolaevici Patagonia River Guides embrace legacy and landscape. Nearly 6,000 miles separate Bozeman,…January 26, 2026
Poem by Leath Tonino Editor's Note: The Centennial Valley in southwest Montana stretches between the Centennial Mountains and sagebrush steppe.…January 26, 2026
By Sula Castilleja Griggs My first encounter with the grove was by chance—a quick stop to stretch my legs after…January 26, 2026
By Bella Butler When the wind passes through the Rattlesnake Wilderness, it rustles the triplet clusters of ponderosa pines and…January 26, 2026
Magnetism, migration, and the enduring mystery of aurora borealis BY CHANDRA BROWN In my mind, the aurora borealis is connected…January 26, 2026
By Maggie Neal DohertyPhotos by Bobby Jehrig Brendan Leonard is running to our interview. No, he's not running late but…
