Mountain-to-Meadow Half Marathon and 5K Fun Run

Photos by Heidi Walker.

The 2008 Mountain-to-Meadow: Half Marathon & 5K Fun Run was a huge success! Nearly 200 participants enjoyed the spectacular surroundings and beautiful weather on Saturday, June 28. The run began at the Lolo Pass Visitor Center (elev. 5225) on Highway 12, at the Idaho-Montana border. Runners wound their way through 14 miles Engleman Spruce and White Pine forests, and enjoyed dramatic views of the Bitterroot Mountains in the distance. Both the 5K run and the 14-mile loop passed by Packer Meadows, a scenic and historically significant site along the Nez Perce and Lewis and Clark trails.

To further deepen runners' appreciation of Lolo Pass' natural beauty, a representative of the Nez Perce gave hourly presentations on the tribal significance of the camas flowers, then in full bloom in fields and meadows all around the Visitor Center. And to top it all off, our friends at Travelers Rest State Park hosted an encampment of the Travelers Rest Brigade, which featured stories and demonstrations about Lewis and Clark as they passed through the area over 200 years ago.

Thanks to all of our sponsors and volunteers for their support, enthusiasm, and tireless help. Everyone's combined effort really made this event a success. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor or volunteer for the 2009 event, please contact us soon. Next year's event is already in the planning stages.

Proceeds of these events will be used to help visitors discover and appreciate the rich history and striking beauty of the area around Lolo Pass Visitor Center. To learn more about Northwest Interpretive Association, and the many ways we help people discover and appreciate public lands all across the Northwest, see About Us.

Got questions about the run? Email us at: Location of Lolo Pass Visitor Center View Google Map