I climbed in the Bitterroot’s Mill Creek Canyon decades ago. This year in returning to the canyon I was surprised by finding over 60 fixed routes and some 500 permanently placed bolts. It reeks of illicit and disrespectful behavior.
In the immediate area golden eagles nest as do peregrines. All of the routes are within officially designated Recommended Wilderness. This delightful country has taken on a Disneyesque quality and the fixed routes need dismantling ASAP.
Nonetheless, climbing in Mill Creek Canyon can be highly enjoyable. Just take your protection home.
Jim Stubblefield
Hamilton