Hiking Opportunities

These hikes provide an opportunity for members of the Evangelical Covenant Church and friends to enjoy some special places in the Helena area. This is not a club! . . . It’s an opportunity. People who do not attend our church, including total strangers, are welcome. I hope you will consider joining us. If you have questions, call Rod Benson at 443-0003. Here are the hikes that are planned for the 2006 season. Dates and other information about the August-October hikes will be posted by July 1st.

1. Mt. Ascension Loop: Thursday, May 18th at 6:30 p.m.
From the parking lot at the south end of Beattie Street, we will do a 4.7 mile loop through the South Hills. The trail will take us along the archery range and then up to the top of Mt. Ascension where we will have a great view of Helena.

2.The Ridge Trail south of Helena: Thursday, June 1st at 6:30 p.m.
Meet in the church parking lot at 6:30 p.m. We will carpool from there (15 minute drive). The trail ends at Mt. Helena parking lot.

3. Lewis and Clark Pass: Sunday, July 23rd
There will be two options. Those who want a more challenging 9-10 mile hike will leave after the early service and drive to Roger's Pass. They will walk along the Continental Divide Trail to Lewis and Clark Pass. The other group will leave from the church at 1:00 pm and take a shorter route to the pass.

Click here for more details about the hike to Lewis and Clark Pass

4. Meteor Shower Campout: Friday, August 11th
We will park at McDonald Pass and then hike along the Continental Divide Trail to an open area. We will pitch tents there, but spend much of the night outside enjoying the annual meteor shower. This hike will take place on Friday, August 11th. We will return to Helena the next morning (August 12th)

Click here for more details about the meteor shower trip

5. Mann Gulch: Saturday, September 16
Participants will meet at the church at 8 am. From there we will drive 20 miles to Upper Holter Lake (Hilger Landing), and then take a 15-minute boat ride (We need 2 boats!) to the mouth of Mann Gulch. The hike is about 8 miles, so bring a good lunch and plenty of water. Also, bring $5 to help with the boating costs. Be sure to let Rod know if you plan to participate (443-0003).

To see the path that we will take, click here.

6. Red Mountain near Rimini: Saturday, October 7th

Click here for details about this hike.

November ?
If winter holds off we may offer a hike onto Crown Butte near Simms on a Saturday. Watch the Sunday bulletin for an announcement during November.