MT – Newbie

I just had to reply to say that I’m jealous of your location! :)

I’d say spend some time learning to read maps and navigate, and check meetup.com for backpacking groups in your area.

Another thought would be to go into one of the gear shops in your area and see if they have any clinics scheduled that might allow you to meet like-minded folks. It's also not a bad idea to just drop in one of the outfitters and start talking to them. They can often offer a suggestion for a 1-2 night "get acquainted with the area" trip.

Rachel, send me a PM. You don't sound too far from me. I can give you a few tips about local places to check out (and those to avoid).

Come hiking with Clayton and me! With as warm as it's been lately this promises to be a killer year for hiking on dirt.

dave at backpackinglight dot com (seriously, 'net appearances to the contrary I'm actually totally agoraphobic and non-scary).

Rachel,

The Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation in Hungry Horse (at the USFS building), http://www.bmwf.org, and the Montana Wilderness Association, http://www.wildmontana.org, have organized hikes and trail programs in your area. One way to meet some hikers.

Cheers, Richard

Thanks for all the replies! I really appreciate it and I will try to check those out.