Smoky Sunset - Missoula, Montana

The Lolo Peak fire is still going strong, filtering smoke into the Missoula valley and making for some dramatic sunsets. And we are still praying for more rain.

Fire Formations - Missoula, Montana

Smoke plumes from a couple peripheral fires burning on national forest land blended with high cloud formations above the Missoula valley. Fire season presents a strange dichotomy which we in the western mountain regions have become used to: it makes for spectacular sunsets and provokes good-paying jobs, but we'd all prefer some rain.

Fire Season - Lolo Peak, Lolo National Forest, Montana

"Love is a smoke rais'd with the fume of sighs;
Being purg'd, a fire sparkling in a lover's eyes..."

- from Romeo and Juliet, Act 1, Scene 1, Line 196

Praying For Rain, Victor, Montana

August is fire season in western Montana. Smoke blows into the valleys not only from area fires, but also from ones in neighboring states.
Consider a visit later in September, and enjoy clear skies and cool nights.

Home on the Range, First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park, Ulm, Montana

Smoke from regional forest fires hazes the mountains near Great Falls and Ulm, Montana, add to the lonely aspect of this tipi set up in First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park.
While affecting a picturesque filter from a distance, wild fire safety is definitely something to be aware of before you head out into any wilderness. RidersTrail offers some safe planning food-for-thought in their useful infographic.

West Side Fireweed, Hamilton, Montana

If I ever complain about snow, I remind myself that I'll be thankful for it come late summer forest fire season in Montana. I think this wildflower is actually called fireweed, due to its inclination to quickly pop up in recently burned areas.

Looking South from the "M", Missoula, Montana

If you ever get to Missoula, be sure to pack a water bottle & hike up to the “M” above the University of Montana. The continually changing views are worth any anguishing reminder that you used to be more in shape.
On the early fall day pictured above, forest fires still hazed the mountain ranges all the way down the Bitterroot Valley. Which brings me to another thing for which to be thankful during the winter: we’re not breathing smoke from local forest fires.