I admit bouldering isn’t my favorite pastime. Give me a rope and some gear, and I’ll climb just about anything, within reason. But take away those safety nets, and I have a hard time getting into it.
However, the technical demands of bouldering offer climbers one of the best ways to sharpen technique, so fortunately I have enough friends interested in the sport to push me past my limits and get me on the rock without gear. And without the confines of a harness, I’ve even discovered bouldering allows you to climb in pretty much anything – even a skirt.
The Swan River Nature Trail in Bigfork is one of the easiest and quickest ways to access some great boulders. Just walk down the trail a bit and take your pick among the dozens of large rocks lining the left side. There are great, easy climbs for beginners or anyone barefoot or in tennis shoes, as well as some more challenging routes for advanced climbers with shoes and a chalk bag. Always make sure to go with a partner who can spot you.
In August, when the water tames to a much lower flow, giant boulders appear at the Swan River’s shoreline if you hike down some of the trails on the right side. These rocks are generally for the advanced climber.