Heroes of the Bob Marshall Wilderness

Discover the trailblazers who shaped Montana's wild heart

Journey through a century of rugged wilderness adventure alongside John Fraley as he chronicles the lives of the Bob Marshall Wilderness heroes—riders, packers, anglers, and conservationists whose passion and grit have preserved this iconic landscape. From historic horse treks and thrilling wildlife encounters to smokejumper rescues and pioneering grizzly studies, each story captures the spirit of the West's enduring wild frontier.

About the Author

John Fraley came to Montana as a teenager to attend the University of Montana, where he received a B.S. in Wildlife Biology. He continued his education at Montana State University and received an M.S. in Fish and Wildlife Management. John worked for the state wildlife agency for nearly forty years, mostly in the forks of the Flathead River. He retired in 2017. For thirty-four years he has also served as an adjunct instructor at Flathead Valley Community College, where he teaches wildlife conservation and other courses. John has written numerous magazine articles on the history of the Flathead country. His other books include Rangers, Trappers, and Trailblazers; A Woman's Way West; and Heroes of the Bob Marshall Wilderness. John's wife, Dana, and children, Kevin, Heather, and Troy, share with him a love of wandering around the backcountry of the three forks of the Flathead River.