Rangers, Trappers and Trailblazers

Untamed Stories from Montana's Legendary Wilderness

Step into the rugged heart of Montana's Bob Marshall Wilderness and Glacier National Park through thirteen gripping pioneer tales. John Fraley weaves a vivid tapestry of daring rangers, fearless trappers, and unforgettable characters who shaped this wild land. From fatal shootouts and grizzly encounters to backcountry plane crashes and unsolved mysteries, these stories bring to life a century of adventure and survival on the Flathead River forks.

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.