Even More.....Anaconda Outdoor!
- Alexis Krueger
- Apr 11
- 6 min read
By Alexis Krueger
If you’re reading this blog you probably have some knowledge of or interest in Anaconda, MT. You may or may not already know that it’s truly an outdoor lover’s dream. Regardless of how you enjoy the outdoors, there’s opportunity here. Lace up your hikers and head out on local trails mere minutes from town, ski downhill, cross-country and backcountry, grab binoculars and check out local ungulate and bird populations, jump in your runners and hit the park trails, or take your family out for an evening float on the river—these are just a few reasons people live and visit here. It’s an outdoor mecca, full of opportunity, adventure and community!
As someone who grew up here, I feel incredibly grateful to have access to these familiar and comforting wild spaces. The trails, the mountains, small creeks, all are old friends. And now, as the new owner of Anaconda Outdoor, it’s both a dream and a responsibility—to provide not just quality gear that supports quality experiences, but also create a space to connect people to the outdoors and to one another.
What better way to celebrate this new chapter than with a Grand Reopening Weekend! More on that later, but first I want to highlight some of the reasons to visit Anaconda.
Hiking: Trails For Every Adventurer
If you’re looking for a casual walk with the family, or a thigh and lung burning ascent that makes you question your choices, Anaconda has it all — literally right in town.
Front Country - Washoe Park Trails offer paved opportunities to enjoy nature casually. Warm Springs Creek provides a nice cool down option for the warmer months and the old growth Cottonwoods are magnificent in the fall.
Mid Level - At Lost Creek State Park you can choose your own adventure opportunity. It’s a great place to bring the family for a picnic and to check out the waterfalls, or a beautiful hike through the Flint Creek Range, a great trail run or even some climbing!
Backcountry - The Pintler’s are superior (not at all a biased opinion), full of magical alpine lakes, twisted old trees, and views that make the uphill climb worth it. The greens are greener, the air crisper and the expansiveness truly humbling.
Safety & Gear Tips - Because “winging it” doesn’t work in the backcountry it’s important to be knowledgable, prepared and responsible. Come by the shop to gear up with maps, safety essentials, layers and coffee (because coffee is essential).
Running: The Best Routes
Whether you’re a pavement pounder or devoted to trails, running in Anaconda offers the perfect blend of both to keep you entertained and fit.
Pavement - With almost 20 miles of locally paved trail, you’re guaranteed to find something that suits your fancy. Through the park or along Silver Bow Creek - the views are amazing, and the historical features along upper and lower Old Works Trails offer unique insight to the past.
Trails - If you’re looking for nice flowy single track, long ridge traverses, or technical climbs that really put your legs, lungs, heart and skills to the test, there’s a place for all of it (definitely not all the time, unless your up for miles of post-holing in the snow).
The Right Gear - For hydration packs, the perfect shoes, and all the layers in between, we can help you find the right gear — equipped like a mountain goat (in all the best ways!)
If you’re local and looking for running buddies, we’ve got both Community and Ladies only (sorry dudes) group run opportunities! Running is more fun when you have some one to suffer with (I mean, train with)! Check out Anaconda Outdoor on Facebook and Instagram for more information about the running groups.
Birding: A Paradise for Wildlife Enthusiasts
Not all outdoor adventures involve sweating profusely or pushing yourself like you’re trying to prove something (you don’t have to prove anything to Mother Nature, she accepts you just as you are!) But if you prefer quiet mornings with binoculars in hand, Anaconda is a hot spot for a diverse range of birding.
Song birds to birds of prey - A wide array of bird species populate our diverse habitat. Some of my favorites include: the Great Gray Owl, that can be found year round at Georgetown lake; the Sandhill Crane, which has a unique call and are usually heard before seen; the Mountain Blue Bird, which gives hope to the arrival of spring; and the big and beautiful Trumpeter and Tundra Swans, commonly seen at the Warm Springs Wildlife Management Area. These are some of the common and most easily identified birds in the area, but depending on how big of a bird nerd you are you’re sure to see many more!
Must Have Gear - Binoculars, local bird identification book written by local and devoted avian researcher, cue My Montana Birds by Gary Swant, and the outerwear that makes standing still for long periods of time enjoyable - we got you covered on all accounts.
Well, have I sold you on visiting Anaconda yet? Because if you’re still on the fence we’ve got an event where you can experience all of these things and more!
Join us for our Grand Reopening Weekend!
Celebrate the new ownership of Anaconda Outdoor and new addition of Adella Coffee - the most delicious and dedicated local coffee roaster and specialty coffee provided located in Anaconda Outdoor! We’re celebrating our community and all that it has to offer with a weekend packed full of adventure, coffee, community, and probably a few questionable dance moves!
Dates: May 16th, 17th, and 18th
Location: Anaconda Outdoor, 616 E Park Avenue, Anaconda MT
Friday Events:
Evening Community Run - because running is more fun with friends and you could win a free pair of Altra’s!!
Saturday Events:
Morning Guided Hike with Backcountry Coffee Demo and Tasting - led by people who probably won’t get lost and definitely know a thing or two about coffee and you could win a free pair of Oboz!
Evening Party at Anaconda Outdoor - with music, giveaways, food, drinks, good vibes and better company (as long as YOU are coming)
Sunday Events:
Morning Birding Tour with GoBirdMontana - this is your chance to spot that rare bird and pretend you always knew what it was!
Afternoon Coffee Cupping - learn about single origin, organic, specialty coffee, everything from how coffee is grown and processed, to specific tasting notes based on region, and the chance to bring it all home to enjoy in your pjs!
Whether you’re a local or just passing through, we’d love to have you join us for one or all activities! Go to our Facebook event page for more information and to RSVP.
If you’re traveling to join us (blush) we know the perfect place to cozy in after a full day - Pintler’s Portal Hostel (duh). It’s affordable, community oriented, and conveniently close to the trails and AO! Travelers from all around the world choose Pintler's Portal Hostel. Just think of the people you can meet here. Plus, the owners are some of the kindest, coolest people around!
Our goal is for Anaconda Outdoor to feel like an extension of the community, kind, welcoming and super rad! It’s more than just a shop - it’s a hub for outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds, a place for community to gather and connect, and a one stop shop for adventure essentials and luxuries.
Whether you need gear, coffee, some local info, or just want to chat about your latest adventure, stop by, we would love to connect!
Find us at: 616 E Park Avenue, Anaconda
Visit Online: anacondaoutdoor.com
Follow Us:
Anaconda Outdoor - Facebook
Anacondaoutdoormt - Instagram
Adellacoffeemt - Instagram
Get outside, be responsible, be respectful, and let’s build a stronger outdoor community together. Hope to see you soon - and at the Grand Reopening, of course!
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