Journal 59 R.E. Johnson 1968 Aug 3, Missoula to St Marys Peak, Montana occurred in the area but no fires were sighted from St Mary Lookout, Many fires were sighted from Ward Mtn L.O. further south. St Mary peak sits to the east of the main divide of the Bitterroot Mtns. This is true also of all the highest peaks of the range. Each sits on a side running ew ridge. While each of these peaks is above timberline, has some cliff faces & some snow and several are known to have rosy finches (trapper, St Mary, St Joseph), the mainridge is actually more alpine, barren, & snow covered. French (Condor, 61:24) commented on the elevation where rosy finches were found for this range based on his records of the high east side peaks. Actually it is clear that rosy finches must occur at lower elevations & in greater numbers on the main ridge. Scrubby 2-3 foot White-barked pine trees ascend to the top of St Mary Peak on the south slope. The top of the peak is broken rock & scant vegetation. One Rosy Finch was collected from cliffs on the NW after it flew there from the area below the lookout tower. At 5:30 PM one adult & one young were collected below a large snow patch NE of the lookout tower. There were 2 other young birds left uncollected. Two more adults were collected at 8 PM on cliffs W of where the 1st bird was collected. Spent night in the lookout tower with lookout Bruce Johnson.