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Bitterroot National Forest
Forests filled with clear mountain streams, rocky canyons
made colorful by the sun, snow covered mountains rising above
green valleys...the Bitterroot National Forest and the Selway-Bitterroot
Wilderness Area contain about 1.6 million acres of prime forest
area. Adjacent to that lies the Frank Church River of No Return
Wilderness Area containing 2.2 million acres of designated wilderness
area. Throw in the Anaconda-Pintler and Welcome Creek Wilderness
areas and you will see that we have the largest wilderness playground
in the lower 48 states. Alpine lakes provide fishing for rainbow,
cutthroat, brown and brook trout. A variety of wildlife including
elk, mule deer, white tail deer, moose, big horn sheep, mountain
goats, black bear, and mountain lions exists in the forests.
Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks are only a few hours
away. Backpacking, horseback riding, fishing, golf, skiing,
snowmobiling, kayaking, rafting, and skydiving are all available
just outside your doorstep. Below are a few of the local favorites.
Trapper Peak
You can grow hoarse talking about the hiking possibilities
in the Bitterroot. One of the best is the ascent to Trapper
Peak. At 10,157 feet, it is the highest peak in the Bitterroot
Mountains. But get this - it isn't a particularly difficult
day-hike. You get to the trailhead by following West Fork Rd.,
MT 473, till you pass the Trapper Peak Job Corps Center. Follow
the signs for about seven miles to the trailhead. The road switchbacks
most of the way up the back of the mountain. If you only do
one hike in the Bitterroots, this should be it.
Lake Como
This lake is just northwest of Darby and is nestled in a
valley rimmed by the most magnificent peaks in the Bitterroots.
You won't be the only camper here but the fishing is good. Too
many speedboats, however, can distract from the natural beauty
and remind you that other people do exist. There is an easy
8 mile loop trail around the lake, a mile of which is paved
for those who are less athletic or handicapped.
Overwhich Falls
Another good, although a bit longer, day-hike
will take you to Overwhich Falls, which plunges 200 feet along
the wall of the Continental Divide near Lost Trail Pass. It's
about 6 miles in but not that bad once you finish the switchbacks
and reach the trailhead. From the Indian Trees Campground follow
the signs for Road 729 to Porcupine Saddle. Follow Shields Creek
from the trailhead to the falls.
Nee-Me-Poo Trail
Located across from Lost Trail Hot Springs, the Nee-Me-Poo
trail follows the route of the Nez Perce on their 1877 flight
from the army. The trail leads uphill through an open Ponderosa
forest and provides views down the Bitterroot Valley to Gibbons
Pass, about 6 miles down the road. One cannot help but imagine
what it was like to walk down this trail with family and friends,
pursued by the U.S. Army.
Painted Rocks Lake
This lake is a reservoir on the West Fork of the Bitterroot
River and it receives a lot less traffic than Lake Como. Personally,
I consider the drive to Painted Rocks Lake to be the most beautiful
drives in the Bitterroot Valley. In other words, don't miss
this one! The splendidly colorful rocks and cliffs possess unequaled
beauty. There are Indian pictographs on the rocks to the west
of the lake. The lake is 23 miles southwest from the intersection
of MT 473 and Highway 93. The Alta Ranger station is located
just south of the lake and was the nation's first ranger station.
Lost Trail Hot Springs
All that hiking make you hot and tired? Stop by the Lost
Trail Hot Springs for a relaxing swim. The pool is large and
pleasantly warm. There is also a hot tub and sauna there.
Hannon Memorial Fishing Access Site
South of Darby is one fishing access that merits a special
mention, the Hannon Memorial Fishing Access Site at Connor.
Here anglers can fish both the East and West forks of the Bitterroot
River as they converge. Camping is also allowed.
Lost Trail Powder Mountain
Located on the Idaho-Montana border, this ski area boasts
some of the best powder snow in the United States. There is
no electricity here so they make their own with a generator.
The season is generally December through April and prices are
low. Lift tickets are around $20 and half-day rates are available.
Blodgett Creek Canyon
Many consider this to be the most beautifully precipitous
canyon in the Bitterroots. The landscape is rugged but the trail
is relatively level and well maintained. Turn west two miles
north of Hamilton on Highway 93 just north of the Bitterroot
River Bridge and you will drive straight to the trailhead.
Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge
This is a great place for short hikes along the Bitterroot
River. This refuge is home to ospreys, eagles and whatever other
migrating birds decide to spend the night there. There are also
deer and coyotes there. After the summer nesting season, a two
mile loop trail will lead you through the refuge. Other shorter
trails are open all year and offer a great place for picnics.
Magruder Corridor
This 107 mile jeep track takes you into the middle of the
largest designated wilderness area in the lower 48 states so
prepare accordingly! Take extra food, clothes, and a sleeping
bag just in case. To the south the road borders the Frank Church
River of No Return Wilderness Area. To the north lies the Selway-Bitterroot
Wilderness Area. Whatever you do, don't forget your camera because
you will see wildlife and scenery that is unforgettable.
Discover Montana
Bitterroot Valley Activities, Sports and Things To Do
Camping |
Canoeing |
Conservation
Cross Country Skiing
| Downhill Skiing |
Farmers Market
Fly Fishing |
Hiking |
Horse Care
Hunting |
Look Outs |
Wildlife Watching
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