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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.
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