Bitterroot National Forest

Quick Facts

Montana

(406) 363-7100

Map Directions

Things To Do

Overview

Leave your stress behind! You will find this spectacular 1.6 million acre forest in southwest Montana and Idaho to be a priceless national heritage. Half of the forest is dedicated to the largest expanse of continuous pristine wilderness in the lower 48 states -- the Selway Bitterroot, Frank Church River of No Return, and the Anaconda Pintler. Much of its beauty can be attributed to the heavily glaciated, rugged peaks of the Bitterroot Range. Drainages carved by glaciers form steep canyons that open into the valley floor. The abundance of natural resources offers a wide range of opportunities for recreation, grazing, wildlife, fisheries, timber, and minerals. The Forest offers a variety of recreation sites including more than 35 campgrounds and picnic areas and many water sport and winter play areas. The Bitterroot National Forest offers a "Walk by the Light of the Moon" series of interpretive walks during spring, summer, fall and winter. Come enjoy the magnificent mountains, the serenity of wilderness, the miracle of spring flowers, majestic big game, and the sounds of birds here in the multiple land use recreation area.

Map of Bitterroot Nat'l Forest

Latitude, Longitude: 46.232778, -113.963611

Bicycling
There are a number of mountain biking trails in the Forest. Pick from a selection of the forest's most scenic trails and enjoy breathtaking views. Breathtaking scenery is provided by 30 deep, rocky, glaciated canyons breaking the sharp face of the Bitterroot range at regular intervals to the west.
Auto/Motorcycle
There are a number of OHV trails in the Forest. Pick from a selection of the forest's most scenic trails and enjoy breathtaking views. Breathtaking scenery is provided by 30 deep, rocky, glaciated canyons breaking the sharp face of the Bitterroot range at regular intervals to the west.
Camping
Want to kick back and relax under shady pines by a sparkling lake? Looking for a "base camp" for a day of hiking, rock climbing, boating, fishing, or swimming? Want to just get out of the house for the day for a nice picnic in the great outdoors? If so, the Bitterroot National Forest can offer you that and more!
Climbing
The Forest's deep canyons offer some spectacular climbing opportunities.
Fishing
Lake Como and the Forest's rivers and streams offer numerous opportunities for anglers.
Hiking
Pick from a selection of the forest's most scenic trails and enjoy breathtaking views. Breathtaking scenery is provided by 30 deep, rocky, glaciated canyons breaking the sharp face of the Bitterroot range at regular intervals to the west. Most of this rugged range is wilderness. To the east, the Sapphire range presents a gentler horizon.
Historic Sites
The Bitterroot National Forest offers a "Walk by the Light of the Moon" series of interpretive walks during spring, summer, fall and winter. These walks are based on the book by Frances Hamerstrom titled "Walk When the Moon is Full", about taking her children on nature walks every month under the full moon. The monthly interpreters conducting the walks range from foresters to biologists, from scientists to historians, from poets to storytellers, possibly everything under the sun, uh, the moon.
Horseback Riding
Pick from a selection of the forest's most scenic trails and enjoy breathtaking views. Breathtaking scenery is provided by 30 deep, rocky, glaciated canyons breaking the sharp face of the Bitterroot range at regular intervals to the west. Most of this rugged range is wilderness. To the east, the Sapphire range presents a gentler horizon.
Hunting
Hunting is permitted in accordance with Montana state regulations.
Picnicking
Campgrounds offer picnic facilities, or stop for lunch at one of the forest's scenic lookouts.
RVing
Many campsites offer amenities for RV users.
Water Sports
The Bitterroot National Forest provides numerous opportunities to enjoy water activities such as boating, rafting, water-skiing and fishing. The Lake Como Recreation Area has opportunities for a variety of day, overnight, extended backpacking, motorized and non-motorized use. The Main Salmon, Middle Fork of the Salmon, Selway, and Snake-Hells Canyon Rivers, located in central Idaho and eastern Oregon, offer a broad range of floating and recreation opportunities. These exciting rivers provide scenery, steep canyons, wildlife, and whitewater thrills for thousands of river runners each summer during the floating season.
Winter Sports
The Bitterroot National Forest is no exception in providing winter recreation. Opportunities from the thrill of downhill skiing and snowmobiling, to the quiet solitude of cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are available.