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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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