Bitterroot National Forest Overview

Bitterroot National Forest is a spectacular 1.6-million-acre forest located in western Montana and eastern Idaho along the rugged Northern Rocky Mountains. Established in 1898, the forest stretches across the Bitterroot and Sapphire mountain ranges and encompasses some of the most pristine wilderness in the lower 48 states. The forest’s diverse landscape includes towering peaks, deep canyons, alpine lakes, rushing rivers, dense conifer forests, and wide-open valleys.

Known for its outstanding outdoor recreation opportunities, Bitterroot National Forest offers more than 1,600 miles of trails for hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, and backcountry exploration. Visitors can also enjoy camping, fishing, boating, wildlife viewing, hunting, rafting, kayaking, rock climbing, and winter sports. The forest contains portions of three major wilderness areas: the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness, Frank Church–River of No Return Wilderness, and Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness, creating one of the largest continuous wilderness complexes in the continental United States.

Wildlife is abundant throughout the forest and includes elk, mule deer, white-tailed deer, moose, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, black bears, mountain lions, and numerous bird species. Anglers can fish for rainbow, brown, and brook trout in the Bitterroot River, mountain streams, and alpine lakes scattered throughout the forest.

Popular destinations include the scenic Trapper Peak, the highest point in the forest at 10,157 feet, Lake Como, and the dramatic granite walls of Blodgett Canyon. Visitors can also stay in historic ranger stations, rustic cabins, and restored fire lookouts that provide breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.

Amenities

• BBQ Grills
• Boat Launch/Ramp
• Boat Trailer Lot
• Campground Host
• Campsite Tables
• Cell Service - None
• Cell Service Fair
• Cell Service Poor
• Drinking Water
• Dumpsters
• Equestrian Facilities
• Equestrian trail
• Fire Pit
• Fire Rings
• Firewood Available
• Food Storage Locker
• Golden Age & Access Passports accepted
• Grills
• Hiking & Biking Trails
• Pets OK
• Picnic Tables
• Restrooms (Flush Toilets, Vault Toilets)
• Trash Collection

Activities

• ATVing
• Backpacking
• Biking
• Bird Watching
• Boating
• Canoeing
• Climbing
• Fishing
• Fly Fishing
• Hiking
• Historic Sites
• Horseback riding
• Hunting
• Kayaking
• Mountain Biking
• OTV Trails/Riding
• Paddle boarding (SUP)
• Photography
• Picnicking
• Rafting
• Spelunking
• Stargazing
• Swimming
• Water Sports
• Whitewater Kayaking
• Wildlife Viewing
• Winter/Snow Sports