Welcome to the Bitterroot National Forest

Winter at Lake ComoLeave 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. Come enjoy the magnificent mountains, the serenity of wilderness, the miracle of spring flowers, majestic big game, and the sounds of birds here in our land of multiple uses.

 

"A beautiful flower, a beautiful river, a valley, a magnificent range - such is the Bitter Root" 

   - Wheeler, 1898 -

Recent News


Features

Winter in the Bitterroot National Forest

View from chairlift at Lost Trail

Winter is a great time to visit the Bitterroot National Forest.  From the thrill of downhill skiing and snowmobiling, to the quiet solitude of cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, there is something for everyone. 


Discover the Bitterroot Store

Discover the Bitterroot Store

Looking for that unique outdoor or nature related gift?  Visit the Discover the Bitterroot store in the lobby of the Forest Service office in Hamilton.


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Spotlights

Bitterroot National Forest Native Plant and Pollinator Gardens

Bitterroot National Forest boasts a garden a year, providing native plant and pollinator gardens across the forest.

Four Rivers Lottery

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.

 




Historic Wood's Cabin at Lake Como Undergoes Restoration

Wood's Cabin was never meant to last this long.

Heavy, wet snow increased avalanche danger in region

So far this winter, the Bitterroot snowpack is trailing behind the average depth, but what there is of it is incredibly dangerous.



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