Welcome to the Bitterroot National Forest

Wildflowers near French Basin.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. 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

Summer Recreation Opportunities

Jet Ski on Lake Como

Summer is a great time to visit the Bitterroot National Forest.


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

The next time you visit your local Ranger District ont eh Bitterroot National Forest, make sure you stop and enjoy our native plant and pollinator gardens.

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.

 




Insect and Disease Affecting Trees in the Bitterroot

Insect and disease related mortality in the forests of the Bitterroot Valley attract a good deal of attention. 

Crews work to Remove Pine Beetle-Infested Trees from Campground

Last year, the Bitterroot National Forest’s revamped Three Frogs Campground at Lake Como had more visitors than ever, despite opening several weeks later than normal.



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Fire Danger Level: Low

Highlights

  • Bitterroot Resort Special Use Permit Proposal
    The Bitterroot and Lolo National Forests received a proposal from the Bitterroot Resort on March 22, 2012 to develop a ski area on the Bitterroot and Lolo National Forests.
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