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 -
It's All Yours
The National Forests and Grasslands are all yours to discover, enjoy and care for and are some of the most accessible public lands available; both in the variety of activities - hiking, fishing, camping, hunting, motorized sports, skiing, and more - and their geographic spread - seven in ten Americans live within a two-hour drive of a National Forest.
When we say "It's all yours to explore, discover and care for" we mean that. Like most things that people "own", National Forests require care and stewardship. National Forests depend on you to be good stewards of the land by recreating responsibly, following outdoor ethics, and getting involved in the care of these places. Your efforts will ensure they remain healthy and vibrant places to recreate for generations to come.
Summer is a great time to visit the Bitterroot National Forest. Recreation opportunities abound here including camping at 24 developed campgrounds and 5 groupsites, hiking on more than 1,600 miles of trails, fishing for brook and rainbow trout in crystal-clear Alpine lakes, boating, biking, horseback riding and more.
The new forest travel plan, approved May 11, 2016, designates 2,246 miles of forest roads and trails open to motorized use, nearly the driving distance between Hamilton and New York City.
Stay in touch with the Bitterroot National Forest on Facebook! Our Discover the Bitterroot page offers photos, videos, weather and road reports, recreation information, and much more.
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.
Beginning Fall 2016, you may see Bitterroot National Forest employees working in developed and dispersed recreation sites and along Forest Service roads.
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