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.
Continuing our Service to You During the COVID-19 Pandemic
The Forest Service is taking the risks presented by COVID-19 seriously and is following USDA and CDC public health guidance as we continue to offer services to the public. More
Summer is a great time to visit the Bitterroot National Forest. Recreation opportunities abound here including camping at 24 developed campgrounds and 5 group sites, 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.