Darby Ranger District
Explore the Darby Ranger District—your premier gateway to the southern Bitterroot Valley’s most iconic landscapes. Located in Darby, Montana, this district sits at the heart of the Bitterroot National Forest and offers unmatched access to both the rugged Bitterroot Range and the sweeping Sapphire Mountains.
To the east, visitors can enjoy rolling foothills that rise toward the dramatic Sapphire Divide and the Sapphire Wilderness Study Area. To the west, the landscape quickly transitions into steep, scenic canyons that lead into the protected Selway‑Bitterroot Wilderness.
As the forest’s most popular recreation area, the Darby Ranger District is home to standout destinations like Lake Como—one of the Bitterroot’s top attractions. With three developed recreation sites, a sandy beach, accessible trails, picnic areas, a rental cabin, and a full‑service boat dock and launch, Lake Como draws visitors from across western Montana and neighboring Idaho. Other notable recreation sites include Black Bear Campground, Schumaker Campground, Lost Horse Cabin, Wood’s Cabin, and the historic Gird Point Lookout. Adventure starts here.
Complexes
With over 200,000 visitors annually, the Lake Como Recreation Area is one of the busiest recreation areas in the region. Located approximately four miles to the NW of the town of Darby, MT, the year-round recreation area provides for a variety of multi-use recreation activities. Originally a much smaller natural lake, the initial dam was completed in 1910 to provide irrigation to the Bitterroot Valley. The dam was again raised in the mid-1990s to its current level. Lake Como is now approximately 980 acres, 3 ½ miles long, and has approximately 8 miles of shoreline. However, only ½ mile of lake is accessible by vehicle.
A unique opportunity in Montana! This swimming area is located on beautiful Lake Como, located between Darby and Hamilton, Montana.
The Lake Como Boat Launch is located within the Lake Como Recreation Area, located between Darby and Hamilton, Montana. The site hosts 38 boat trailer parking spots a
This picnic site is located within the Lake Como Recreation Area. The site sits along the shore of Lake Como and provides a fabulous view of Como Peaks.
Lake Como National Recreation Trailhead is located in the Lake Como Recreation Area near the entrance to Three Frogs Campground.
Nestled on the north shore of beautiful Lake Como, the historic Woods Cabin offers a truly rustic Montana experience.
The Lake Como Campground, a.k.a. "Lower Como", is located within the Lake Como Recreation Area in between Darby and Hamilton, Montana.
Three Frogs Campground is located at the Lake Como Recreation Area, located between Darby and Hamilton, Montana.
Rock Creek Horse Camp, located within the Lake Como Recreation Area, features 11 tent and small trailer campsites (4 are pull-through), accessible vault toilets, gravel sur
Three Sisters Group Site is an accessible site located across the road from the Rock Creek Horse Camp within the Lake Como Recreation Area.
Recreation Sites
Black Bear Campground
Gird Point Lookout
Lake Como Beach Swimming Site
Lake Como Boat Launch
Lake Como Campground
Lake Como Group Picnic Site
Lake Como National Recreation Trailhead
Lost Horse Guard Station
Rock Creek Horse Camp
Rock Creek Trailhead