Water Activities

Many water activities are available on the Bitterroot National Forest, from motor boating on Lake Como or Painted Rocks Lake to a slow, lazy float trip down the Bitterroot River. Canoeing, sailing, water skiing, rafting, and tubing are all activities that can be enjoyed on the waters of the Bitterroot National Forest.

Boating - Motorized

Two large reservoirs, Lake Como and Painted Rocks, located in the central and southern end of the Bitterroot National Forest provide opportunities for the motorized boating enthusiast. Due to these reservoirs being a source of irrigation for the Bitterroot Valley the water levels are highest during the early spring to mid-July.

USDA Forest Service allows motorized boating on many of its lakes and rivers, with boat ramps and launching piers available at some locations, though regulations and restrictions vary by area.

Other info

Regulations and restrictions
- Permits: Some areas may require special use permits issued by the Forest Service.
- Motor Types: Some areas may limit motorized boating to electric motors only.
- Season: Some areas may have seasonal restrictions on motorized boating.
Safety:
- Weather Conditions: Use caution around piers/launches, shorelines, and portages, especially during high water levels or inclement weather.
- Hazards: Be aware of potential hazards such as fallen trees and other debris.
To find specific information for a particular National Forest or area, visit the USDA Forest Service website and search for the specific forest or recreation area you are interested in.

Know before you go

Tread lightly

USDA Forest Service

FS - Wild and Scenic Rivers

Boating - Non-Motorized

The USDA Forest Service allows non-motorized boating (canoes, kayaks, etc.) on many of its lakes and rivers, with specific areas and regulations varying by forest and location.
Floating or paddling through the forests is the perfect way to view wildlife and take in the beauty of riparian vegetation. During spring flows, kayaking and canoeing opportunities are the best in many of our waterways.

Other info

General information
- Non-motorized boating
  - The Forest Service permits non-motorized boating, including activities like canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding, on many of its waterways.
- Vessel types
  - This typically includes canoes, kayaks, rowboats, and other human-powered vessels.
- Specific regulations
  - Regulations can vary significantly by forest and specific water body, so it's crucial to check with the local Forest Service office for the most up-to-date information.
- Outfitters and guides
  - Many national forests have licensed outfitters and guides that offer non-motorized boating trips and rentals.

Know before you go

Tread lightly

USDA Forest Service

FS - Wild and Scenic Rivers

Swimming

Swimming can be a fun way to cool off on a hot day, but make sure you follow safety guidelines. Many national forest swimming areas will not have designated lifeguards on duty.
- Learn to swim.
- Designate a responsible adult to supervise children.
- Don’t swim alone. It is always safer to swim with a buddy.
- Learn CPR.
- Look before you leap. Always check water conditions and depth before jumping or swimming. Underwater conditions can change quickly, putting hazards like tree branches or rocks in your path that were not there before.
- Beware diving into any natural body of water. It is never safe to jump from rock cliffs, ledges, and man-made structures.
- Swim at designated swimming beaches. Though there is no lifeguard on duty, each has a life-saving ring and frequently tested water quality.
- Do not recreate in boat ramps/launches. Swim and play in designated swim beaches.
Streams and lakes can contain harmful germs, like Cryptosporidium and Giardia, and may not be monitored for water quality for swimming. Swimming or playing in streams or lakes or drinking untreated water can put you at risk for waterborne illness or infection. Follow these safety guidelines to avoid water-borne diseases.
- Treat all water taken from natural sources like springs, streams, or lakes. Boil water for 1 minute or use chemical disinfectants (such as iodine or chlorine) to destroy viruses, bacteria, and parasites. Use a water filter to remove parasites.
- Protect lakes and streams from contamination. Take bathroom breaks and bury any human waste 8 inches deep, at least 200 feet from bodies of water, and downstream from water collection sites.
- Avoid recreating in discolored or cloudy water, water that smells bad, or with pipes draining in or around it. These are potential warnings that there are more disease-causing germs in the water than usual.
- Stay out the water if you have open cuts or wounds.
- Avoid swallowing sand or untreated water while recreating.
- Wash your hands after recreating in natural bodies of water before handling food.
Many swimming holes and beaches are located near other developed recreation sites, such as campgrounds or picnic areas.
Other info
- CDC’s guide about visiting natural bodies of water safely