Recreation
Bitterroot National Forest Trail Clearing Status Map
Use this map tool to view and search what trails and when those trails were cleared of down trees on Bitterroot National Forest trails.
Bass Creek Recreation Area offers wilderness trail access, campgrounds for families and groups, equestrian facilities, and multi‑use trails for hiking and biking.
Discover the Darby Ranger District, the southern Bitterroot Valley’s gateway to the Sapphire Divide, the rugged Bitterroot canyons, and the vast Selway‑Bitterroot Wilderness—home to some of Montana’s most spectacular terrain.
Lake Como Recreation Area provides a classic Bitterroot National Forest experience, offering opportunities for swimming, fishing, boating, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and camping in a scenic mountain valley.
According to early accounts, Lost Horse Creek earned its name in 1881, when prospectors attempted to cross its swift spring runoff and one of their horses was swept away. The story spread, and the creek soon became known as “Lost Horse”—a name that has endured for generations.
The Magruder Corridor is a 95‑mile primitive road offering a rare glimpse into one of the lower 48’s most remote, undeveloped landscapes. Winding between the Bitterroot and Nez Perce–Clearwater National Forests, it provides sweeping views of the Bitterroot and Clearwater ranges and access to country that remains much as early travelers found it.
Discover the Stevensville Ranger District, set in Montana’s first permanent settlement and the northernmost part of the Bitterroot National Forest. Framed by the rolling Sapphire Mountains and the rugged Bitterroot Range, it offers access to glacial canyons, wilderness terrain, and a wide network of well‑maintained trails.
Discover the Sula Ranger District in the scenic southeast corner of the Bitterroot National Forest. Spanning more than 250,000 acres—including 41,000 within the Anaconda‑Pintler Wilderness—it offers extensive opportunities for exploration and outdoor recreation.
Experience the West Fork Ranger District, where rugged wilderness, top‑tier fishing, and memorable backcountry adventures meet. Just 18 miles south of Darby, Montana, along the scenic West Fork of the Bitterroot River, it’s a prime spot for anglers and river lovers. Spring brings fast, snowmelt‑fed flows, while summer offers calmer waters ideal for fishing and rafting.
The Continental Divide National Scenic Trail in the Bitterroot National Forest invites adventurers to explore 25 miles of high-elevation beauty along the rugged spine of th
The Bitterroot Valley played a major role in the Lewis and Clark Expedition (1804-1806), and it is one of the most meaningful stretches of their journey west.
Experience the powerful story of the 1877 Nez Perce flight as you travel the Nez Perce National Historic Trail through the breathtaking Bitterroot Valley.
Recreation
Castle Rock Trail # 627
The Castle Rock trail is 4.8 miles long. It begins at Road #1303 and ends at Trail #16.2. The trail is open for the following uses: Horseback Riding, Backpacking
Cayuse Creek Trailhead
Cayuse Creek Trailhead consists of a small parking area. Facilities include a small wooden outhouse and hitching rails.
Centennial Grove Trailhead Day Use Area
This short 0.3 mile accessible interpretive trail meanders through a wide range of plant and tree species along the banks of Skalkaho Creek. During your walk you can learn about these different…
Chaffin Creek Trail # 528
The Chaffin Creek Trail #528 follows its namesake creek for approximately 6.3 miles. As the trail ascends 2,700 feet in elevation, hikers can expect to experience beautiful views of the forested…
Chaffin Creek Trailhead
Chaffin Creek Trailhead  offers access to Chaffin Creek Trail #528, Hart, Tamarack and Chaffin Lakes and into the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness.  There are no facilities, and there is adequate…
Chain Of Lakes Trail
The Chain Of Lakes trail is 6.8 miles long. It begins at Road 726 and ends at Trail 313. The Fish Lake Trail offers access into undeveloped high country, complete with scenery, wildlife, and…
Chain of Lakes Trailhead
Access to Fish Lake, Faith Lake, Hope Lake, and Charity Lake
Charles Waters Campground
Site Open
The Charles Waters campground is paved asphalt with 26 campsites plus one double site, including 4 pull-through, one bicycle site, and one horse site; there is also one accessible site with electric…
Chicken Creek Trail # 138
The Chicken Creek trail is 7.2 miles long. It begins at Trail #139 and ends at Trail #106. The trail is open for the following uses: Horseback Riding, Motorcycle Trail Riding, Backpacking
Chicken-deer Creek Trailhead
Chicken-Deer Creek Trailhead has a large parking lot and offers access to Chicken Creek Trail #138 and Deer Creek Trail #139. There are no facilities.