Bitterroot National Forest

The Bitterroot National Forest contains more than 1.6 million acres in Idaho and Montana. The Bitterroot National Forest, in Montana, has more than 650 miles of trails open to mountain bikes, off-road vehicle and snowmobile use. Another 950 miles of trails provide hiking and horseback access to nearly 300,000 acres of designated “Wilderness”.

The Bitterroot National Forest is full of wide open spaces

The Bitterroot National Forest contains portions of the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness and Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness in Montana along with the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness and the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness in Idaho. The Welcome Creek Wilderness also borders the Bitterroot National Forest in Montana.

Fishing crystal clear mountain streams requires stealth

Bitterroot National Forest Fly Fishing

The alpine lakes and streams in the Bitterroot National Forest contain an abundance of cutthroat and rainbow trout. Brown trout migrate up some of the lower streams in autumn to spawn. Fly fishing is a favorite past-time of visitors and locals alike.

Bitterroot National Forest: Camping

There are 18 developed campgrounds in the Montana portion of the Bitterroot National Forest. Dispersed and backcountry camping is allowed throughout the Bitterroot National Forest. Remember to pack it in-pack it out and “leave no trace”.

Bitterroot National Forest: Cabin & Lookout Rentals

There are several cabins and lookouts for rent in the Bitterroot National Forest. Rustic and primitive, these cabins and lookouts present a unique vacation experience.

Bitterroot National Forest: Hunting

The Bitterroot National Forest offers world class hunting opportunities for elk, whitetail deer, mule deer, moose, bighorn sheep and rocky mountain goats.

Bitterroot National Forest: Winter Activities

Winter activities in the Bitterroot National Forest include alpine skiing, cross country skiing, snowmobiling and snowshoeing.

Bitterroot National Forest Ranger Districts

Forest Service Headquarters

316 N. Third Street
Hamilton, MT 59840
(406) 363-3131

Darby Ranger District

Box 266
Darby, MT 59829
(406) 821-3913

Sula Ranger District

Sula, MT 59871
(406) 821-3201

Stevensville Ranger District

88 Main Street
Stevensville, MT 59870
(406) 777-5461

West Fork Ranger District

Darby, MT 59829
(406) 821-3269