Bitterroot Mountains
The Bitterroot Mountains of Montana and Idaho are known well for their ruggedness, remoteness, and historical significance. In 1805 Lewis and Clark and the Corps of Discovery traveled along the Lost Trail through the rugged and steep Bitterroot Mountains on their journey toward the Pacific Coast.
Cold and hungry they descended into the valley of the
Salish Nation where they encountered 440 Native Americans in an area now known
as Ross' Hole. The Bitterroots are also known for being the site where Chief
Joseph, leader of the Nez Perce, surrendered to the government after retreating
for four months with 200 warriors and 500 women and children.
The Bitterroot Range splits the border of Montana and Idaho. From Big Sky,
Montana head either north to I 90 and over toward Missoula. From Missoula follow
Route 93 follows the valley 40 miles southwest through the Bitterroot Mountains
to Lost Trail Pass near Idaho. The Bitterroot National Forest begins in the
Bitterroot and Saphire Ranges above the Bitterroot River. There are three
wilderness areas, Selway-Bitterroot, Anaconda-Pintler, and Frank Church-River of
No Return, in the Bitterroot National Forest. The Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness
is the third largest in the lower 48, extending 60 miles from 9,075 foot Lolo
Peak to 10,157 foot Trapper Peak, the highest peak in the range.
The intrinsic rugged terrain of the Bitterroot Range was sculpted by glaciers
and carved by the Bitterroot River. High ridges and peaks of granite drop into
steep canyons that drain into a series of creeks and over 100 lakes that are
rich with wildlife like elk, deer, mountain lion, moose, and black bear. Where
the elevation drops drastically within such a short distance a visitor will find
a wide range of trees, flowers, and shrubs. Cottonwood strangles the riparian
zones of the river as Douglas fir and Lodge pole pine climb to Engelmann spruce
and the White bark pine that strongly rip the cliff sides of the high alpine.
Adventure never ceases in the Bitterroot Mountains when options are at your
fingertips like rafting, kayaking, hiking on over 700 miles of trail, horseback
riding, hunting deer, elk, mountain lion, and grouse, fishing brook, rainbow,
and brown trout, rock climbing, viewing and photographing wildlife and
wildflowers. In the winter opportunities are endless for snowshoeing,
cross-country and downhill skiing, and snowmobiling. The Salmon and Selway
Rivers are great locations for white water rafting or top-notch stream trout
fishing. Divide Trail is a more popular trail which follows the divide of the
Bitterroots. Many trails are not maintained, however, and require a detailed map
and the use of a compass. Twin Lakes Campground, one of 18 developed
campgrounds, gives easy access to a few trailheads. The natural beauty of the
Bitterroots is not to be missed.
Bitterroot Mountains, MT Weather
Currently Outside81F Sunny. Pleasantly warm. |
