Description The Bitterroot National Forest spectacular 1.6 million acres which straddles in the Northern Rocky Mountains, surrounding the Bitterroot Valley in west central Montana and a portion of the Selway River drainage in east central Idaho. National Forest lands begin in the foothills above the Bitterroot River Valley in two mountain ranges: the Bitterroot Mountains on the west and the Sapphire Mountains on the east side of the valley. Much of its beauty can be attributed to the heavily glaciated, rugged peaks of the Bitterroot Range. Drainages carved by glaciers form steep canyons that open into the valley floor.
Animals: The Bitterroot Forest is home to many species of wildlife, from mule deer, whitetail deer, elk, bighorn sheep, Rocky Mountain goats, black bear, mountain lions, and moose to many varieties of smaller songbirds, hawks, eagles, and owls. In shaded groves, along quiet pools and out on the windswept range, gophers, chipmunks, beaver, porcupine, woodchucks, rabbits, squirrels, etc.
Plants: Trere have many grasses and shrublands, Douglas fir, Douglas larch, Lodgepole pine, Engelmann, Spruce , Ponderosa pine, Subalpine fir, Subalpine larch and whitebark pine, etc.
Recreational sites include:
Auto Touring
Biking
Camping
Climbing
Downhill skiing
Fishing
Hiking
Historic & Cultural Site
Horseback Riding
Hunting
Interpretive Programs
Paddling Sports
Picnicking
Recreational Vehicles
Water Sports
Wildlife Viewing
Satellite Map:
Headquarters: Hamilton, Montana, Missoula. National Park Contact Information: Bitterroot National Forest 1801 N. 1st Street Hamilton, 59840
