Bitterroot National Forest – Image Gallery

Bitterroot National Forest

Details

Bitterroot National Forest

The Bitterroot National Forest is located in western Montana and encompasses over 1.6 million acres of diverse landscapes, including rugged mountain ranges, lush forests, and pristine alpine lakes. The forest is named after the bitterroot flower, a native plant that blooms in the spring and is a symbol of the region's natural beauty.

Features:

• Mountain Ranges: The Bitterroot National Forest is home to several mountain ranges, including the Bitterroot Range, Sapphire Range, and Anaconda Range. These mountains provide a stunning backdrop for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and fishing.
• Forests: The forest is predominantly covered in dense forests of pine, fir, and spruce trees, providing habitat for a variety of wildlife species, including elk, deer, black bears, and mountain lions.
• Alpine Lakes: The forest is dotted with numerous alpine lakes, such as Blodgett Lake and Lake Como, which offer opportunities for boating, fishing, and swimming.
• Wilderness Areas: The Bitterroot National Forest contains several designated wilderness areas, including the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness and the Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness, which are protected from development and provide a pristine natural environment for visitors to explore.

Ecological Significance:

The Bitterroot National Forest is an ecologically important area that supports a wide range of plant and animal species. The forest provides critical habitat for threatened and endangered species, such as the grizzly bear and the Canada lynx. Additionally, the forest plays a crucial role in maintaining water quality in the region, as its forests act as natural filters for runoff and help to prevent erosion and sedimentation in local waterways.

Overall, the Bitterroot National Forest is a valuable natural resource that offers visitors the opportunity to experience the beauty of Montana's wilderness while also serving as an important habitat for a diverse array of plant and animal species.

Bitterroot National Forest

Points of Interest

Most Popular Points of Interest in Bitterroot National Forest

• Lake Como: A picturesque lake perfect for fishing, swimming, and hiking. Visitors can also rent canoes and kayaks to explore the serene waters.
• Trapper Peak: The highest peak in the Bitterroot Range, offering challenging hiking trails and stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
• Blodgett Canyon: A rugged canyon with towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls, popular for rock climbing and photography.
• Painted Rocks State Park: A historic site with ancient pictographs and petroglyphs created by Native American tribes, offering a glimpse into the area's rich cultural heritage.
• Sapphire Mountains: Known for their striking blue hue, these mountains offer excellent hiking, hunting, and wildlife viewing opportunities.
• Skalkaho Falls: A stunning waterfall cascading over a series of rocky ledges, accessible via a short hike through the forest.

Bitterroot National Forest – Images

Description: French basin near Sula, 1939

Image by Bitterroot National Forest – Public domain – Wikimedia

Description: CH McDonald. 1958. Bitterroot National Forest. Landscapes - Upper Fre Burr Canyon from the pass into Mill Creek. Wilderness Area.

Image by Forest Service Northern Region from Missoula, MT, USA – Public domain – Wikimedia

Description: Photographer unknown. 1922. Bitterroot National Forest. Landscapes - Spot Mountain.

Image by Forest Service Northern Region from Missoula, MT, USA – Public domain – Wikimedia

Description: Photographer unknown. 1922. Bitterroot National Forest. Landscapes - The Big Horn Crags south of Salmon River.

Image by Forest Service Northern Region from Missoula, MT, USA – Public domain – Wikimedia

Description: Photographer unknown. 1922. Bitterroot National Forest. Landscapes - from Steep Hill Trail, Salmon Mountain District.

Image by Forest Service Northern Region from Missoula, MT, USA – Public domain – Wikimedia

Description: Photographer unknown. 1922. Bitterroot National Forest. Landscapes.

Image by Forest Service Northern Region from Missoula, MT, USA – Public domain – Wikimedia

Description: Theodore Shoemaker. 1924. Bitterroot National Forest. Landscapes - looking across Big Creek.

Image by Forest Service Northern Region from Missoula, MT, USA – Public domain – Wikimedia

Description: Big Creek Lake and Pilot Peak, looking southward from Stormy Pass.

Image by CH McDonald, US Forest Service – Public domain – Wikimedia

Description: Powell Handcrew, NPC NF - off forest resources, sharing prescribed fire duties across boundaries.

Image by Forest Service Northern Region – Public domain – Wikimedia

Description: Trapper Peak of the Bitterroot Mountains — in the Bitterroot National Forest, western Montana.

Image by U.S. Forest Service – Public domain – Wikimedia