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Scapegoat Wilderness – Image Gallery

Thirteen students along with four field instructors with the Youth Forest Monitoring Program (YFMP) hike into the Scapegoat Wilderness on the Helena National Forest northwest of Lincoln, Montana. The group gathered data on recreation impacts, water quality and documented the spread of invasive weeds near Webb Lake.
Tom Pederson, a field instructor with the Youth Forest Monitoring Program (YFMP), explains to students how trees literally came out of the ground during a 2003 fire in the area. The students were there for monitoring work in the Scapegoat Wilderness on the Helena National Forest northwest of Lincoln, Mont., July 9-11. The group gathered data on recreation impacts, water quality and documented the spread of invasive weeds near Webb Lake. U.S. Forest Service photo by Brandan W. Schulze.
Students with the Youth Forest Monitoring Program (YFMP) head back home after spending time near Webb Lake in the Scapegoat Wilderness on the Helena National Forest northwest of Lincoln, Mont., July 9-11. The group gathered data on recreation impacts, water quality and documented the spread of invasive weeds near Webb Lake. U.S. Forest Service photo by Brandan W. Schulze.
Students and field instructors with the Youth Forest Monitoring Program (YFMP) hike to Parker Lake after spending the day doing monitoring work in the Scapegoat Wilderness on the Helena National Forest northwest of Lincoln, Mont. The group gathered data on recreation impacts, water quality and documented the spread of invasive weeds near Webb Lake. U.S. Forest Service photo by Brandan W. Schulze.
Thirteen students along with four field instructors with the Youth Forest Monitoring Program (YFMP) hike into the Scapegoat Wilderness on the Helena National Forest northwest of Lincoln, Mont. The group gathered data on recreation impacts, water quality and documented the spread of invasive weeds near Webb Lake. U.S. Forest Service photo by Brandan W. Schulze.
Thirteen students along with four field instructors with the Youth Forest Monitoring Program (YFMP) hike into the Scapegoat Wilderness on the Helena National Forest northwest of Lincoln, Mont. The group gathered data on recreation impacts, water quality and documented the spread of invasive weeds near Webb Lake. U.S. Forest Service photo by Brandan W. Schulze.
Thirteen students along with four field instructors with the Youth Forest Monitoring Program (YFMP) hike into the Scapegoat Wilderness on the Helena National Forest northwest of Lincoln, Mont. The group gathered data on recreation impacts, water quality and documented the spread of invasive weeds near Webb Lake. U.S. Forest Service photo by Brandan W. Schulze.
Students with the Youth Forest Monitoring Program (YFMP) head back to camp after spending time at Parker Lake in the Scapegoat Wilderness on the Helena National Forest northwest of Lincoln, Mont., July 9-11. The group gathered data on recreation impacts, water quality and documented the spread of invasive weeds near Webb Lake. U.S. Forest Service photo by Brandan W. Schulze.
Thirteen students along with four field instructors with the Youth Forest Monitoring Program (YFMP) hike into the Scapegoat Wilderness on the Helena National Forest northwest of Lincoln, Mont. The group gathered data on recreation impacts, water quality and documented the spread of invasive weeds near Webb Lake. U.S. Forest Service photo by Brandan W. Schulze.
Photograph of Scapegoat Wilderness, Montana, USA


Scapegoat Wilderness

Scapegoat Wilderness in Montana is a rugged and remote area of pristine forests, alpine meadows, and towering peaks, offering solitude and adventure for outdoor enthusiasts.


Details

Scapegoat Wilderness, Montana

The Scapegoat Wilderness is a designated wilderness area located in the Lewis and Clark National Forest in Montana. It covers over 239,936 acres of pristine and rugged terrain, offering visitors a remote and untouched natural experience.

Features

The Scapegoat Wilderness is characterized by its diverse landscape, including rugged mountains, deep canyons, alpine meadows, and dense forests. The area is home to several prominent peaks, including Scapegoat Mountain, which rises to an elevation of 9,663 feet. Numerous streams and rivers flow through the wilderness, providing habitat for a variety of wildlife species, such as elk, deer, black bears, and mountain lions. The wilderness area also contains several pristine alpine lakes, including Crystal Lake and Heart Lake, which offer scenic camping and fishing opportunities. Visitors can explore over 100 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy day hikes to challenging multi-day backpacking routes.

Ecological Significance

The Scapegoat Wilderness is an important area for preserving biodiversity and protecting critical habitat for a variety of plant and animal species. The diverse landscape provides a range of ecosystems, including old-growth forests, subalpine meadows, and riparian areas, which support a rich array of flora and fauna. The wilderness area is also vital for maintaining watershed health, as the streams and rivers that flow through the Scapegoat Wilderness provide clean water for downstream communities and wildlife. Additionally, the wilderness serves as a natural refuge for wildlife species, offering protection from human development and disturbances. Overall, the Scapegoat Wilderness is a valuable and irreplaceable natural resource that provides numerous ecological benefits and recreational opportunities for visitors to enjoy and appreciate.



Scapegoat Wilderness


Points of Interest

Scapegoat Wilderness

The Scapegoat Wilderness is a stunning and pristine area located in the Lewis and Clark National Forest in Montana. This wilderness area spans over 239,936 acres and offers visitors a chance to experience untouched natural beauty and abundant wildlife. Here are some of the most popular points of interest in the Scapegoat Wilderness:

1. Scapegoat Mountain

Scapegoat Mountain is one of the most iconic peaks in the wilderness area, standing at an impressive 9,204 feet. Hiking to the summit offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including the Bob Marshall Wilderness and the Continental Divide.

2. Rock Creek

Rock Creek is a beautiful stream that runs through the heart of the Scapegoat Wilderness, offering excellent fishing opportunities for native cutthroat trout. The crystal-clear waters and lush vegetation make it a popular spot for backpackers and fly fishermen alike.

3. Black Bear Lake

Black Bear Lake is a pristine alpine lake nestled in a secluded valley surrounded by towering peaks. The lake is a popular destination for overnight camping and offers stunning reflections of the surrounding mountains in its calm waters.

4. Chinese Wall

The Chinese Wall is a massive limestone escarpment that stretches for over 22 miles along the eastern boundary of the Scapegoat Wilderness. This impressive natural feature is a popular destination for hikers and photographers looking to capture the grandeur of the Montana wilderness.

5. Elk and Grizzly Bear Viewing

The Scapegoat Wilderness is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including elk and grizzly bears. Visitors have the opportunity to observe these majestic animals in their natural habitat, making it a unique and unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts.

Overall, the Scapegoat Wilderness offers a truly immersive and awe-inspiring outdoor experience for those looking to explore the untamed beauty of Montana's backcountry.



Scapegoat Wilderness – Images

Thirteen students along with four field instructors with the Youth Forest Monitoring Program (YFMP) hike into the Scapegoat Wilderness on the Helena National Forest northwest of Lincoln, Montana. The group gathered data on recreation impacts, water quality and documented the spread of invasive weeds near Webb Lake.

Description: Thirteen students along with four field instructors with the Youth Forest Monitoring Program (YFMP) hike into the Scapegoat Wilderness on the Helena National Forest northwest of Lincoln, Montana. The group gathered data on recreation impacts, water quality and documented the spread of invasive weeds near Webb Lake.

Image by Brandan W. Schulze, U.S. Forest Service Northern Region from Missoula, MT, USA – CC BY 2.0 – Wikimedia

Tom Pederson, a field instructor with the Youth Forest Monitoring Program (YFMP), explains to students how trees literally came out of the ground during a 2003 fire in the area. The students were there for monitoring work in the Scapegoat Wilderness on the Helena National Forest northwest of Lincoln, Mont., July 9-11. The group gathered data on recreation impacts, water quality and documented the spread of invasive weeds near Webb Lake. U.S. Forest Service photo by Brandan W. Schulze.

Description: Tom Pederson, a field instructor with the Youth Forest Monitoring Program (YFMP), explains to students how trees literally came out of the ground during a 2003 fire in the area. The students were there for monitoring work in the Scapegoat Wilderness on the Helena National Forest northwest of Lincoln, Mont., July 9-11. The group gathered data on recreation impacts, water quality and documented the spread of invasive weeds near Webb Lake. U.S. Forest Service photo by Brandan W. Schulze.

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

Students with the Youth Forest Monitoring Program (YFMP) head back home after spending time near Webb Lake in the Scapegoat Wilderness on the Helena National Forest northwest of Lincoln, Mont., July 9-11. The group gathered data on recreation impacts, water quality and documented the spread of invasive weeds near Webb Lake. U.S. Forest Service photo by Brandan W. Schulze.

Description: Students with the Youth Forest Monitoring Program (YFMP) head back home after spending time near Webb Lake in the Scapegoat Wilderness on the Helena National Forest northwest of Lincoln, Mont., July 9-11. The group gathered data on recreation impacts, water quality and documented the spread of invasive weeds near Webb Lake. U.S. Forest Service photo by Brandan W. Schulze.

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

Students and field instructors with the Youth Forest Monitoring Program (YFMP) hike to Parker Lake after spending the day doing monitoring work in the Scapegoat Wilderness on the Helena National Forest northwest of Lincoln, Mont. The group gathered data on recreation impacts, water quality and documented the spread of invasive weeds near Webb Lake. U.S. Forest Service photo by Brandan W. Schulze.

Description: Students and field instructors with the Youth Forest Monitoring Program (YFMP) hike to Parker Lake after spending the day doing monitoring work in the Scapegoat Wilderness on the Helena National Forest northwest of Lincoln, Mont. The group gathered data on recreation impacts, water quality and documented the spread of invasive weeds near Webb Lake. U.S. Forest Service photo by Brandan W. Schulze.

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

Thirteen students along with four field instructors with the Youth Forest Monitoring Program (YFMP) hike into the Scapegoat Wilderness on the Helena National Forest northwest of Lincoln, Mont. The group gathered data on recreation impacts, water quality and documented the spread of invasive weeds near Webb Lake. U.S. Forest Service photo by Brandan W. Schulze.

Description: Thirteen students along with four field instructors with the Youth Forest Monitoring Program (YFMP) hike into the Scapegoat Wilderness on the Helena National Forest northwest of Lincoln, Mont. The group gathered data on recreation impacts, water quality and documented the spread of invasive weeds near Webb Lake. U.S. Forest Service photo by Brandan W. Schulze.

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

Thirteen students along with four field instructors with the Youth Forest Monitoring Program (YFMP) hike into the Scapegoat Wilderness on the Helena National Forest northwest of Lincoln, Mont. The group gathered data on recreation impacts, water quality and documented the spread of invasive weeds near Webb Lake. U.S. Forest Service photo by Brandan W. Schulze.

Description: Thirteen students along with four field instructors with the Youth Forest Monitoring Program (YFMP) hike into the Scapegoat Wilderness on the Helena National Forest northwest of Lincoln, Mont. The group gathered data on recreation impacts, water quality and documented the spread of invasive weeds near Webb Lake. U.S. Forest Service photo by Brandan W. Schulze.

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

Thirteen students along with four field instructors with the Youth Forest Monitoring Program (YFMP) hike into the Scapegoat Wilderness on the Helena National Forest northwest of Lincoln, Mont. The group gathered data on recreation impacts, water quality and documented the spread of invasive weeds near Webb Lake. U.S. Forest Service photo by Brandan W. Schulze.

Description: Thirteen students along with four field instructors with the Youth Forest Monitoring Program (YFMP) hike into the Scapegoat Wilderness on the Helena National Forest northwest of Lincoln, Mont. The group gathered data on recreation impacts, water quality and documented the spread of invasive weeds near Webb Lake. U.S. Forest Service photo by Brandan W. Schulze.

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

Students with the Youth Forest Monitoring Program (YFMP) head back to camp after spending time at Parker Lake in the Scapegoat Wilderness on the Helena National Forest northwest of Lincoln, Mont., July 9-11. The group gathered data on recreation impacts, water quality and documented the spread of invasive weeds near Webb Lake. U.S. Forest Service photo by Brandan W. Schulze.

Description: Students with the Youth Forest Monitoring Program (YFMP) head back to camp after spending time at Parker Lake in the Scapegoat Wilderness on the Helena National Forest northwest of Lincoln, Mont., July 9-11. The group gathered data on recreation impacts, water quality and documented the spread of invasive weeds near Webb Lake. U.S. Forest Service photo by Brandan W. Schulze.

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

Thirteen students along with four field instructors with the Youth Forest Monitoring Program (YFMP) hike into the Scapegoat Wilderness on the Helena National Forest northwest of Lincoln, Mont. The group gathered data on recreation impacts, water quality and documented the spread of invasive weeds near Webb Lake. U.S. Forest Service photo by Brandan W. Schulze.

Description: Thirteen students along with four field instructors with the Youth Forest Monitoring Program (YFMP) hike into the Scapegoat Wilderness on the Helena National Forest northwest of Lincoln, Mont. The group gathered data on recreation impacts, water quality and documented the spread of invasive weeds near Webb Lake. U.S. Forest Service photo by Brandan W. Schulze.

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

Photograph of Scapegoat Wilderness, Montana, USA

Description: Photograph of Scapegoat Wilderness, Montana, USA

Image by United States Forest Service – Public domain – Wikimedia

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