Bitterroot National Forest

Welcome to the Bitterroot National Forest

Leave your stress behind! You will find this spectacular 1.6 million acre forest in southwest Montana and Idaho to be a priceless national heritage. Half of the forest is dedicated to the largest expanse of continuous pristine wilderness in the lower 48 states -- the Selway Bitterroot, Frank Church River of No Return, and the Anaconda Pintler. 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. The abundance of natural resources offers a wide range of opportunities for recreation, grazing, wildlife, fisheries, timber, and minerals. Come enjoy the magnificent mountains, the serenity of wilderness, the miracle of spring flowers, majestic big game, and the sounds of birds here in our land of multiple uses.

Areas of Interest

Travel Management Planning Project Draft EIS

August 5, 2009 - The Bitterroot National Forest Travel Management Planning Project Draft EIS is now available for review and public comment. Click here to view the document.

Email your comments to: comments-northern-bitterroot@fs.fed.us

Electronic comments must be in Microsoft Word, ASCII text, HTML, Rich Text, or PDF format and state: “Travel Planning Project – Comments” in the email subject line.

Or mail to:
1801 N. 1st
Hamilton, MT 59840
Attn: Travel Planning

Or fax to:
406-363-7159

NOTE: Due to public request the comment period has been extended an additional 45 days. The new date, by which comments must be postmarked or received, is November 9, 2009.

Bitterroot National Forest Recreation Site Facility Master Planning

Many of the Bitterroon National Forest’s developed recreation facilities were built 30+ years ago. Since then, visitor preferences and demographics have changed. Some sites no longer serve projected demand, some facilities are in poor shape and do not meet visitor’s expectations.

To respond to these conditions and national direction, the forest is implementing the Recreation Site Facility Master Planning (RSFMP) process for developed recreation sites. The result of RSFMP is a program of work with a list of prioritized actions to more effectively manage these recreation sites.

Environmental Management System (EMS)

In order to address priority environmental issues and continually improve environmental performance we are establishing an Environmental Management System.

Forest Service Mission, Motto,Vision and Guiding Principles

The mission of the USDA Forest Service is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the Nation’s forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations.

Special Events