Everyone just loves hiking the Bitterroot Mountains
The Bitterroot Mountains are Hiking Paradise
Hiking the Bitterroot Mountains is one of the most popular activities in the Bitterroot Valley.
You will never run out of quality hikes to enjoy and you’ll be in the middle of some of the most spectacular settings in Montana.
We list several popular hikes below, but there are many more to choose from.
Check with the local Bitterroot National Forest Service offices and Ranger Stations for free maps and hiking advice from the experts in the area.
Bear Creek Trail
Destination: Bear Creek Falls
Distance to Destination: 2.0 Miles
Grade: Moderate
Directions: On Hwy 93, drive approximately seven miles north of Hamilton, turn west onto Bear Creek Rd. Continue about two miles and turn right on Red Crow Rd. Travel less then a mile and turn left on Middle Bear Creek Rd. Continue for three miles to the trailhead.
Blodgett Overlook Trail
Destination: Blodgett Overlook
Distance to Destination: 1.5 Miles
Grade: Moderate
Directions: Turn west on Main St. in Hamilton off Hwy 93 (at second stop light). Continue as Main St. becomes West Bridge Rd. (keep to the right). At the end of West Bridge Rd. turn left on Blodgett Camp Rd. and follow the signs to the Canyon Creek Trailhead. This trail provides spectacular views of Canyon Creek, Blodgett Canyon, and the Valley below.
Boulder Creek Trail
Destination: Boulder Creek Falls
Distance to Destination: 4.5 Miles
Grade: Moderate
Directions: On Hwy 93, four miles south of Darby, turn west onto the West Fork Rd. Travel 15 miles and turn right into the Sam Billings campground. The trailhead is at the end of the campground. Destination is located within the Selway Bitterroot Wilderness.
Camas Creek Trail
Destination: Camas Lake
Distance to Destination: 3.5 Miles
Grade: Moderate
Directions: On Hwy 93, travel south of Hamilton approximately nine miles and turn west (right) on Lost Horse Rd. Travel a little more than two miles and turn right at the FS Camas Creek sign. The trailhead is six miles beyond this sign.
Kootenai Creek Trail
Destination: Kootenai Creek
Distance to Destination: 14.5 Miles
Grade: Varies
Directions: From the Stevensville junction on Hwy 93, travel north one mile. Turn west on Kootenai Creek Rd. and continue two miles to the trailhead.
Lake Como Loop Trail
Destination: Hike around Lake Como
Distance to Destination: 7 Miles
Grade: Easy
Directions: On Hwy 93, twelve miles south of Hamilton, turn right on Lake Como Rd. Drive approximately three miles and turn right on FS Road 5623. Continue to the Upper Como campground where the trailhead begins. Stock use is restricted on the North trail. There is access across the dam making this hike a complete loop around the lake. This loop is also a suggested mountain bike trail. North trail ends at the bridge/falls – this is the point of access to the Rock Creek trail.
St. Mary’s Peak Trail
Destination: St. Mary’s Peak Summit
Distance to Destination: 4.5 Miles
Grade: Moderate
Directions: Three and a half miles south of the Stevensville junction on Hwy 93 turn west on Indian Prairie Loop. Continue west 1.8 miles to St. Mary’s Rd, turn right and continue for one mile to the junction of McCalla Ridge Rd and St. Mary’s Peak Rd (#739). Travel on St. Mary’s Peak Rd. #739 approximately 14 miles to the road’s end at the trailhead. The total climb from the trailhead to the lookout is 2500′. Destination is located within the Selway Bitterroot Wilderness.
Warm Springs Trail
Destination: Warm Springs Creek
Distance to Destination: 9.0 Miles
Grade: Easy
Directions: On Hwy 93, approximately four miles north of Sula, turn west on Medicine Springs Rd. (FS Road #5728). Continue for approximately four miles to the Crazy Creek campground. Follow the signs to the trailhead. Note: only the first seven miles are considered easy. The remaining two miles are difficult.
That’s a Good Question
June through September is considered the best hiking season as trails are free of snow and temperatures are pleasant.
Although bear encounters are fairly rare, it is recommended to carry bear spray whenever hiking in the area.
Additional Resources
The Bitterroot National Forest website is full of great information and resources including Ranger Station locations.
This AllTrails page is another excellent resource for specific hike information.