Montana/Idaho border $1,600 • July 16-20, 2012
This huge national forest wilderness area southwest of Missoula is a diverse mountain wonderland of wild rivers, densely forested ridges and valleys, alpine
crags rising to over 10,000 feet, and sparkling glacial lake basins. Beneath the snow flecked peaks the verdant forests feature huge trees, and there’s a good chance of seeing mountain goat and other native species such as elk, mule deer, and bear. Wolves and mountain lions thrive here, but are rarely seen. We’ll explore the crest of the Bitterroots along the Montana/Idaho border, and we’ll day-hike to peaks and ridges which will afford classically spectacular views of some of the mostbeautiful glacial cut mountain terrain in the Rockies! Portions of this fairly strenuous trip are off-trail and near tree line.
Trip base: Missoula, Montana. We have a number of different loop routes to choose from for this trip, and all trailheads are roughly a one to two hour drive from Missoula. The scenery, including big peaks and big trees, is world-class, but this Wilderness is relatively unknown outside of Idaho and Montana.
TREK BASE: Red Lion Inn, 700 W. Broadway, Missoula, Montana 59802, (406) 728-3300 or 1 (800) RED-LION. Call motel for airport shuttle.
MEETING TIME: Pre-trip orientation including food and gear handout plus safety talk at 6 pm the evening prior to the first day of the trip.
TRANSPORTATION: Major airlines to Missoula, Montana.
TREK RATING: Fairly strenuous. Much of the route is off trail through dense forest and over rocky alpine terrain. We’ll cover 6-8 miles on backpacking days; usually we have a couple of layovers. There are some steep stretches, so good physical conditioning is essential! Total mileage (not including day hikes) is 25-30.
ELEVATIONS: 4500-8500 feet with optional day hikes to higher summits. Maximum one day elevation gain with backpack is about 2500 feet.
WEATHER: Warm dry days with 40 degree nights are typical; brief thunderstorms do occur, prolonged rains are unusual in summer, but in the high country any kind of weather is possible and we must be prepared. Click here for a National Weather Service forecast.
FISHING: Good fishing in mountain lakes. A Montana fishing license is required and can be purchased in Missoula. Let us know if you plan to fish!
SPECIAL FEATURES: Some of the most rugged and craggy terrain in the Rockies, with sparkling high lakes and lush forests with huge trees in the stream canyons, plus summer wildflowers, mountain goats, wild wolves and more! Summer snow fields. Spectacular! A unique mix of the Pacific Northwest and the Rocky Mountains.
SPECIAL TIPS: Be in top shape and travel light (eschew non-essential items)!
STATUS: One of the largest designated Wilderness areas in the lower 48 states, the Selway-Bitterroot was designated in 1964, when the Wilderness Act was enacted.
ITINERARY: Plan to spend the first two days gaining elevation on trails; then comes the high off trail fun. All trailheads are an hour or two from Missoula.
Please Note: Because we are flexible and vary the route depending upon conditions, mileages and elevations are approximate, not exact.
