The Bitterroot National Forest is a U.S. National Forest located in western Montana and eastern Idaho, of the United States. It has a total area of 1.8 million acres (2,812 sq mi; 7,300 km2) and is managed by the U.S. 

Forest Service for multiple use, including timber production, livestock grazing, water quality improvement,and recreation.[1] Forest headquarters are located in Hamilton,[2] Montana.[3] There are local ranger district offices in Darby[4] and Sula.[5]

#2 Pick on Our 9 Montana Camping Getaways

The forest was established by Theodore Roosevelt on July 1, 1900 with an Executive Order which set aside 1.9 million acres (3,000 sq mi; 7,700 km2) from earlier national forests for the new Bitterroot Forest Reserve.[4] After the passage of the Transfer Act of 1905 by the U.S. Congress, the reserve was transferred to the U.S. Forest Service in 1906 and became a National Forest on March 4, 1907 when it was combined with other land to create what is now known as Idaho’s Payette National Forest.[5]

Lewis and Meriwether Lewis passed through what is now the Bitterroot National Forest on their way westward to research Salish Native American tribes in 1806.[6] The Nez Perce also passed through parts of what would become the forest on their retreat following their battle with U.S Cavalry forces at Camas Meadows.[7]

Conclusion

The Bitterroot National Forest is a beautiful place to visit, whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway or an extended vacation. You can enjoy hiking, fishing and other outdoor activities year round in this beautiful forest.

The post Bitterroot National Forest first appeared on The USA Traveler.