Beaverhead–Deerlodge National Forest, United States

Beaverhead–Deerlodge National Forest Travel Guide

Trek Zone

National park

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the heart of Montana, the Beaverhead–Deerlodge National Forest is a breathtaking destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Spanning over 3 million acres, this national forest offers a diverse range of landscapes and recreational activities that will leave visitors in awe.

For those seeking solitude and tranquility, the forest's vast wilderness areas provide the perfect escape. With stunning mountain ranges, pristine lakes, and cascading waterfalls, hikers and backpackers can immerse themselves in the beauty of nature. The Continental Divide National Scenic Trail runs through the forest, offering a challenging adventure for long-distance trekkers.

Fishing enthusiasts will be delighted by the abundance of lakes and rivers in the Beaverhead–Deerlodge National Forest. The Jefferson, Madison, and Big Hole Rivers are renowned for their world-class trout fishing, attracting anglers from all over. Whether you are a seasoned fly fisherman or a beginner, these pristine waters offer an unforgettable experience.

As winter blankets the forest in a glistening white coat, the Beaverhead–Deerlodge National Forest transforms into a winter wonderland. Outdoor enthusiasts can indulge in a variety of snow sports, including cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling. The forest's vast network of trails and groomed slopes cater to all skill levels, making it a paradise for winter adventurers.

History buffs will find plenty to explore in the Beaverhead–Deerlodge National Forest. The forest is home to several historic sites, including the ghost town of Bannack, once a bustling mining town during the gold rush era. Visitors can step back in time and wander through its preserved buildings, gaining insight into Montana's rich history.

Camping is a popular activity in the Beaverhead–Deerlodge National Forest, with numerous campgrounds scattered throughout the forest. Whether you prefer a secluded site nestled in the woods or a more developed campground with amenities, there is an option to suit every camper's needs.

Alternative names: Established: 1905 (119 years ago)Area: 5207.99 mi²Elevation: 7743 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 45°37'5"N, 112°49'59"W

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MontanaUnited States

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Beaverhead–Deerlodge National Forest Top Attractions

Beaverhead–Deerlodge National Forest Attractions - What to See and Explore

Beaverhead–Deerlodge National Forest offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Mount Jefferson, Table Mountain, Black Butte, West Peak. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Nature • Natural attraction • Mountain
Mount Jefferson
Mount Jefferson is a mountain in the U.S. state of Montana, and is one of the many 10,000+ ft peaks in the Tobacco Root Mountains. The mountain is located in Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. Hollowtop Mountain is an adjacent, taller peak less than.75 miles to the north.
Nature • Natural attraction • Mountain
Table Mountain
Table Mountain, el. 10,213 feet is the highest peak in the Highland Mountains in Madison County, Montana. It is located in Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest.
Nature • Natural attraction • Mountain
Black Butte
Black Butte, el. 10,547 feet is the highest peak in the Gravelly Range in Madison County, Montana. The eastern base of the peak is less than 1 mile from the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest road #290.

Nature • Natural attraction • Mountain
West Peak
West Peak, el. 9,659 feet, is a mountain peak in the Highland Mountains in Madison County, Montana. It rises due west from Table Mountain in the same range. The peak is located in the Deerlodge National Forest.
Nature • Natural attraction • Lake
Noble Lake
Noble Lake is a lake in the U.S. state of Montana. The elevation of the lake is 9025 feet.
Greek Revival architecture
Fraternity Hall
Fraternity Hall is a site on the National Register of Historic Places located in Elkhorn, Montana. It was added to the Register on April 3, 1975. The building was built in the 1890s.
Nature • Natural attraction • Mountain
Comet Mountain
Comet Mountain, 3113 m, is a mountain peak in the Pioneer Mountains of the state of Montana, United States, located in Beaverhead County 42 km northwest of Dillon.
Nature • Natural attraction • Natural feature
Centennial Mountains
The Centennial Mountains are the southernmost sub-range of the Bitterroot Range in the U.S. states of Idaho and Montana. The Centennial Mountains include the Western and Eastern Centennial Mountains.
46°19'4"N • 113°14'56"W
Miners Union Hall
Miners Union Hall, located east of Philipsburg, Montana in Deerlodge National Forest, is a historic building built in 1890. Also known as Granite Miners Union Hall, it served as a meeting hall.
Nature • Natural attraction • Natural feature
Tobacco Root Mountains
The Tobacco Root Mountains lie in the northern Rocky Mountains, between the Jefferson and Madison Rivers in southwest Montana. The highest peak is Hollowtop at 10,604 feet. The range contains 43 peaks rising to elevations greater than 10,000 feet.
Nature • Natural attraction • Natural feature
Elkhorn Mountains
The Elkhorn Mountains are a mountain range in southwestern Montana, part of the Rocky Mountains and are roughly 300,000 acres in size.
Nature • Natural attraction • Natural feature
Gravelly Range
The Gravelly Range, highest peak Black Butte, el. 10,542 feet, is a mountain range southwest of Cameron, Montana in Madison County, Montana.
Nature • Natural attraction • Natural feature
Flint Creek Range
The Flint Creek Range, el. 10,168 feet, is a mountain range northeast of Philipsburg, Montana in Granite County, Montana. The highest point in the range is Mount Powell, at 10,168 ft. in elevation. About 60,000 acres of the Flints are roadless.
Nature • Natural attraction • Natural feature
Sapphire Mountains
The Sapphire Mountains are a range of mountains located in southwestern Montana in the northwestern United States. From a point near the Clark Fork River and the city of Missoula, they run in a southerly direction for a distance of approximately 60 miles, making up much of the border between Ravalli County and Granite County.
Nature • Natural attraction • Natural feature
Pioneer Mountains
The Pioneer Mountains cover 2,000 square miles in Beaverhead County in southwestern Montana, USA.
Nature • Natural attraction • Natural feature
Snowcrest Range
The Snowcrest Range, el. 10,581 feet, is a small mountain range southeast of Dillon, Montana in Madison County, Montana. The Snowcrest and adjacent Gravelly Range is one of Montana's most popular hunting grounds.
Nature • Natural attraction • Mountain
Bloody Dick Peak
Bloody Dick Peak is a summit in Beaverhead County, Montana, in the United States. With an elevation of 9,822 feet, Bloody Dick Peak is the 283rd tallest mountain in Montana.
Locality
Lost Creek State Park
Lost Creek State Park is a 502-acre public recreation area in Deer Lodge County, Montana, United States, about 6 miles north of Anaconda.
Nature • Natural attraction • Natural feature
Highland Mountains
The Highland Mountains, highest point Table Mountain, el. 10,223 feet, are a small mountain range southwest of Whitehall, Montana in Silver Bow and Madison County, Montana. The Continental Divide winds through the range.

Day trips

Beaverhead–Deerlodge National Forest – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Beaverhead–Deerlodge National Forest, it's worth seeing attractions such as: World Museum of Mining (Butte), Copper King Mansion (Butte), Our Lady of the Rockies (Butte).

30 milesNE
Museum, History museum, Specialty museum
World Museum of Mining, Butte
The World Museum of Mining is a museum and memorial in Butte, Montana. Chartered in 1964 as a non-profit educational corporation, the Museum first opened its doors in July 1965.
31 milesNE
Museum, Historical place, History museum
Copper King Mansion, Butte
The Copper King Mansion, also known as the W. A. Clark Mansion, is a 34-room residence of Romanesque Revival Victorian architecture that was built from 1884 to 1888 as the Butte, Montana, residence of William Andrews Clark, one of Montana's three famous Copper Kings.
32 milesNE
Monuments and statues
Our Lady of the Rockies, Butte
Our Lady of the Rockies is a 90-foot statue built in the likeness of Mary, the mother of Jesus, that sits atop the Continental Divide overlooking Butte, Montana.
49 milesE
Locality
Lewis and Clark Caverns
Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park is a 3,000-acre public recreation and nature preservation area located twelve miles east of Whitehall in Jefferson County, Montana. The state park includes two visitor centers, ten miles of hiking trails, a campground, and its namesake limestone caverns.
39 milesNE
45°51'57"N • 112°5'56"W
Jefferson Valley Museum, Whitehall
Specialty museum, Museum