The largest National Forest in the state of Montana, the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest was originally established in 1908 as two separate regions that were merged together in 1996. It is located in Southwestern Montana and is home to several distinct mountain ranges.
Evergreen forests dominate the mountainous landscape of the Beaverhead-Deerlodge. These forests are composed mostly of Ponderosa pine and Douglas fir, though you’ll also find spruce, juniper, and several types of19th-century deciduous trees peppered throughout.
Its protected status allows animal populations to thrive within its borders. Several species of large mammals live in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National forest including grizzly bears, cougars, and lynxes, and it’s even home to a small gray wolf community that migrated from Yellowstone after the wolf repopulation program.
Visitors to Beaverhead-Deerlodge can enjoy over 1,500 miles of hiking trails, 250 miles of snowmobile routes in the winter, and several opportunities for boating, swimming, and fishing within its many lakes and rivers.
Some activities – like hunting or backcountry camping – require a permit, so be sure to check the regulations in place within the forest in advance of your trip.
Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest Stats
- Size: 35 million acres
- Season: Year-Round
- Major Feature: Pioneer Mountains
- Campgrounds: 50+
Main Attractions in Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest
The Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest encompasses a region that was integral to the settlement of Montana, and there are many historic sites from this era that visitors can tour today.
From former outposts of the Forest Service to important landmarks from Lewis and Clark’s original early 19th-century survey, there’s a great deal of history tucked away within the forest.
Crystal Park Picnic and Mineral Collection Area
Just outside of Dillon is Crystal Park, a day-use-only park with a naturally dense collection of quartz crystals. Though the clear and smoky varieties are most common, occasionally a visitor will find a purple one, more commonly known as amethyst.
There’s a $5 fee per car for the parking lot, but otherwise, visitors can tour the site freely during opening hours. There’s a picnic area, toilets, and water available onsite.
Birch Creek Civilian Conservation Corps Camp
A prime remaining example of one of the many Civilian Conservation Corps sites built throughout the nation under FDR’s leadership, the Birch Creek CCC Campgrounds are open to visitors year-round.
Six of the original 15 buildings still stand, and the interiors of the Army Headquarters and the School Building are open to tour in the summer.
Lemhi Pass
Spanning the border between Montana and Idaho, Lemhi Pass connects the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest with the Salmon-Challis National Forest. It is part of the Lewis and Clark Historic Trail, as their party passed through here in 1805. It is on both the National Register of Historic Places and is a National Historic Landmark.
Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway
A scenic drive that connects the town of Wise River to the Grasshopper Creek Valley, the Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway follows the river through the Mountains. You are welcome to simply drive the byway to admire the scenery, but the Forest Service has put together a tour you can follow that highlights the most important stops along it.
Anaconda Pintler Wilderness
Nearly 160,000 acres of forests on either side of the Continental Divide, the Anaconda Pintler Wilderness is known for its huge population of mountain goats and high-elevation terrain that generally remains snow-covered until mid-July. There are a number of trails throughout the wilderness, though facilities at trailheads are often limited.
Lee Metcalf Wilderness
Of a total of four, three sections of the Lee Metcalf Wilderness lie within the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest: the Spanish Peaks, Taylor Hilgard, and Monument Mountain acreages.
Much of the wilderness is at high elevations, so portions of it may be inaccessible in the winter despite the area being technically open year-round.
Stay Overnight in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest
Cabins
The Forest Service maintains several cabins within the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest that visitors can rent by the night. Each one has different seasons: some are only available in the summer, while some make the perfect base camp for cross-country skiing in the winter.
Total, there are over 20 cabins available, but below you’ll find a sample of some of the best and most popular ones. You can check out the entire selection on the USDA’s website.
Hells Canyon Guard Station • $25/night
Originally used as an outpost for ranchers, the Hells Canyon Guard Station was donated to the Forest Service in 1910. It sits about 30 miles from Whitehall and now serves as a recreational cabin for up to four people. It has both a wood and propane stove, running water, and facilities for horses.
Birch Creek Cabin • $20/night
Deep within the Pioneer Mountains lies the Birch Creek Cabin, a former CCC camp outpost. Though there’s only running water available in the summer, it is nonetheless popular with cross country skiers in the wintertime. The property has an outhouse, and inside you’ll find a propane stove and electricity. There’s room for four to sleep in the loft.
Vigilante Cabin • $50/night
One of a handful of former guard stations on the property, the Vigilante Cabin is a three-room cabin that sleeps up to six people. Though the cabin is plumbed, water can only be used in the summer. For visitors in the fall, winter and spring, there’s an outhouse about 100 yards east of the cabin. The electricity – including the refrigerator – can be used year-round.
Stony Cabin • $20/night
Originally used by the Forest Service to accommodate traveling rangers, Stony Cabin is well over 100 years old. It doesn’t have running water, electricity, or garbage service, but there’s a campground across the road where you can access all of these amenities if need be.