Summary
The forest covers over 3 million acres and is home to numerous outdoor recreational opportunities, including hiking, fishing, camping, and wildlife viewing.
One of the main reasons to visit the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest is its diverse landscape. Visitors can explore mountains, valleys, rivers, and forests all within the same area. The forest is also home to several historical sites, such as the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail and the Nez Perce National Historic Trail.
Specific points of interest within the forest include the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, which spans over 3,000 miles across the country, and the Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness, which offers rugged peaks and pristine lakes for backpackers and hikers. The Big Hole National Battlefield is another popular destination, where visitors can learn about the history of the area and the Nez Perce War.
Interesting facts about the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest include that it was established in 1908 and was originally two separate forests that merged in 1996. The forest is also home to over 1,000 miles of trails and is a popular destination for fishing, with over 700 miles of streams and rivers.
The best time of year to visit the forest depends on the activities visitors are interested in. Summer is a popular time for hiking and camping, while winter offers opportunities for snowmobiling, skiing, and snowshoeing. Fall is also a great time to visit, as the forest is known for its vibrant fall foliage.
Weather Forecast
Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
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Horse Prairie Cabin
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Bloody Dick Cabin
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Reservoir Lake Campground and Picnic Area
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Reservoir Lake
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Reservoir Lake Campground
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