Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
The Selway Bitterroot Wilderness is one of the largest designated wilderness areas in the lower 48 states, encompassing over 1.3 million acres. Located within both Idaho and Montana, this area is characterized by its dramatic northern Rocky Mountains terrain, deep canyons, and pristine watersheds like the Selway and Lochsa Rivers. Dense forests of lodgepole pine, Engelmann spruce, and Douglas fir provide habitats for diverse wildlife, including grizzly bears, wolves, and mountain goats. Established in 1964, the Selway Bitterroot Wilderness was among the first wilderness areas designated under the Wilderness Act, and it continues to offer unparalleled opportunities for backcountry exploration. Visitors are drawn by its extensive trail network, famous for routes like the Moose Creek Trail and the Idaho Centennial Trail, providing options for day hikers and multi-day trekkers. The untouched rivers attract anglers and kayakers, while the picturesque mountain peaks appeal to climbers and photographers. Despite its remote nature, those who venture here are rewarded with breathtaking scenery and a profound sense of isolation.
