Middle Lake and Gem Lake Trail

From Darby, MT, follow MT 473 south for 4 miles to West Fork Bitterroot River Rd. A mile past the Job Corps, at milepost 7, turn right on FS 5634 (Baker Point Rd.). Follow this road 10 miles to the trailhead at about 7000 ft. The trail begins on a FS trail to Baker Lake. There are fish in Baker Lake and there are ample places to fish from the shore of the lake. There are two possible routes fro...

Little Rock Creek is one of the Bitterroots' best kept secrets. In late spring, the glacier lilies are in full bloom, and sprinkle the valley floor. At that time of year, there may also be quite a bit of snow on the ground, which will require some bushwhacking to stay on the trail.Little Rock Creek Lake is about 4.5 miles in. Once you arrive, you can rest and take a nap on the warm rocks beside...

The Selway is one of the original eight Wild and Scenic Rivers designated in 1968.  This section of water is run by both private boaters as well as commercial outfitters, and is regulated by a strict permit system that only allows one group to launch per day.  This leads to a feeling of solitude for your entire trip through some of the most beautiful pristine remote wilderness in the western st...

The drive up forest service road 735 can be a little sketchy. Caution is advised during winter months or if the road is wet or muddy. The road dead ends at the Canyon Creek/Blodgett Overlook trailhead. There is ample parking space and an outhouse. Begin on the Canyon Creek trail and hang a right at the sign to stay on Blodgett Overlook trail 101. From there, the trail gradually ascends with...

The trailhead is easily visible from the parking area and ascends into a narrow canyon surrounded by dense forest. Mill Creek is not much more than a trickle at the beginning, but slowly gets larger and follows the trail the entire hike. About a half mile in, cross the log bridge over Mill Creek.Soon the canyon will open up and give way to stunning craggy mountain views towering overhead. There...

The trailhead is well established with a small campground and bathroom facilities.The hike begins in dense forest and slowly climbs over Bear Creek through a canyon. You get your typical (but always beautiful!) Bitterroot scenery: jagged rocky mountains towering over you on each side.At 1.5 miles, the trail opens up to the main waterfall. Depending on the time of year, it can be small or raging...