Discover the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, the largest of the National Forests in Montana. At 3.32 million acres, Beaverhead-Deerlodge is larger than the state of Rhode Island—with a breadth of landscapes and adventures to match.
The Continental Divide Trail and Nez Perce Historic Trail pass through the forest, 3,700-acres Georgetown Lake offers both winter and summer recreation, and at the ghost towns of Elkhorn, Granite, and Coolidge, you can relive Montana’s boom and bust past.
There’s no shortage of year-round adventures across this vast, diverse landscape. Trek in the Anaconda-Pintler and Lee Metcalf Wilderness Areas, drive the Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway, and spend a night or two in a rustic, remote cabin.
Photo by Tim Egan 
Photo by USDA 
Photo by Tim Egan 
Photo by USDA 
Photo by Logan Holstie 
Photo by USDA 
Black Butte Cabin. Photo by Eric Henderson What is the History of the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest?
President Theodore Roosevelt first proclaimed, in two separate executive orders, the Beaverhead and Deerlodge National Forests in 1908, pulling together lands which earlier presidents had withdrawn as the Hell Gate, Bitter Root, and Big Hole forest reserves between 1897 and 1905.
The name “Beaver’s Head” first appeared in Lewis and Clark’s journals in 1805, when the two captains of the Corps of Discovery passed by the prominent rock, shaped like a swimming beaver, during their trek to the Pacific.
Sacajawea, a Lemhi Shoshone or Hidatsa interpreter and guide for Lewis and Clark’s expedition, identified the rock as the spot where they would meet her people. Later, the river flowing past the rock, a major tributary of the Missouri, would be named Beaverhead River. (The historic rock can be found 14 miles northeast of Dillon along Highway 41).
The name “Deer Lodge” comes from the Deer Lodge Mound, a 40-foot-high geothermal formation in the present-day community of Warm Springs. The mound’s shape, with steam issuing from the top, resembled a large medicine lodge, and minerals in the water attracted large numbers of deer.
The formation was a major landmark for trappers and early travelers in the area who referred to the valley as the Deer Lodge Plain. The mound was described in detail in the journals of Father DeSmet, Granville Stuart, and others. It is still visible from I-90, though now obscured somewhat by trees and buildings.
How to Get to the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest
The Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest is located in southwest Montana, next door to Yellowstone National Park. From the north, take I-15 south to the gateway city of Deer Lodge. From the south, I-15 runs north from Idaho into Dillon, another main access point. Highway 43 connects to the forest near Wisdom, while Highway 287 leads from Ennis into the Madison Range and Gravelly Mountains. Highway 278 accesses the Pioneer Mountains near Jackson.
- Butte-Silver Bow, Montana: Half-hour by car
- Bozeman, Montana: 1.5 hours by car
- Missoula, Montana: 2 hours by car
- Billings, Montana: 3 hours by car
- Spokane, Washington: 5 hours by car
For an easy weekend backpacking trip, trek 26 miles from Big Hole Pass to Little Lake. The route offers views of 9,622-foot Pyramid Peak, the Twin Lakes, and the Big Hole Battlefield, where Chief Joseph and the Nez Pierce battled the U.S. Army.
Blue-ribbon trout fishing is found on the Big Hole River, Jefferson River, and smaller streams throughout the forest. In particular, the portion of Big Hole River that passes through Beaverhead-Deerlodge is considered home to some of the best fishing in the country. Rainbow, brown, and brook trout can be caught in this mountain river.
To experience one of Montana’s most scenic ranges, the Pioneer Mountains, head out on this 49-mile byway that passes through its section of the National Forest. Stop at the mining ghost town of Coolidge, hot springs, and various interpretive sites that tell the history of the area.
Whitebark pine This keystone subalpine species takes on different forms at different elevations, growing straight and tall below the treeline and crooked above it. It helps to reduce erosion and produces seeds that are an important food source for birds and mammals. 
Western bumble bee This bellwether insect was once common but has undergone steady decline for more than two decades. Every year, the Forest Service conducts surveys to track the species’ rehabilitation needs. 
Trumpeter swan The largest native waterfowl, this swan can grow up to six feet in length and weigh more than 25 pounds. They have trumpet-like calls and need a long runway—often up to 100 yards—to take flight. 
Grizzly bear This apex predator is growing in population size across this region and displays little fear of humans, so keeping food stowed properly and remaining aware are crucial when visiting the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. 
Moose Growing up to six feet tall and weighing up to 1,600 pounds makes this herbivore easy to spot, especially near lakes and rivers. Related Impact
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What’s the Best First-Timer’s Adventure in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest
For a unique, family-friendly adventure, go rockhounding at Crystal Park. Located at 7,800 feet along the section of the Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway, the mineral collections site allows visitors to rockhound for quartz crystals for a daily fee of $5 per person. Search for amethysts, enjoy a picnic, and hike to a scenic overlook.
Where to Find More Information on the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest
For more information or questions, visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/r01/beaverhead-deerlodge
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