Hike the High Country
From the juniper of the dry valley floors to the spruce of the higher elevations, hiking through Bitterroot will surround you with nature and great views. Just be careful when you go: While trails are usually open and snow-free by July 15, snow can come at any time of year. Try the 6-mile-long Palisade Mountain Trail on the northern edge of Skalkaho Game Preserve and end up at Burnt Fork Lake in the Sapphire Mountains. You'll get a great view of the Bitterroot Mountains and chances to see big game. To throw in some history with your day hike, tackle the Big Hole Battlefield Trail. This trail, that begins near the Sula Ranger Station and climbs 3.8 miles to the Gibson Pass area, was the same one that Chief Joseph and the Nez Perce traveled in 1877 in an attempt to reach Canada. Another great option is a section of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, on the southeast boundary of the Bitterroot. The payoff is a view of the Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness and Big Hole Valley, along with deer, elk, and other big game. Ski to Lost Trail Pass
Whether you're taking to the groomed trails or forging a path of your own through deep snow drifts, the Bitterroot's a great place to cross-country. Cold, dry conditions make for perfect skiing powder. And, if you want to take off on a multi-day trip through the woods, the forest has cabins you can rent in the winter months. Just a day skier? No problem-you'll have your pick of difficulty levels and conditions. If you're looking for a challenge, try the Saddle Mountain/Lost Trail Pass, 4.8 kilometers that'll leaving you huffing and puffing. Or check out Chief Joseph Cross Country Trails, which serves up 8 kilometers of very easy touring and almost 17 more miles of more difficult stuff. The trails are groomed weekly.

Brandish Your Binoculars
No question: Some of Montana's best birding can be found in the Bitterroot, thanks to its wide variety of terrains. How varied? Elevations range from 3,200 feet in the valley to over 10,000 feet on the mountain tops, and variations in temperature and precipitation caused by the elevations makes for many specialized bird habitats. On the dry valley floor with its sage and juniper, look for orioles and tanagers. And in the wetlands and marshes, keep an eye out for loons, grebes, pelicans, cormorants, and snow goose. Chances are good for seeing birds of prey as well: osprey, bald eagle, hawk, falcon, and kestrel all live here.

Two-Wheel the Roads and Trails
What kind of biker are you? Wait, it doesn't matter what you like-you're bound to find it in Bitterroot. If you're green behind the handlebars, head to the Darby Ranger District, where you'll find wide, quiet roads. Got a bit more experience under your belt? The Darby also offers tough single-track trails. Two great options: The Railroad-Daly Loop, a 16-mile non-technical circle that includes some smooth on-road riding and some bumpy, washboard-like off-roading. Or try the Lake Como Loop, an 8-mile circuit around the gorgeous body of water. Get back in the woods and you'll find wooden water bars and rocky spots you'll have to carry your bike over. You'll probably also find much livestock use in the late summer and fall. The only downside for bikers is the fact that almost half of the forest is wilderness area, where only foot traffic is allowed.

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