Great Outdoors
RSS feed for this sectionCampgrounds/Picnic Sites
The Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, Bureau of Land Management, and Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks have picnic areas and campgrounds for visitors. From forest landscapes to the Big Hole River, a variety of activities are available for visitors at these sites. Sheepshead Recreation Area Picnic Area Butte Ranger District Activities include paved walking trails, fishing in [...]
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Fishing and Boating
Butte is surrounded by blue-ribbon trout fishing opportunities that include the Big Hole, Beaverhead, and Jefferson rivers. In addition, there’s an abundance of large and small lakes and other streams that offer great fishing. There are also many fishing access sites that are managed by the National Forest, Bureau of Land Management, and Montana Fish, [...]
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Nestled in the Rocky Mountains along the Continental Divide, Butte serves as a springboard to almost 4 million acres of state and federal public land. A wealth of outdoor opportunities for the outdoor enthusiast are available whether you have a few hours or several days. Regardless of the time of year you can take advantage of [...]
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Southwest Montana is rich with history from early Indians to Lewis and Clark to the Big Hole Battlefield to the mining history that made Butte the “Richest Hill On Earth.” Explore the many historic sites, towns, and districts to see life as it was in the past. Sites are managed by the Forest Service, National [...]
More InfoMotorized Trails
The Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest (FS) and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) offer a variety of motorized recreation opportunities near Butte for families and individuals. Ride through unique geologic formations or make your way to high mountain lakes and vistas. During the summer many trails are open to motorized use. Remember to wash your vehicle, [...]
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The Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest (FS) and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) offer a variety of trails for hiking, bicycling, and horseback riding. Trail opportunities abound for day and overnight hiking on the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, Humbug Spires, and other nationally designated recreation and historic trails. The Anaconda Pintler Wilderness, located 50 miles west [...]
More InfoRental Cabins
Beaverhead-Deerlodge Recreation Experience the life of early settlers and forest rangers by renting one of the 27 cabins in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. Many of the cabins were used by early Forest Service employees and their families; others were used by miners and ranchers as they worked the land to make a living. Enjoy spectacular [...]
More InfoRocks, Caves and more
Southwest Montana is rich with geologic formations including the Boulder batholith and Humbug Spires. These geologic formations have not only given Southwest Montana a heritage of mining for precious metals, but also these unique formations can keep novice and expert rockhounds busy with many days of exploration. Lewis and Clark Caverns Montana Fish, Wildlife [...]
More InfoScenic Drives
Many of the Forest Service roads offer drives from one hour to an entire day to view wildlife and panoramic vistas of high peaks and valleys. Pick up a map from the Forest Service to plan trips and take necessary precautions for unexpected changes in weather and road conditions. Forest roads vary in condition from [...]
More InfoWinter Activities
Whether its ice fishing or kite skating on Georgetown Lake or skiing at Discovery, winter is a great time to explore southwest Montana just outside of Butte. Snowmobiling, downhill skiing and cross-country skiing, and ice fishing are just a few of the adventures you can experience on public lands. Groomed and ungroomed snowmobile trails will [...]
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