Anaconda Pintler Wilderness- One Area to See Many Montana Sights

Located in the Bitterroot and the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forests in Montana, and a short drive from The Fish Creek House, the Forest Service established the Anaconda-Pintler on October 2, 1937, as a Primitive Area and reclassified the area in 1962 as the Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness. It is now a unit of the National Wilderness Preservation system established by the Wilderness Act of September 3, 1964.

The Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness is named for the dominant Anaconda Mountain Range and Charles Ellsworth Pintler, an early day Big Hole settler who first came to the area in 1885.

This 158,516 acre wilderness located in southwestern Montana spans some 40 miles along the Continental Divide in Beaverhead, Deer Lodge, Granite, and Ravalli Counties. The area is less than a 2-hour drive from Dillon, Butte, or Hamilton. Major highways service the area include US. highway No. 93 on the west, Montana State No. 38 and No 1 from the north, and Montana State  43 from the east and south.

The Continental Divide's Anaconda Range is a true Sierra-Type mountain range. Elevations range from 5,100 to 10,793 feet.  There are numerous lakes, alpine forests and meadows. On Rainbow Mountain, Pintler Peaks, and at other points along the Continental Divide hikers and riders can view the Mission Mountains to the northwest and the mountains marking the Idaho-Montana Boundary to the southwest.

Snow-free seasons are short. Precipitation, mostly in the form of snow, is heavy compared to the nearby valleys. Lakes normally remain frozen until the first week of July. Snowstorms can occur at any time during the year, including July and August.

The vegetation varies with elevation and available moisture. Sagebrush, willow flats, ponderosa pine, Douglas-fir, lodgepole pine, and spruce comprise much of the lower elevation . These blend into aspen, subalpine fir, whitebark pine, and subalpine larch as the elevation increases.

There are approximately 280 miles of Forest Service system trails within the Wilderness. These trails are routinely maintained to provide safe and adequate access throughout much of the Wilderness. One of the most interesting trips is the 45-mile trail along the Continental Divide. This trail leads past high mountain peaks to alpine lakes and basins. Trails up various creek bottoms join the trail along the Continental Divide. Cross-country travel is difficult but can be rewarding.

Many of the trailheads or portal areas are equipped with trail registers. The registers provide Forest Personnel with basic information essential to proper management. This information lets the manager know your needs and helps predict the impact that users will have on the Wilderness, both now and in future years. Please fill out the registration card and add your comments and suggestions.

Stock forage is scarce and in many places, non-existent. Horse users are encouraged to carry concentrated feed pellets for their stock. In addition, travelers should carry handtools suitable for cutting windfallen trees from the trail.

The Wilderness ecosystem provides habitat for many species of animals and birds. Big game animals include mountain goat, elk, moose, deer, and bear. Smaller animals, such as martin, mink, weasel, coyote, bobcat, lynx, cougar, squirrels, and rabbits are also present. Hawks, eagles, falcons, owls, and grouse are just a few of the birds which may be seen. The wilderness is open to hunting. Licensing requirements are established by the Montana State Fish and Game Commission.

Cutthroat and rainbow trout are found in most of the lakes and streams. Many of the mountain lakes were originally barren, but were stocked by the Montana State Fish and Game Department. Fishing pressure is high in accessible areas. A Montana Fishing license is required.