Wilderness Area Bear Trap Canyon Wilderness

Address Bureau of Land Management
Dillon, MT 59725 View on Map Own or manage this business?

Website https://www.blm.gov/visit/beartrap-canyon-wilderness-0 Email utsgmail@blm.gov Phone 406-683-8000

Overview Service & Activities

About Located along the Madison River in southwest Montana, the Bear Trap Canyon Wilderness is the Bureau of Land Management's first designated wilderness area including six thousand acres of wilderness on the Madison River. This recreation area with boat access from the south end offers rafters a nine mile float trip through whitewater and a scenic canyon with 2,000 foot cliffs; featuring the famous Class V 'Kitchen Sink' rapid as the climax of the trip. Whitewater skills must be honed. Permits not required for private groups, but registration is necessary at the launch. Commercial floats available. Trail Creek Access Recreational Area located at the head of the canyon is the first fishing, and picnicking area on the Madison built with the handicapped in mind. A hiking trail follows the river the length of the canyon but cannot be accessed from the south end. The 9-mile Bear Trap National Recreation Trail at the north end of the canyon provides visitors outstanding hiking, backpacking, and horseback riding into the canyon. The site provides a boat launch, parking, and restrooms. Camping is primitive. Trout fishing is also popular along this section of the river.

Contact

MAILING ADDRESS 1005 Selway Drive
Dillon, MT 59725

CONTACT 406-683-8000

FAX 406-683-8066

Details

SEASON All Year

SPECIAL DIRECTIONS Bear Trap Canyon Wilderness is located 15 miles north east of Ennis via State Highway 287 to McAlister, Montana where the gravel road is taken to the south access. To reach the north access go 8 miles east of Norris on Montana Highway 287 and 3 miles south of Red Mountain Campground via the gravel road.

SERVICES Boat Launch Parking Trail

ACTIVITIES Backcountry Camping Canoeing Fishing Hiking Nature Rafting Sightseeing Whitewater Rafting Wildlife Viewing