Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
1920s as a refuge for elk, deer, and grizzlies, among other animals, and remains an import-
ant winter range for numerous species.
Access
Though the wilderness complex is roadless by definition, more than 1,000 miles of trails
crisscross the region and provide access for private visitors and commercial outfitters. Ten-
day trips into the region to take advantage of hunting, fishing, or just unparalleled wild
scenery are popular and can be arranged through a number of licensed outfitters. The
Bob
Marshall Wilderness Ranch
(Hwy. 83, 21 miles north of Seeley Lake, 406/745-4466,
www.wildernessranch.com
)
offers both a rustic lodge (from $145 pp) bordering the wil-
derness area and deluxe guided pack trips into the Bob that cater to hunters, fishers, and
nature lovers. The
Seven Lazy P Ranch
(2055 Teton Canyon Rd., Choteau, 406/466-2044,
www.sevenlazyp.com
)
also offers guided trips into the wilderness area. Other outfitters
can be found through the
Montana Outfitters and Guides Association
(406/449-3578,
Information
Road access to the perimeter of the wilderness complex is on U.S. Highway 2 to the north,
U.S. Highway 89 and U.S. Highway 287 to the east, and Highways 200 and 83 to the south
and west. The complex is managed by four national forests, including the
Flathead Nation-
al Forest
(406/758-5208,
www.fs.fed.us/r1/flathead
)
in Kalispell, and five ranger districts.
Getting There
The Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex is roughly 80 miles west of Great Falls and can be
accessed from numerous communities along the Rocky Mountain Front, including Choteau,
Augusta, and Browning.
The farther east you travel from Great Falls, the more the landscape opens up. From the
edge of the towering Rockies the land is pulled tight into the Upper Missouri River val-
ley and the rugged breaks that fracture the vast agricultural land and prairie. It is quiet in
these parts but stunning, and there is a remarkable quality of light in which the weather can
change the landscape in a moment.
