Quick Tips
- GPS Maps recommended in wilderness
- Expect rapidly changing weather
- Bear proof campsite
- Carry extra fuel, food and water
On The Ground
North Fork Big Hole unit is located in Deer Lodge and Beaverhead County west of the Big Hole River and the small community of Wisdom. Anaconda Pintler Wilderness within Beaverhead Deerlodge National Forest together provides thousands of acres of public access. Between the Big Horn River and National Forest are many sizable private ranches. Resident may apply for a limited antlered bull license.
A few mature bulls may score above 140” Boone and Crockett with a few more scoring over the Pope & Young minimum of 125”. Bull stand seven feet at the shoulder, so any 3.5 year old bull will look huge in body and small in antlers in comparison. Take time judging a trophy for a distance before deciding to set up a stalk.
Terrain
Anaconda Range forms a dynamic backdrop looking west from the Big Hole River. North Fork Big Hole River is the main drainage smaller creeks drain snowmelt on the way to the Big Hole River. Prominent Mudd Creek Ridge establishes the northeast boundary rising some 2,900 feet from the valley floor to 9,500 foot West Pintler Peak. 7,090 foot Chief Joseph Pass marks the southwest corner of the area. Broad U-shaped glaciated valleys, barren talus sloped peaks with elevations between 8,000 and 9,500 feet and spectacular alpine lakes and basins all combine to make a very challenging hunt.
Roughly 212 square miles
63.8% public land
Elevations from 6,000-9,700 feet
Vegetation
River valley has sagebrush, mountain shrubs, short grass rangelands, hay meadows, and stands of cottonwood and willows along creeks and rivers. Foothills have stands of ponderosa pine, small groves of aspen and mountain shrubs. Upper slopes have dense forest of spruce, ponderosa and lodgepole pine and large groups of aspen. Small grassy meadows create openings in the thick timber on both north and south facing slopes. Alpine basins have wildflowers, moss, lichens and small groups of barren ground willows near small lakes.
Access
Continental Divide National Scenic Trail provides a maintained hiking and pack trail as it travels through Beaverhead National Forest and Anaconda Pintler Wilderness Area which is located in the northwest corner of the unit. Lower North Fork Road connects to Forest Service road 185 leading to Pintler Creek Trailhead. Beaverhead Deerlodge National Forest offers a good Forest Service road and trail system. Four Wheel drive with chains and winch recommended from the middle of October to the end of the season in November.
Major highway is Montana Route 43
Specific travel restrictions apply in wilderness area
Camping and Lodging
Camping within the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest is restricted to 16 days. Additional camping regulations apply in the Anaconda Pintler Wilderness. The communities of Anaconda, Wise River, Wisdom and Dillon offer a variety of motels, Bed and Breakfast, RV sites, café and restaurants, medical facilities and 24/7 gas and diesel.
Anaconda: Fairmont Chalets, Vagabond Lodge, Marcus Day Motel, Grizzly Den Motel, Classic Café, Barclay II Supper Club,
Wise River: Wise River Club and Motel
Dillon: Guest House Inn, Best Western, Sundowner, Sparkey’s Garage, Blacktail Station, Lion’s Den, Sweetwater cafe
Wisdom: Nez Perce Motel, Pioneer Mountain Lodge, the Crossings Bar and Grill, Antler Inn, Hook & Horn Trading Post
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