Quick Tips
- Watch for rapid weather changes
- GPS Maps recommended
- Carry extra clothing, fuel and food
- Be bear aware around campsite
On The Ground
Ruby Creek-Yank Swamp unit is within portions of Beaverhead County southwest of Wisdom. The Continental Divide along Beaverhead Mountains separates Montana from Idaho. Close to 60% of the area is made up by private ranches situated between National Forest eastern boundaries and Montana Route 278. Thousands of acres of public lands are provided by Beaverhead Deerlodge National Forest. Residents may apply for a limited license for an antlered bull.
Large bulls may exceed a score of 140” Boone and Crockett but most trophies will be from the middle 120” to 140”. Large private ranches may become sanctuaries allowing bulls to take up residence year round. Forest Service roads offer good access into the National Forest. Be prepared to quarter and transport a bull that weighs over 1,000 pounds on the hoof.
Terrain
Peaks in the Beaverhead Mountains that rise to elevations over 9,000 feet are Jumbo, Pyramid and Sheep. They are examples of steep, barren talus sloped mountains that create a very rocky and rugged Continental Divide. Mountains in the northern portion such as 8,300 foot Morgan Mountain are more rounded and timbered covered. North Fork Big Hole River and the Big Hole River collect millions of gallons of snowmelt from the many creeks that flow eastward out of the Beaverhead Mountains into the Big Hole Valley.
Roughly 127 square miles
62.5% public land
Elevations from 6,000-9,700 feet
Vegetation
Big Hole Valley has hundreds of acres of hay meadows and lush grass grazing along with areas of sagebrush. Willows line many of the rivers, ditches and creek bottoms. Starting around 6,800 conifers, aspens and mountain shrubs cover the foothills leading upwards to alpine meadows, basins, and lakes below the Continental Divide. Some of the peaks are densely forested with spruce, pine and fir broken up by small grassy parks. Other peaks are barren talus slopes with moss and lichens clinging to rock faces with lush basins and headwaters situated below their 9,000 foot peaks.
Access
U. S. Forest Service maintained portions of Continental Divide National Scenic Trail runs about 23 miles between 8,3000 foot Morgan Mountain and 7,300 foot Chief Joseph Pass. May Creek recreational Trail heads southwest off of Montana Route 43 west of Wisdom and connects with the Continental Divide about three miles south of Chief Joseph Pass. Gibbsonville Road heads southwest from Wisdom to Gibbsonville, Idaho crossing the Continental Divide at Big Hole Pass trailhead along the way connecting to a number of Forest Service roads. Potential for rapidly changing weather conditions combined with the remoteness of the area requires tag holders to be well prepared, and it is highly recommend using a four wheel drive vehicle with winch and chains during any portion of the season.
Major highways include Montana Route 278 and 43
Heavy snowfall can shut down mountain passes
Camping and Lodging
Beaverhead National Forest restricts camping to 16 accumulated days within any 30 day period. Check availability of developed camp sites at the regional office. Wisdom offers limited lodging, café or gas. Dillon is east along Interstate 15 and provides many options in of motels, café and restaurants, a regional medical facility and 24/7 gas and diesel. Butte is northeast about 70 miles sitting at the junction of on Interstate 15 and 90 and offers a wide variety of lodging, café and restaurants, regional medical care and 24/7 gas and diesel.
Wisdom: Nez Perce Motel, Pioneer Mountain Lodge, the Crossings Bar and Grill, Antler Inn, Hook & Horn Trading Post
Dillon: Motel 6, Sundowner, Comfort Inn, Sparkey’s Garage, Blacktail Station, Papa T’s
Butte: National Chain Motels, Up Town Café, Park & Main Café, Gamer’s Café, Chicken Shack
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