Trail recommendations in the Selway-Bitterroot (Missoula, Hamilton: 2013, homes, where to buy)

[80skeys]

I'm taking my nephews backpacking at the end of the of the July in the Selway-Bitterroot for four or five days. Would like to get some trail recommmendations, that offer good fishing along the way.

Any suggestions? Am considering South Fork Lake near the Idaho border, have read that there is good fishing there.

[NW Crow]

What is a nearby town to South Fork Lake? Trying to place it. I like the Selway River area south of Lowell, Idaho and Ship Island Lake west of Shoup, Idaho to name a few spots in broader region.

There should be some good guide books out there, by Falcon Press and others.

[80skeys]

Originally Posted by NW Crow

What is a nearby town to South Fork Lake? Trying to place it.

South fork lake is located at the end of Big Creek Trail (#11) which is accessible from Highway 93 in Montana. The closest town is Victor.

Are you familiar with the lake? Or any others in this area that are good for fishing?

[80skeys]

Looking at this more, I think this might be our #2 choice. The Big Creeks Lakes are actually on the way to South Fork Lake, so we could have the choice of both. And it looks pretty nice. There's a youtube video of someone who hiked to Big Creek in May 2013.

My #1 choice at this point is the Fish Lake - Hackney Lake - Lost Horse Lake, accesible from highway 93 then Lost horse Road (near Hamilton).

But I'm open to any suggestions.

[NW Crow]

Thanks for the location. Generic names can make it tough to identify the right place.

I haven't been to those specific spots (hiked and climbed in some of the other numerous nearby drainages though) but they sound like good options, as long as you aren't expecting to have it to yourselves. Looks pretty and sounds popular. Internet links say mosquitos can be high and bears sometimes come around, in part because of messy / too casual campers. Several fishing guide services mention these lakes, so fishing may be decent or better.

I see Fish Lake and Lost Horse Lake now too. The later might require the longest / toughest climb to reach. But this person was happy with it http://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/mo...ost-horse-lake

[80skeys]

Thanks for the link. I think I might make Fish Lake - Lost Horse Lake our #1 choice. Hopefully less people, and we'll have a choice of several lakes.

[80skeys]

We're flying into Missoula and from there driving to the mountains.

Another question: Where to buy bear spray in Missoula on a Wednesday afternoon?

I've got bear spray hear at home, but I'm not going to take it on the plane - I'm worried about it getting everywhere if it ruptures.

[case42so]

There is a Cabalas in town, I bought a can of bear spray there. They have it in various sizes

[80skeys]

Yep, I see there's both a Cabelas and and REI, as well as other sporting goods/camping stores in town.

[Montana Griz]

Originally Posted by 80skeys

We're flying into Missoula and from there driving to the mountains.

Another question: Where to buy bear spray in Missoula on a Wednesday afternoon?

I've got bear spray hear at home, but I'm not going to take it on the plane - I'm worried about it getting everywhere if it ruptures.

Better call the Bitterroot Nat'l Forest main office (406 363 7100)......the forest from Darby to Hamilton is closed to recreational use due to the MASSIVE FOREST FIRE THAT IS NOW AT 3500 TO 3700 ACRES...........12 homes plus many other structures lost in the first 12 hours and the west side of the fire will probably reach the Idaho line
by Tuesday evening,.....It started Sunday mid afternoon and exploded to 2000 acres in SEVEN HOURS.