Imagine being in a Chet Reneson watercolor, kneeling at the edge of an alpine lake cleaning a brook trout with a campfire close by and a black kettle smelling of coffee. The smoke from the small fire, like the morning mist on the lake, rises in the peach light through the towering dark firs at the water's edge. A canoe, tilted and half pulled to shore, drums softly the lapping of the lake. The "Ka-ka" message of raven tells you that you are not alone. Solitude, without loneliness, no pagers, no phones, no schedules; that is Bitterroot backcountry. 92 miles of creek canyons, alpine lakes, and rocky ledge overlooks in the rugged terrain that has been drawn as the edge between Idaho and Montana.

The spine of the Bitterroot Range was mistaken by pioneer surveyors for the Continental divide. The true divide is approximately 100 miles east over the Sapphire Mountains. The error resulted in a "real estate theft" from the State of Idaho that would surely be litigated today!

The settlement of Missoula serves about 80,000 people to the north of the Bitterroot Valley, the small town of Salmon Idaho is to the south, and Hamilton is in the heart of the Valley with plenty of services from eclectic restaurants, grocery stores, and sporting goods for tent pegs, fishing flies, and bootlaces.

Into the mountains that surround the Bitterroot Valley are thousands of miles of trails for novice and avid hikers alike. Entire books have been written describing the many destination adventures to alpine lakes, scenic Wilderness overlooks, rock walls, and Indian petroglyphs. Check out Scott Steinberg's "Hiking the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness" published by Falcon Press - a fabulous 2001 guide to the backcountry in the Bitterroot, Clearwater, Lolo, and Nez Perce National Forests. Steinberg includes maps, degree of difficulty, informative text, and photos on each and every trail, canyon, and creek.

The rugged 2,000 square miles of area includes 1,337,681 acres of natural beauty, wildlife, huckleberries and trout. Elevations range from 1,600 feet above sea level at the Selway River to 10,157 feet at the top of Trapper Peak. The trail network is surprisingly friendly and offers access to some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. The trails are not blazed with interpretive signs and do not offer resting benches. It is not uncommon to complete an 8-hour hike without seeing other parties even on a summer weekend. With only 36,000 residents living in the Bitterroot Valley, the calculation of miles of trail to each man, woman, and child would be in the hundreds. Add the Anaconda-Pintlar wilderness for another 158,516 acres and it is easy to see how vast the outdoor possibilities become. It would take a lifetime or two to see it all.

Parking is provided at the trailheads and the Forest Service does mark most trails with their numbered system. Good maps are available at the local Forest Service offices and in sporting goods stores.

For those who are either not able to hike or just enjoy the comforts of the many travel trailers on today's market complete with satellite dish, there are campgrounds at the shore of Lake Como with its impressive towering peaks, Painted Rocks Reservoir, and along almost every Forest Service road. There are drive-to destinations for canoeing and kayaking and overnight stays. Our generous snowfall in the last few years permit campfires in most areas - and what is camping without a campfire? Check the local Forest Service Ranger District office for regulations at the time of year.

Historic fire lookout towers are available for an overnight stay at the rate of $28.00. These scenic landmarks are a really fun experience! They are equipped with all the necessary cooking utensils and stove. Just add water and enjoy. Telephone the Bitterroot District Office for brochures at 406-363-7161.

There are many areas of interest relating to the Kootenai Salish Indians, Nez Perce tribe, and Lewis and Clark. Be sure to make time to visit the museum in Hamilton for more information about the rich history of the Valley and places to visit.

Questions many ask:

Should we have water purification pump (cost $ 49.00) to protect against Giardia? Yes, or boil for 5 minutes to be safe. Water quality is high, but safety comes first.

Are there grizzly bears in the Bitterroot woods? No, but be bear-wise for black bears.

What about snakes and wood ticks? Snakes are found in the lower elevations like along the Selway River. Wood ticks generally last from late March to early July. Wear layers of clothing and avoid white apparel. Check yourself daily.

June is the rainy month and many high lakes are still frozen. Plan accordingly.

What kinds of trout are in the streams and lakes? Brooks, rainbow, cutthroat, browns and be sure to get the fishing regulations so you know which to put in the pan and which to catch and release.

Can we pick huckleberries for pancakes? Yes - yes- yes and usually July and August.

What wildflowers will you be seeing? Lady Slippers, Arrow Leaf Balsam, Indian Paintbrush, Lupine, Columbine, Shooting Stars, Trillium, Bitterroots, Bear Grass, and more.

What fishing flies should I take to the alpine lakes and streams? Gray Hackle Peacocks, Royal Wulffs, Humpies, and Orange Polychutes.

Do we need to take a camera? Yes, or you will never be able to describe the moose, deer, elk, and sunsets that your saw.

What else is there to do? Rock hounding, fossil hunting, crystal digging, and ghost towns. What about cell phones? They will work at most higher elevations, by are highly discouraged! This is "mountain time"

Whether you are a lucky resident with an afternoon, weekend, holiday, or a visitor to the Bitterroot Mountains, prepare to be infected by the beauty of the area. Write or call the sources mentioned here or visit other links in the We Lead the Way Group website. Pack your bags and head to Montana. We'll see you on the trail...maybe.