Need suggestions -Beaverhead-Deerlodge National forrest, and Phillipsburg, MT

[DCastle]

Hi all. Planning an annual hiking trip. We typically go backpacking for 3-4 nights, but this year we are wanting to stay in a mountain town and day hike as we have someone joining us that isn't quite ready for the full backpacking experience. Has anyone hiked near Phillipsburg, MT in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge NF? If so, is there decent hiking there? We have gone to GNP a few times, but wanted to try a different area. Any suggestions or thoughts appreciated! Or if you have a recommendations any place for a rustic cabin with nearby day hikes I would love to hear it.

 

[Outdoor_Fool]

Head east to the Flint Creek Range and south to the Ananconda-Pintler Wilderness. Miles of gorgeous country. And if you're up for a drive, head west over Skalkaho Pass and hit the Bitterroots, tons of trails there also.

 

[montanaclimber]

Hello! I am a local to that area (Butte), and Outdoor Fool is correct. The Anaconda Pinter Wilderness and the Flint Creek Range. Both Anaconda and Phillipsburg are very cute little towns separated by Georgetown Lake. Maybe an Airbnb on the lake? There are also campgrounds there. You’ll have everything you need in Anaconda or Phillipsburg, restaurants and breweries, and the small town feel. There are a couple forest service cabins around that area (check recreation.gov).

A very easy yet absolutely stunning day hike that would be good for your friend would be Storm Lake to Goat Flat, right outside Anaconda. The views are practically on par with Glacier, and it’s only a couple miles hike. The hike could be extended to other wilderness lakes the trail leads to. Pick up a map of the Anaconda Pinter wilderness and check it out!

Another easy yet awesome introduction to the Pintlers is a 10mile loop by Warren Peak and the Carpp Lakes up Maloney Basin! You’ll enter the wilderness via one of the “Portals” they call the access points. In late June or early July the wildflowers are insane.

And yes, taking a drive from this area over Skalkaho Pass to the Bitterroot Range (Hamilton) is also a good option!

That’s just a start, you can ask me anything else if needed. Have a great time planning your trip!

 

[DCastle]

Head east to the Flint Creek Range and south to the Ananconda-Pintler Wilderness. Miles of gorgeous country. And if you're up for a drive, head west over Skalkaho Pass and hit the Bitterroots, tons of trails there also.

Thanks for the suggestions, much appreciated!

 

[DCastle]

Hello! I am a local to that area (Butte), and Outdoor Fool is correct. The Anaconda Pinter Wilderness and the Flint Creek Range. Both Anaconda and Phillipsburg are very cute little towns separated by Georgetown Lake. Maybe an Airbnb on the lake? There are also campgrounds there. You’ll have everything you need in Anaconda or Phillipsburg, restaurants and breweries, and the small town feel. There are a couple forest service cabins around that area (check recreation.gov).

A very easy yet absolutely stunning day hike that would be good for your friend would be Storm Lake to Goat Flat, right outside Anaconda. The views are practically on par with Glacier, and it’s only a couple miles hike. The hike could be extended to other wilderness lakes the trail leads to. Pick up a map of the Anaconda Pinter wilderness and check it out!

Another easy yet awesome introduction to the Pintlers is a 10mile loop by Warren Peak and the Carpp Lakes up Maloney Basin! You’ll enter the wilderness via one of the “Portals” they call the access points. In late June or early July the wildflowers are insane.

And yes, taking a drive from this area over Skalkaho Pass to the Bitterroot Range (Hamilton) is also a good option!

That’s just a start, you can ask me anything else if needed. Have a great time planning your trip!

@montanaclimber Thanks so much for the suggestions! I will check these out. And thanks for the offer for further info in the future. I'm sure I will take you up on that.

 

[Rockskipper]

I stayed at the Caledonia B&B in Phillipsburg a few years ago - nice people if it's still in biz. Was there for the 5.8 earthquake near Lincoln, which was interesting, as it's a big brick house. But if you need a shower and some comfort after packing, it's great, they even let me bring my 3 dogs. Not much in Phillipsburg, but there is some nice country nearby and old mining ruins.

Also recommend Shalkaho Pass and Hamilton's a nice little town. The Bitterroots are fantastic.