West Fork Ranger District

The West Fork Ranger Station sits 18 miles south of Darby, Montana, along the West Fork of the Bitterroot River—a major destination for anglers from across and beyond the Bitterroot Valley. With the first insect hatches of spring, the snowmelt-swollen river quickly fills with fishermen in boats and along the banks. As the waters recede and spring shifts into summer, the river offers a calmer fishing experience and becomes a popular route for scenic rafting trips.

Although the river guides you into the district, it is the rugged wilderness character that truly defines the West Fork Ranger District. More than half of the district is wilderness, making it one of the few places where you can drive between two expansive wild landscapes.

At Magruder Crossing, the road climbs into stands of subalpine larch and winds for miles through remote terrain. From this narrow, historic road—built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s—you can look out across the 2.3‑million‑acre Frank Church–River of No Return Wilderness or the 1.2‑million‑acre Selway–Bitterroot Wilderness. The road remains much as it was when first constructed, offering a uniquely rugged driving experience. Amenities are scarce, but crystal‑clear streams, sweeping vistas, and deep silence provide their own rewards.

Following the Selway River from Magruder Crossing, the road ends at Paradise. This is the launching point for rafting the renowned Selway River—47 miles of Class IV whitewater. During the permit season (May 15 to July 31), only one group is allowed to launch each day. Permits are available through Recreation.gov.

Campgrounds in the district include Slate Creek, Alta, Rombo, Fales Flat, and Sam Billings. Each site features fire rings, picnic tables, and outhouses, and most lie near lakes, streams, or hiking trails. Sam Billings Campground is just a short distance from the Boulder Creek Trail, a popular route leading into the Selway–Bitterroot Wilderness.