Montana · Hiking · Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness

Watchtower

17.8 mi
round trip
3,153 ft
climb
8,201 ft
high point
Out and back
route

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Alert in the area

The Forest Service lists 4 alerts for Bitterroot National Forest.

As of · Source: USFS · Bitterroot National Forest. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Watchtower is a hard hike in the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness, part of the West Fork Ranger District of the Bitterroot National Forest in Montana. The route is an out-and-back of about 17.8 miles, with a total elevation gain of 3,153 feet. The trail starts at the Watchtower Creek trailhead, and the climb carries you from a low point of about 5,050 feet to a high point of 8,201 feet. The trail is a natural-surface route, and the Forest Service manages the land. Plan for a full day on foot, with time to rest and take in the high-country setting. Fales Flat Campground sits about 3 miles away, and the Nez Perce Indian Trail-Fales and Sheephead Creek hikes are also within 3 miles. Bare Cone is a little farther, at about 3.4 miles.