Chief Joseph Pass, on the border of Idaho and Montana in the southern end of the Bitterroot Mountain Range, reaches 7,264 feet. Heading north on the CDT from Chief Joseph Pass, the trail meanders through a sparse forest. The trail is relatively evenly graded for the first 3 miles and winds its way along the ridge. There is no pre-determined turn around point; make an out-and back hike with a distance that works for you. As you walk the CDT along this section, notice the web of trails, marking crosscountry ski routes. Across MT-43 to the south is Lost Trail Powder Mountain downhill ski area.
CDT from Chief Joseph Pass
Difficulty
Easy
Maps
USGS: 7.5 quadrangle: Lost Trail Pass; USFS: Beaverhead Deerlodge National Forest, Wisdom; CDTC Map Set: Maps 340 and 341, Section MT13.
Length
Variable (2 miles – 6 miles)
Directions
Directions from Wisdom, MT: Drive west on MT-43 for 25 miles before turning right into a parking area at the top of a pass at an elevation of 7,264 feet. At the pass, there is a large parking area and space for horse trailers. The CDT takes off to the north midway across the parking lot,
Closest Town
Wisdom, MT
For More Information
Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest,
Wisdom Ranger District: (406)-689-3243.