BLUE JOINT

The Blue Joint Wilderness Study Area, located about 25 miles south of Darby along Montana’s western border, is adjacent to the Frank-Church River of No Return Wilderness in Idaho. At over 65,000 acres, special features include Castle Rock (the remnant of a volcanic plug), and a natural rock arch, east of the confluence of Jack the Ripper and Blue Joint Creeks. Parts of the Southern Nez Perce Indian Trail traverse the Montana/Idaho ridge, and Bare Cone Lookout in the northern portion of the area. Unfortunately, the Bitterroot National Forest plans to keep a significant portion of this area open to motorized use which will reduce its potential for Wilderness designation.

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