Fred Burr Trail

The Fred Burr Trail, or the Fred Burr Trail #38, is a scenic there-and-back route through the Bitterroot Mountains south of Victor in the Bitterroot Valley. It's a great early-season hike, topping out at the Fred Burr Reservoir at just over 5,000 feet. It's a relatively friendly hike with only moderate elevation gain, ascending just over 1,000 feet in 5.2 miles. The path is wide and easy to follow, with views of the surrounding craggy canyon on both sides. Backcountry camping is available near the reservoir, and the trail can also serve as a jumping-off point for longer-distance backpacking in the Bitterroot Mountains.

The route parallels private property for the first two miles or so. Pay attention to the clear and abundant signage to stay on the Fred Burr Trail. It's not hard to keep on the right path, and past two miles, the route is practically a straight line until you hit the reservoir. The route is double-track primarily and runs alongside Fred Burr Creek, although access or even sightlines to the water are sporradic. It's a steady but relatively easy elevation gain the entire way, and while it does mostly navigate a tunnel of trees that obscure many long-distance views, the craggy canyon stands out at moments, offering nice reminders of the wild environment. At the very end of the route, the Fred Burr Trail crosses Fred Burr Creek atop a wide and wooden bridge.

Turning the last corner for a big view of Fred Burr Reservoir rewards the five-mile effort. Large, craggy Bitterroot Mountains rim the water's edge, creating a large lake basin for the blue and green water to shimmer. On the east end of the reservoir where you first emerge, a large earthen damn offers unobstructed views and great places to pose for a photograph. To continue on the adventure, navigate the trodden trail on the northern shore, leading to the other side of the lake. Here, you'll find a large and well-used primitive campground and additional spaces to eat lunch or rest before turning back around. Follow the same exact path back to the trailhead for this rewarding 10.4-mile hike.