Bear Trap Canyon Wilderness

Bureau of Land Management, Ennis, MT 59725

Phone: 406-683-8000

Additional Information:
  • Backcountry Camping
  • Canoeing
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Nature
  • Rafting
  • Sightseeing
  • Whitewater Rafting
  • Wildlife Viewing
  • Boat Launch
  • Parking
  • Trail

Located along the Madison River in southwest Montana, the Bear Trap Canyon Wilderness is the Bureau of Land Management's first designated wilderness area including six thousand acres of wilderness on the Madison River.

This recreation area with boat access from the south end offers rafters a nine mile float trip through whitewater and a scenic canyon with 2,000 foot cliffs; featuring the famous Class V 'Kitchen Sink' rapid as the climax of the trip. Whitewater skills must be honed. Permits not required for private groups, but registration is necessary at the launch. Commercial floats available.

Trail Creek Access Recreational Area located at the head of the canyon is the first fishing, and picnicking area on the Madison built with the handicapped in mind. A hiking trail follows the river the length of the canyon but cannot be accessed from the south end.

The 9-mile Bear Trap National Recreation Trail at the north end of the canyon provides visitors outstanding hiking, backpacking, and horseback riding into the canyon. The site provides a boat launch, parking, and restrooms. Camping is primitive. Trout fishing is also popular along this section of the river.

In the area

Places to Stay
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  1. Meadow Lake
    Meadow Lake
    Ennis, MT
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  2. Norris Hot Springs Campground
    Norris Hot Springs Campground
    Norris, MT
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  3. McAllister Inn & Lodging
    McAllister Inn & Lodging
    Mcallister, MT
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  4. Trapper Springs Group Use Campground
    Trapper Springs Group Use Campground
    Norris, MT
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  5. Boat Shed
    Boat Shed
    Ennis, MT
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  6. Madison Valley Ranch
    Madison Valley Ranch
    Ennis, MT
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  7. Elk Hills Haven
    Elk Hills Haven
    Ennis, MT
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  8. T Lazy B Ranch
    T Lazy B Ranch
    Ennis, MT
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  9. Red Mountain
    Red Mountain
    Norris, MT
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  10. Valley Garden Fishing Access Site
    Valley Garden Fishing Access Site
    Ennis, MT
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  11. Madison Mountain Oasis
    Madison Mountain Oasis
    Mcallister, MT
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  12. Ennis RV Village
    Ennis RV Village
    Ennis, MT
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  13. Fisherman's Retreat
    Fisherman's Retreat
    Ennis, MT
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  14. The Jewel of the Jeffers
    The Jewel of the Jeffers
    Ennis, MT
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  15. Diamond J Ranch
    Diamond J Ranch
    Ennis, MT
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  16. Riverside Motel and RV Park
    Riverside Motel and RV Park
    Ennis, MT
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  17. Sportsman's Lodge
    Sportsman's Lodge
    Ennis, MT
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  18. Silvertip Lodge Motel
    Silvertip Lodge Motel
    Ennis, MT
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  19. Apex Management & Real Estate
    Apex Management & Real Estate
    Ennis, MT
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  20. Red Bear Inn
    Red Bear Inn
    Ennis, MT
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