Bob Marshall Wilderness

Bob Marshall Wilderness is a protected area in western Montana that follows the Continental Divide through mountain ranges and valleys rising from 4,000 to 9,000 feet. The reserve spans six counties and covers roughly 1.5 million acres of forest, meadows, and ridgelines without roads or permanent structures.

Several smaller primitive areas joined together in 1940 to form a single protected zone. The Wilderness Act of 1964 gave the territory its formal status and protection from road building or commercial development.

Native American tribes utilized this land for centuries before its designation as a wilderness area, establishing traditional hunting and gathering practices.

More than 1,100 miles of marked trails cross the area and can only be traveled on foot or horseback. Visitors should prepare for changing weather and carry maps and a compass, as there is no cell phone coverage.

The Chinese Wall is a limestone formation that runs for about 22 miles and rises up to 1,000 feet above the surrounding land. This steep rock face cuts through the northern section and can be seen from the ground before reaching it.

Location: Flathead County

Location: Lewis and Clark County

Location: Missoula County

Location: Pondera County

Location: Powell County

Location: Teton County

Operator: United States Forest Service

GPS coordinates: 47.81670,-113.06700

Latest update: December 20, 2025 01:05