Overview
Blodgett Canyon is the signature hike of the Bitterroot National Forest, and it earns that status. The canyon's quartzite walls rise in sweeping tiers from the creek below, and the scale of the geology takes a few minutes to fully register. At 9 miles round trip with roughly 1,200 feet of elevation gain spread across the length of the route, this is not a technically demanding hike, but the canyon environment makes it feel genuinely wild.
The trailhead sits just west of Hamilton, Montana, on a gravel road that quickly leaves the valley behind. From the parking area, the canyon announces itself immediately: the walls are already visible, and they only grow more impressive as you move deeper into the drainage.
The Route
Trailhead to Canyon Mouth (0 to 1.5 miles)
The first mile and a half follows Blodgett Creek through a corridor of ponderosa pine and Douglas fir. The trail is wide and the grade is gentle here. The canyon walls begin to close in around the 1-mile mark, and you start to see the full vertical scale of the terrain above. Rock climbing routes are visible on the south wall, particularly a series of crack systems that have attracted climbers for decades.
Lower Canyon (1.5 to 3.5 miles)
The trail narrows and the canyon deepens. Several creek crossings occur in this section, most are simple rock hops in summer but can be knee-deep during peak runoff in May and June. The best swimming holes in the canyon are accessible in this stretch, pooled in granite bowls scoured by seasonal floods. Afternoon light hits the south wall from mid-canyon, which makes this stretch particularly photogenic.
Upper Canyon and Wilderness Boundary (3.5 to 4.5 miles)
The trail climbs more noticeably through the upper canyon before reaching the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness boundary. The terrain opens somewhat as the drainage broadens, and old-growth larch and western white pine replace the ponderosa of the lower canyon. Most day hikers turn around at the wilderness boundary or just past it, though the route continues many miles deeper for backpackers with multi-day ambitions.
Turnaround (4.5 miles)
The conventional day-hike turnaround is at or just past the wilderness boundary sign, giving a total out-and-back distance of 9 miles. The return follows the same route back, offering different light and new perspectives on the canyon walls.
When to Hike
May and June bring snowmelt runoff that makes the canyon creek dynamic and the valley wildflowers vivid, but creek crossings can be challenging. Lower canyon sections open in May while upper sections may hold snow.
July through August is peak season. Creek crossings are manageable, trails are clear, and the long days allow for a comfortable pace. Start early on hot days, as the lower canyon warms quickly.
September through October brings quieter trails, golden larch needles in the upper canyon, and cooler temperatures ideal for hiking. Many visitors consider this the best time for Blodgett. Snow can close upper sections by late October.
What to Bring
Many hikers carry 2 to 3 liters of water for the full 9-mile route, as the creek water requires filtering. A water filter or purification tablets are standard kit here given the cattle grazing in some upland areas. Sun protection matters in the open lower canyon sections.
Trekking poles help with the multiple creek crossings in the middle canyon. Sandals or waterproof trail shoes are popular in summer when wading is the norm at some crossings. Pack a layer for the upper canyon, which sits in shade and runs several degrees cooler than the lower sections on warm days.
Trailhead Access
The Blodgett Canyon Trailhead is located at the end of Blodgett Camp Road, about 5 miles west of Hamilton off the Eastside Highway. The road is paved to the campground and gravel to the trailhead lot. No parking fee is charged (as of 2026). A small primitive campground at the trailhead provides a staging area for backpackers.
Dogs are welcome and must be under control. No permit is required for day use or overnight travel in the wilderness as of 2026.
Nearby
Blodgett Canyon is one of several major western-facing canyons in the Bitterroot. Bass Creek Trail runs a similar canyon route 10 miles north and provides an excellent alternative with more swimming access. Sweathouse Creek Trail is a shorter, more accessible option south of Hamilton.
Check current trail conditions and creek levels before your hike using the USFS checking conditions guide. The Bitterroot's canyon trails can change significantly between seasons. Follow Leave No Trace principles throughout, particularly around the creek where fragile riparian vegetation is easily damaged by foot traffic off the trail.