Painted Rocks
United States, Montana
About Painted Rocks
Painted Rocks State Park encompasses 88 acres on the shore of Painted Rocks Reservoir in Ravalli County, deep in the Bitterroot Mountains of western Montana. The park provides camping and fishing in a remote mountain setting surrounded by national forest.
Wildlife Ecosystems
The reservoir and surrounding forests support diverse wildlife including black bears, moose, elk, and white-tailed deer. The lake supports rainbow trout, bull trout, and kokanee salmon. Ospreys and bald eagles fish the reservoir.
Flora Ecosystems
Dense forests of Douglas fir, lodgepole pine, and Engelmann spruce surround the reservoir. The lush understory includes huckleberry and other mountain shrubs. The high mountain setting supports subalpine plant communities.
Geology
Painted Rocks Reservoir was created by a dam on the West Fork of the Bitterroot River. The Bitterroot Mountains consist of granitic rocks of the Idaho Batholith and metamorphic rocks of the Belt Supergroup. The painted rocks for which the area is named feature Native American pictographs.
Climate And Weather
The mountain setting at about 5,100 feet produces cold, snowy winters and mild summers with cool nights. Annual precipitation exceeds 20 inches. The reservoir typically freezes in winter.
Human History
Native American pictographs on rocks near the reservoir give the area its name. The Bitterroot Valley was home to the Salish people. The dam was constructed for irrigation in the 1940s.
Park History
Painted Rocks State Park was established to provide recreation at the reservoir in the remote upper Bitterroot Valley. The park offers solitude and mountain scenery.
Major Trails And Attractions
Fishing for trout and kokanee is the primary activity. The remote mountain setting provides scenic beauty and solitude. Access to surrounding national forest trails is nearby.
Visitor Facilities And Travel
The park offers primitive camping and a boat ramp. It is located about 23 miles south of Conner on the West Fork Road in the remote upper Bitterroot Valley.
Conservation And Sustainability
Bull trout conservation is a priority in the reservoir. The park's remote setting naturally limits visitor impact. Surrounding national forest management affects the park ecosystem.
No photos available yet
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Painted Rocks located?
Painted Rocks is located in Montana, United States at coordinates 45.68128, -114.301.
How do I get to Painted Rocks?
To get to Painted Rocks, the nearest city is Hamilton (40 mi), and the nearest major city is Missoula (80 mi).
How large is Painted Rocks?
Painted Rocks covers approximately 0.09 square kilometers (0 square miles).
When was Painted Rocks established?
Painted Rocks was established in 1963.
