Selway River Road – Magruder Crossing Alternative

The Selway River Road penetrates deep into the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness boundary, following one of America’s premier Wild and Scenic Rivers through uncut forest. This 47-mile dead-end route passes Race Creek Ranger Station and O’Hara Bar, where Depression-era CCC camps once operated. The road deteriorates significantly past Selway Falls, requiring careful navigation around washouts and fallen timber that regularly block the final 15 miles to road’s end.

Difficult rating due to isolation, river crossings, and frequent deadfall clearance needs. High-clearance 4WD essential, along with chainsaw and recovery gear. Best tackled June through September when river levels drop. No permits required but notify Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest of travel plans. Fuel up in Hamilton, Montana – it’s 90+ miles to anywhere. The payoff: pristine steelhead water, old-growth cedar groves, and camping spots that haven’t changed since Lewis and Clark.