One of Montana's smallest wildernesses, Welcome Creek Wilderness encompasses 28,315 acres on the Lolo National Forest and is in the traditional homelands of the Salish peoples.

Senator Lee Metcalf of Montana worked with conservationists to designate Welcome Creek as part of the Endangered American Wilderness Act in 1978

Steep, rocky terrain challenges even the most adventurous of backcountry hunters, anglers and hikers. Located southeast of Missoula, it is best entered from Rock Creek Road, a few miles east of Clinton. Florence, Hamilton, Lolo and Stevensville can also serve as starting points for longer hikes on the east side from the Bitterroot Valley.

Steeped in rich Montanan history, Welcome Creek produced one of the largest gold nuggets in Montana, at 1.5 pounds. After a brief mini

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