Shook Mountain is the apex on the north end of a small rib of mountains lying between the East and West Forks of the Bitterroot River, and the Idaho/Montana border to the south. Having good views of both those valleys there are also fine views of rugged peaks in the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness.
Access is good over US Forest Service Road and trail. The trail is also designated for motorcycles, so a few steep pitches have single narrow-deep ruts making footing a little tricky. The summit is a large grassy slope with a dozen trees on the northern and eastern edge suitable for supporting wire antennas.
Hike Miles: 5 round-trip
Elevation Gain: 1600’
Water: None along the route
Bear Spray: Recommended for all Montana summits.
Camping: Nearby is Sam Billings Campground, a pleasant spot away from busy roads.
Map: US Forest Service, West Fork Ranger District.
Directions: from Darby Montana travel south on Highway 93 approximately 4 miles to the West Fork Bitterroot Road. Travel the West Fork Bitterroot Road approximately 8.5 miles to Piquett Creek Road #49. Travel Road #49 approximately 1.3 miles and turn east onto Road #731. Travel #731 approximately 7.0 miles to the trailhead. The trailhead has good parking, but the trail might be a bit obscure. It takes off northeast up a steep track between the “Y” formed by road #731 and an east bound old two-track.
