HD 262 encompasses the West Fork of the Bitterroot drainage—a long, timbered valley running southwest from Conner toward the Idaho border through some of western Montana's most fire-shaped landscape. Elevations range from about 4,000 feet at Conner to over 9,000 feet on the surrounding peaks of the Bitterroot Range. The West Fork Road follows the river for 20-plus miles into increasingly wild country, passing through ponderosa pine benches, Douglas fir slopes, and dense spruce-fir at higher elevations. The 2000 fires burned significant portions of this drainage, and the resulting mosaic of burned timber, regenerating forest, and surviving old growth creates diverse wildlife habitat two decades later. Elk use the burned areas for feeding and the surviving timber patches for security cover. The upper West Fork pushes into remote, trail-access-only country near the Idaho border where the drainage narrows and the terrain steepens. Bitterroot National Forest covers the HD almost entirely, with scattered private parcels along the lower West Fork and near Painted Rocks Reservoir. The West Fork Road (MT-473) is the primary access, a paved-then-gravel route that narrows and deteriorates as you push upstream. Forest roads branch off into side drainages at various points, and trails extend into the headwaters. Conner and Darby are the nearest supply points; Hamilton is 25 miles northeast for full services. Cell service drops quickly heading up the West Fork. This HD offers a progression from easy road-accessible hunting near Conner to genuine backcountry near the headwaters—you choose your adventure level. The post-fire habitat has been a boon for elk, and the drainage holds a strong herd that moves through the burned timber and meadow regrowth. Archery hunters do well in the burned openings where visibility exceeds the standing timber. Rifle season brings more pressure near the road, but the upper drainage and side drainages reward commitment. Be bear-aware—both black bears and grizzlies use the berry-producing burned areas heavily through fall. HD 262 (West Fork Bitterroot / Painted Rocks) offers a progression from easy road-accessible hunting near Conner to genuine backcountry near the headwaters at the Idaho border. General elk tags are available OTC for residents. Bitterroot National Forest covers the HD almost entirely. No designated wilderness exists, but the upper West Fork pushes into remote, trail-access-only country. The 2000 fires burned significant portions of this drainage, and the resulting post-fire mosaic — burned timber, regenerating forest, surviving old growth — has been a boon for elk over the past two decades. Archery hunters do well in the burned openings where visibility exceeds the standing timber. Block Management is minimal. Bull-to-cow ratios are moderate. Painted Rocks Reservoir provides a convenient base camp location. Grizzly bears are present — both black bears and grizzlies use the berry-producing burned areas heavily through fall. The upper drainage and side drainages reward commitment with less pressure. The West Fork Road narrows and deteriorates upstream, providing a natural filter for casual hunters.