Four old ranger cabins are also available for public rental. The Scapegoat Wilderness is characterized by broad expanses of alpine and subalpine country, combined with spectacular mountains on the Continental Divide. The Scapegoat is part of the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex, which is comprised of the Bob Marshall, Great Bear, and Scapegoat Wildernesses. The Complex is managed as a unit, with four National Forests sharing management responsibilities. The Gates of the Mountains Wilderness contains over 45 miles of scenic trails, many passing through picturesque limestone gorges.
Water is scarce, but wildlife is usually plentiful.
Excursion boats operating on the Missouri River through the Gates of the Mountains offer scenic tours of the area, with a stop at the Forest's Meriwether Picnic site. Several short hikes are available at the site. Many other recreational activities are available as well, such as cross-country skiing on two developed areas, birding, fishing, snowmobiling, and hunting. The Forest has also set aside the 129,000 acre Elkhorn Mountain range as a wildlife management area. Only those activities which maintain or enhance wildlife values occur in the area.