Things to Do in the Bitterroot Valley

Beyond our collection of exciting recreational activities, there are many things to do during your stay in the Bitterroot Valley.

Outdoor Activities | Shopping | Cultural | Family Fun

Outdoor Activities

Birding – There are endless birding opportunities in the area, but none any better than these two wildlife refuges located in the heart of the Bitterroot Valley.

Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge – As part of the national wildlife refuge system, the refuge offers spectacular viewing opportunities of the landscape, plants and wildlife. www.leemetcalf.fws.gov/

Teller Wildlife Refuge – This 1,200 acre wildlife refuge is the only private wildlife refuge in Montana and is teeming with birds, wildlife and aquatic life. The refuge is located just a couple miles northeast of Hamilton in the community of Corvallis. www.tellerwildlife.org

Fishing – There are 5 blue-ribbon trout streams and countless other streams and lakes to fish within an hour or two of your property. Stop in at any of the local fly shops to get the latest advice on where to go and what to use, or visit our Fly Fishing page and contact one of our friends to book a guided fly fishing trip.

Four Wheeling – You will find unlimited opportunities for your ATV adventure. There are miles and miles of logging roads that will take you to places you won’t soon forget.

Golf – The Hamilton Golf Club features 18 scenic holes with beautiful views of the Bitterroot and Sapphire Mountains. Open to the public, tee times are required. 363-4251 Click Here for Info

Hunting – The Bitterroot Valley is a favorite for hunters all over the world in search of trophy big game hunting. Every year lucky hunters take deer, elk, moose, bear, mountain lions and bighorn sheep. The area also boasts a large wild turkey population along with other upland game and waterfowl opportunities.

Hiking – One of the most popular area activities, the hiking opportunities are endless. Visit a local bookstore to pick up a trail guide and maps. Some of the most popular hikes include:

Lake Como Loop – This 8 mile mostly level hike circles one of the most beautiful lakes in Montana and offers spectacular views of Como Peaks.

Blodgett Canyon – Considered by many to be the most beautiful canyon in the area, the Blodgett canyon hike to the waterfall is a wonderful 3.5 mile hike.

Bear Creek – An easy, well defined trail leads to a terrific area for a picnic and play on a number of whirlpools, falls, slides and pools.

Horseback Riding – Exploring Montana on horseback is a thrilling way to spend a day. Get to places you wouldn’t normally see without the strain of a long hike.

Skiing – Enjoy our little secrets of the Bitterroot Valley, but don’t tell anyone…..

Lost Trail Powder Mountain Ski Area – This affordable family resort features 5 ski lifts and a variety of terrain for all skill levels. Rentals are available in Hamilton or at the resort. http://www.losttrail.com/

Chief Joseph Cross Country Ski Trail – This is a wonderful, free Nordic skiing area that is groomed and managed by a volunteer organization. The area features nearly 25 kilometers of groomed trail through a variety of terrain. Local equipment rentals are available. http://bitterrootxcskiclub.net/index.htm

Snowmobiling – Some of the best snowmobiling in the country can be found in the Bitterroot Valley and western Montana. Bring your sleds or rent some locally.

Whitewater Rafting – Whitewater adventures are available on the Salmon River and through Alberton Gorge on the Clark Fork River.

Shopping

Hamilton – Main Street is home to a number of quaint shops that offer western Montana artwork, home furnishings, jewelry and souvenirs that you won’t find anywhere else. Take an afternoon and explore this historic area to find some mementos of your trip. Keep your eyes peeled along Highway 93 as you drive through town as there are a number of unique shops that may have that treasure you are looking for.

Darby – Main Street in Darby features one of the best antique shops in Montana that stretches for an entire block of this small town. Indulge yourself in some homemade fudge, candy or ice cream as you walk along the rustic boardwalk and visit the shops along Highway 93.

Stevensville – Main Street in Stevensville boasts a variety of charming shops that give you a real feel for the area. You won’t believe the $.50 ice cream cones at Mary’s Place and the antique mall at the south end of town is worth the visit.

Missoula – If you need to get to a mall, or visit a big box store, then you’ll need to head to Missoula. The 50 mile drive from Hamilton is quite scenic and will give you a real feel for the communities of the Bitterroot Valley. You should be able to find about anything you need on N. Reserve Street, the Southgate Mall, or in the historic downtown shopping district.

Cultural

Marcus Daly Mansion – Take a tour through this recently restored 25,000 square foot, 25 bedroom, 15 bathroom summer home built by Marcus Daly during the copper heydays of the late 1800’s. The mansion is located in Hamilton. www.dalymansion.org

Big Hole National Battlefield – This historic site of the battle between the men of the 7 th Infantry and the Nez Perce Indians is located approximately 60 miles south of Hamilton. www.nps.gov/biho

Bannack State Park – The original territorial capital of Montana was a flurry of activity in the 1860’s as gold mining took the area by storm. By the 1950’s, everyone had moved on. Experience the spectacular drive through the high valleys of the Big Hole Valley and visit this ghost town for a fun way to spend an afternoon. The park is located about 120 miles south of Hamilton. www.bannack.org

Fort Owen State Park – The adobe and log structure marks the first permanent white settlement in Montana and dates back to 1850. A small museum is also located on this site. The park is located about 20 miles north of Hamilton. http://fwp.mt.gov/lands/site_280846.aspx

Garnett Ghost Town – Known as Montana’s best preserved ghost town, this mining town grew to 1,000 residents by the 1898, but almost everyone was gone by 1912. The town is located about 100 miles northeast of Hamilton. www.garnetghosttown.net

Ravalli Museum – Located in the historic County Courthouse in Hamilton, the museum is loaded with area history, artifacts, photographs, displays and archives. Click Here

Travelers Rest State Park – This historic Lewis & Clark campsite is one of only a few locations where physical evidence has been found to prove the presence of the Corps of Discovery. The park is located about 40 miles north of Hamilton. www.travelersrest.org

Family Fun

Bitterroot Valley Lanes – A good ‘ol small town bowling alley located in Hamilton. 406-363-6172.

Hamilton Playhouse – An intimate playhouse located in Hamilton that presents productions by the local Hamilton Players. www.hamiltonplayers.com

Pharaohplex Movie Theatre – This modern 8-plex theatre with stadium seating is located in Hamilton. www.pharaohplex.com

Qwivals Family Fun Center – Features go-karts, bumper cars, miniature golf, air-jumpers, water wars, and a corn maze and haunted house in the fall. The center is located about 6 miles north of Hamilton. www.qwivals.com