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Biking the Bitterroot Trail: What to Expect from Missoula to Hamilton
The Bitterroot Trail is a paved route about 50 miles long that links Missoula to Hamilton in the Bitterroot Valley, passing through charming towns and running alongside the rugged Bitterroot Mountains. Riding along this historic trail will allow you to encounter the charm, wonder, and adventure of Western Montana. It’s a must-visit summer vacation destination with plenty of chances to explore and appreciate the outdoors.
The Bitterroot Valley is a beloved location in Western Montana, boasting stunning scenery and delightful small towns waiting to be discovered. The Valley offers numerous pathways to discover, including the Bitterroot Trail. The scenery includes a variety of landscapes, from lush forests and glistening rivers to vast meadows, while the rugged Bitterroot Range can be seen in the distance. The journey through the Valley entails much more than just cycling. Make sure to pause at different spots worth visiting, either for a refreshing drink at nearby breweries or to discover delightful small villages and historic sites.
Surely, the Bitterroot Trail is just one of the numerous attractions Missoula has in store for you. It may be a small town, but it still maintains the elegance of a bigger city. It is encircled by numerous mountain ranges and provides a stunning backdrop for various Bitterroot activities, including biking!
Biking in the Bitterroot Bike Trail
The Bitterroot Trail is a paved route that closely follows US 93 from Missoula to Hamilton in the picturesque Bitterroot Valley of Montana. It offers a secure mode of transportation away from the crowded road and a valued recreational resource. Throughout its over 50-mile stretch, you will enjoy magnificent sights of the Bitterroot Range on the west and the Sapphire Mountains on the east. With villages located along the trail every few miles for resting and refueling, along with multiple campgrounds providing amenities like drinking water, restrooms, and accommodations for overnight stays on longer trips, this path is perfect for a leisurely exploration of the scenic area.
Missoula
The Bitterroot Bike Trail starts in central Missoula's northern part, intersecting with the Milwaukee Trail by the Clark Fork River and McCormick Park. From here, it goes southwest, following railroad tracks still in use, and continues along Ronan Street as it leaves the town. While biking in Missoula, make sure you don't miss the chance to visit the Historical Museum at Fort Missoula, located on a 32-acre site established in 1877, just a quarter-mile away. Discover a variety of historical buildings if you want to immerse yourself in this lovely region's local and cultural history.
Lolo
After 2 miles, you will encounter US 93. At this point, the trail will lead you into the peaceful rural landscape. The next village you will reach is Lolo, where you can briefly head west on US 12 to visit Travelers’ Rest State Park. Here, you’ll discover a site once utilized as a camp by Lewis and Clark in 1805 and 1806. Today, the park provides excellent opportunities for various outdoor adventures, including hiking, fishing, having a picnic, and observing wildlife.
Florence to Bass Creek Road
From Lolo, it will take you 9 miles to reach the next town—Florence. It offers a grocery store and various dining options to refuel and energize before continuing your cycling adventure. Just over 4 miles south of Florence lies Bass Creek Road. Turning right, you can travel two miles to reach the Bass Creek Recreation Area. It offers camping, picnic spots, hiking trails, and access to the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness, all surrounded by spruce and fir trees.
Stevensville
If you continue further in the southern direction, you will reach State Route 269. Proceeding southeast, you will reach the Stevensville River Trail after crossing the Bitterroot River. It runs parallel to SR 269, leading into downtown Stevensville. It’s a small town where you’ll discover this historical site at the end of 4th Street—the Historic St. Mary's Mission. The old Mission provides a glimpse into Montana's original pioneer settlement, where agriculture, medicine, education, and religion were initially established. The Stevensville trail also grants entry to Fort Owen State Park, included in the National Register of Historic Places.
Victor
Continuing 8 miles southward will bring you to Victor. Head west on Main Street in town and drive two blocks to visit the Victor Heritage Museum, located at 125 Blake Street. It is housed in a historic depot and offers insights into the railroad that the rail trail was constructed on, the region's mining and agricultural sectors, and the Native Americans and early settlers.
Corvallis
The trail changes to the east side of US 93 at SR 363, 7 miles south of Victor. Keep going on the state highway to arrive at the small town of Corvallis. South from here, Blodgett Park provides a place to relax with a water view and shade.
Hamilton
In Hamilton, the path may become more challenging to navigate, like a sidewalk, but just stay on US 93, and you'll be okay. The Bitterroot Bike Trail ends just south of Hamilton at a different highway bridge that crosses the Bitterroot River.
Elevation Challenges
If you have ridden uphill at high elevations before, you have probably experienced how they impact your cycling performance. As you go higher, the air becomes less dense, making it harder to breathe in. Every small movement on the bike feels as demanding as a full-out sprint, and it takes more time to recuperate from these minor actions. Although the Bitterroot Bike Trail is generally flat, you can expect Missoula elevation and Hamilton elevation challenges.
Missoula Elevation
Missoula elevation in the Bitterroot Bike Trail starts at approximately 3,200 feet, providing a gentle starting point and allowing most cyclists to tackle the first few miles comfortably. After leaving Missoula, you can expect a slight incline that slowly activates your leg muscles without being too difficult initially. The well-maintained path offers beautiful views of the surrounding landscape, setting the tone for the journey ahead. When you near Lolo, you can anticipate a gradual, demanding, yet manageable incline.
Hamilton Elevation
Hamilton section on the Bitterroot Bike Trail is around 3,600 feet high, marking the final part of your trip. Even though the height change may seem small, it can still present a difficult obstacle for a long bike journey. The last part requires a solid finish, with the trail twisting through the valley and a few more simple climbs before arriving at the town. To successfully get through this final section, it is recommended to keep a consistent speed and make sure to stay well-hydrated.
Breathtaking Vistas
Every year, Montana attracts bike tourists from all over the U.S. with its beautiful mountain views, charming ranches in green valleys, and vast open plains. Its beautiful, thriving scenery, such as Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks, provides an ideal setting for cycling trips of all levels, which has led to the state becoming a popular destination for mountain biking enthusiasts. Montana's welcoming communities are ideal for road bikers who want to experience the state's valleys, forests, lakes, and towns closely.
Biking the scenic Bitterroot Trail is a favorite activity in Missoula, Montana, whether you want to ride a section or the full 50-mile route between Missoula and Hamilton. The Bitterroot Trail is level and in good condition, allowing cyclists of any skill level to easily explore it. It courses through a variety of terrains, such as lush woodlands, expansive grasslands, and is next to the picturesque Bitterroot River. In addition to the beautiful views around you, there are also numerous opportunities to spot wildlife and discover interesting sights along the Bitterroot Trail.
Experience the Bitterroot Mile Club!
Looking for comfortable lodging to stay at after your biking adventure on the Bitterroot Bike Trail? Visit The Bitterroot Mile Club! Every visit here offers a special opportunity to experience the wilderness of Montana in solitude. Imagine waking up in a comfortable cabin located beside the water, or perhaps you'd prefer glamping with modern amenities surrounded by the peacefulness of nature. Here, only your team and endless views of the riverfront lie ahead.
At TBMC, you get more than just accommodations; imagine relaxing in hot tubs under the night sky, cooking in fully-equipped kitchens, and enjoying evenings with games or movies. We offer accommodations for couples, families, and even colleagues on a retreat, with cabins available for different group sizes. Local flavors are available all day at Mission Bistro, which is included in our offers.
Skis are available for hitting slopes hard all day when thick snow falls on the mountainsides, and there are also snow bikes and sleds for rides down white hills. During the transition from spring to fall, fly fishing becomes active as the seasons warm up, and guided tours can help you find the best fishing spots. This is why Danka Woolfolk describes this opportunity as a privilege - it allows visitors to have unique experiences in stunning valleys that are not typically found in regular resorts.
TBMC is not just about completing tasks; it's diving wholeheartedly into the Montana lifestyle—a luxurious getaway created to avoid the typical hustle and bustle.
Located in the Northern Rockies are The Bitterroot Mountains. Extending through Montana and Idaho, these mountains showcase impressive peaks that attract outdoor lovers throughout the year. The mountains serve as both a playground and a place for relaxation for The Bitterroot Mile Club members.
This range offers unlimited natural beauty to be discovered by those looking for both peace and excitement among its majestic heights, with lush valleys on one side and dramatic cliffs on the other.
So what are you waiting for? Reserve your next stay with us!