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The Bitterroot Valley boasts stunning landscapes that are among the best in Montana. Its appeal is enhanced by its isolated atmosphere, and even though it is only an hour's drive from Missoula, the Bitterroot Valley maintains a sense of being a rugged and untouched part of western Montana.
It’s an incredibly unique destination that you should consider. The stunning scenery is not the only amazing thing to enjoy on this day trip in this region, as there are also lovely small towns to discover and plenty of Bitterroot Valley activities you could enjoy.
The Bitterroot Valley boasts stunning landscapes that are among the best in Montana. Its appeal is enhanced by its isolated atmosphere, and even though it is only an hour's drive from Missoula, the Bitterroot Valley maintains a sense of being a rugged and untouched part of western Montana.
It’s an incredibly unique destination that you should consider. The stunning scenery is not the only amazing thing to enjoy on this day trip in this region, as there are also lovely small towns to discover and plenty of Bitterroot Valley activities you could enjoy.
Lolo Pass
Lolo Pass, in the Bitterroot Mountain Range along U.S. Highway 12, stands at an elevation of 5,233 feet. It is included in the renowned Lolo Trail, which represents one of the limited routes across the extensive Bitterroot Mountain Range that connects Montana and Idaho. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in the Bitterroot Valley beauty that many tend to overlook.
Originally used by the Nez Perce Indians for many years, the Lewis and Clark Expedition later used the Lolo Trail in 1805 as they traveled west through the Rocky Mountains and again in 1806 on their way back. It has been designated as a National Historic Landmark for its significant contribution to the exploration and settlement of the Western United States.
Travelers Rest State Park
Situated at a significant intersection of history and modernity, Travelers' Rest State Park and National Historic Landmark allows you to trace the path of Lewis and Clark. The campsite, used by the Corps of Discovery from September 9 - 11, 1805, and June 30 - July 3, 1806, is located at the heart of the Park.
Lolo Creek flows through Travelers' Rest Park, making it a perfect place to walk along the trails and providing a diverse bird population—over 115 species have been documented in the park. Visit the Visitor's Center and Museum to see replicas of the Lewis & Clark Expedition, Salish culture, Native American handcrafts, a frontier Main Street, and other interesting exhibits. The park also offers a pavilion that you can rent.
St. Mary’s Mission
Stevensville is home to St. Mary's Mission—the initial settlement in the area that would eventually become the state of Montana by non-Indigenous individuals. Today, you can visit the Mission Complex and Museum to discover the grounds, the historic chapel, the Salish encampment, and the visitor center.
You can also explore more of Montana's history near Stevensville at Fort Owen State Park, where you can find Montana's initial Catholic church and first enduring white settlement. The numerous buildings and interpretive signs in the park reveal the history.
Here’s a pro tip: the cozy dining area and a wide variety of wines at The Catered Table make it an excellent option for dining while in Stevensville.
The Bitterroot Trail
You can drive, bike, or walk to Travelers' Rest and other destinations in the valley via the Bitterroot Trail. This path stretches about 50 miles from Ogren Park in Missoula to Main Street in Hamilton, following the route of U.S. Highway 93. Here, you’ll experience the breathtaking Bitterroot Valley beauty and the picturesque Sapphire mountains along the expansive paved pathway. You can tackle the whole thing or discover specific areas with the numerous parking lots available along the path.
You can also design your own itinerary through the valley by cycling between each town. Start your ride in Hamilton if you prefer a gentle downhill journey. The trail ascends about 400 feet in elevation from Missoula to Hamilton. Overall, motorized vehicles are limited—except for motorized wheelchairs. Plan ahead because only a limited number of public restrooms are available along the route.
Daly Mansion
The Daly Mansion is a stunning estate in a location that showcases the natural Bitterroot Valley beauty. Marcus Daly was a prominent American Industrialist in the 19th Century and one of the "Copper Kings" alongside two other individuals during Butte Montana's peak as the top global copper supplier in the late 1800s. He was definitely one of the wealthiest individuals globally, and his immense riches were evident in the Daly Mansion.
This vast property on the edges of Hamilton is in the center of the Bitterroot Valley and is accessible to the public with guided tours. Marcus Daly, who owned one of the biggest copper deposits on the planet beneath Butte Montana, diversified his business into leading the timber supply for the extensive network of mine shafts and tunnels underneath the city. He constructed this grand mansion as the family's summer residence using timber sourced from the Bitterroot Valley forests.
The Daly Mansion, also called "Riverside," is impressively luxurious and spacious despite being just the Daly Family's summer residence. Situated on 46 acres of beautiful land just outside Hamilton, Montana, the Daly Mansion welcomes over 10,000 guests annually. A team of over 100 volunteers maintains the grounds and offers informative tours of the historic and luxurious property. There is no doubt that the Daly Mansion is a national treasure, rich with history and fascination, that will definitely be a standout during your trip to the Bitterroot Valley.
Fort Owen State Park
Fort Owen State Park has retained much of the history of the Bitterroot Valley's pioneer era. The fort and trading post, constructed in 1850 by Major John Owen, was named after him for trading with local Native American tribes and new settlers. The fort helped draw more individuals to this area of the Bitterroot Valley, ultimately leading to the establishment of Montana's initial permanent white settlement and numerous "firsts" for the state.
Among those initial achievements are the first Catholic Church in Montana (known as St. Mary Mission), the first sawmill, the first grist mill, and the first school for settlers. During your visit to Fort Owen Park, you can explore certain historic buildings and observe machinery from the late 1800s.
Fort Owen State Park is a short drive (or a 20-minute stroll) from the historic downtown of Stevensville. The state park is small, covering less than two acres, allowing for a quick visit of under an hour. However, spending the full hour is recommended, especially if you want to fully explore the park's history by reading its numerous informational signs.
Kootenai Creek Trail
If you want to immerse yourself in nature and the Bitterroot Valley beauty in Stevensville, you can take a left onto Kootenai Creek Road from Highway 93 before entering town. Continue until you reach the end of the road for the trailhead and parking lot of Kootenai Creek Trail.
The trail runs parallel to a big creek, and initially, you're located at a higher elevation, where you can hear the fast-flowing water down below. If you stay on the trail, you will see beautiful mountain views and waterfalls along scenic vistas.
Top Bitterroot Valley Activities
Get away from daily life's chaos and discover the natural Bitterroot Valley beauty in Western Montana's Glacier Country. Here, vibrant and welcoming small towns are surrounded by stunning natural landscapes teeming with wildlife. From beautiful drives and historic paths to all-season Bitterroot Valley activities and lesser-known adventures, there are options to suit everyone's needs and preferences.
Outdoor Expeditions
Trails: Biking, Hiking, Horseback Riding
The Bitterroot Valley has the biggest unbroken wilderness area in the contiguous United States, extending from the Bitterroot region, which serves as an excellent destination for Bitterroot Valley activities. The Bitterroot National Forest covers an area of 1.6 million acres by itself, so in every direction you turn, mountains and canyons are full of trails just waiting to be discovered.
Water: Swimming, Fishing, Boating
From the lively Bitterroot River to the peaceful Lake Como, plenty of water activities can be enjoyed. While trout capture the attention of many visitors on the Bitterroot River and its tributaries, a wide range of water-based activities are available for anglers of all skill levels.
Wildlife: Hunting, Watching, or Birding
The rich wildlife in the Bitterroot area attracted people long ago and remains largely unchanged to this day. Large animals like elk, deer, bears, moose, bighorn sheep, and mountain goats continue living in the valley and nearby mountains. Similarly, various birds, ranging from small songbirds to large eagles, hawks, and other birds of prey, can be seen flying in the sky, bringing joy to bird enthusiasts and photographers. So naturally, it has become a hotspot for one of the top Bitterroot Valley activities—hunting and birding.
Festivals
It would be difficult to travel the Bitterroot's length in a single day without coming across a festival or event. Montana Mule Days, Logger Days, Daly Days, The Bitterroot Microbrew Fest, Scottish-Irish Festival, McIntosh Apple Days, Christmas Stroll, and the Ravalli County Fair are just some of the events happening.
Snow: Skiing, Snowshoeing, Snowmobiling
Despite the Bitterroot experiencing a relatively warm climate compared to the rest of Montana, ample snowfall remains. The systems that bring the warmer weather into the valley also transport significant moisture. When the mountains are covered in snow, they become a large and enjoyable playground. Whether walking, being pulled by a dog, or driving, you will discover precisely what you’re looking for while making your way down the trail.
Best Place to Stay: The Bitterroot Mile Club
The Bitterroot Valley is an amazing destination with top attractions for anyone and everyone. If you want a comfortable and relaxing place to stay after a long day of Bitterroot Valley activities, you won't find anything better than our top-rated TBMC. The Bitterroot Mile Club is known as one of the top accommodation options for a good reason!
TBMC is situated near the Bitterroot River, enough to experience and enjoy its top activities, yet far enough away to embrace its peaceful atmosphere. Our accommodations strike the perfect balance between rustic and elegant, situated in beautiful natural surroundings for guests to enjoy.
No matter your plans for the day, every morning will begin with a tasty and filling breakfast. It is the ideal fuel for upcoming Bitterroot Valley activities. By the end of the day, you can relax in comfortable rooms.
The Bitterroot Mile Club is ready for those who want to experience the unmatched beauty and natural elegance of Big Sky Country. Here, luxury is combined with the wild, providing a getaway where the tranquil charm of scenic views is integrated into every aspect of your visit.
Are you prepared to experience fine dining, relax in the luxurious accommodations at TBMC, and have the breathtaking views make your time there unforgettable? Reserve your accommodation at TBMC now!