Outdoor Adventures

BITTERROOT ACTIVITIES

OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

HIKE THE BITTERROOT MOUNTAINS

The Bitterroot Mountain Range runs most of the border between Montana and Idaho and is one of the valley’s beautiful scenic points. With numerous hiking trails up and down the valley and with varying degrees of hiking challenges. Stop by the Chamber to pick up a brochure or visit any Forest Service at www.fs.usda.gov/bitterroot for locations and descriptions. Bitterroot Valley’s local bookstores also carry guidebooks and maps on local hiking trails.

RIDE A HORSE INTO THE WILDERNESS

There are 1,340,000 acres in the Selway-Bitterroot, located in Ravalli County, Montana and Idaho County, Idaho. It is the third largest wilderness area in the lower 48 states. You will experience some of most scenic views and have time to let your mind wander and experience what it used to be like in our Montana wilderness. Contact the Chamber for listings.

CAMP IN THE BITTERROOT MOUNTAINS

Camping in the Bitterroot Valley is an experience you will not forget. There are 26 developed campgrounds and 1,500 miles of access to trails, fishing, boating, biking and much, much more. Sleeping under the Big Montana Skies you will see a blanket of stars with a beauty only found in Montana. Visit www.fs.usa,gov/bitterroot for more information regarding camping in the valley.

EXPLORE BIRDING & NATURE TRAILS

From Lolo to Lost Trail Pass, you can see 25 prime birding and nature viewing sites. Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge, located in Stevensville, MT, is a good place to begin your adventure. For a map and other information on birding in the Bitterroot Valley go to www.montanabirdingtrail.org

VISIT LEE METCALF NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

Driving or walking through Lee Metcalf Refuge, you will be able to view the wonders of wildlife in a single 2½ mile stretch of nature trails. You can also stop by their information center and view all the exhibits they have as well as ask questions regarding the refuge. Call (406) 777-5552 or visit www.fws.gov/leemetcalf. HIKE BLODGETT CANYON

Blodgett Canyon is a glacially carved canyon. This canyon has vertical cliffs and is home to herds of mountain goats as well as several species of birds. Hiking this canyon is a must when visiting our valley. Call (406) 363-7100 or visit www.fs.usda.gov/bitterroot.

ROCK CLIMBING IN THE CANYONS

This sport has become increasingly popular as a climbing destination. Many canyons on the west side of the Bitterroot Valley offer rock climbing at its very best. Visit www.bitterrootclimbers.org for more information regarding this sport.

SWIMMING AT LAKE COMO

Lake Como waters are fed by snow-covered peaks 10,000 feet above the lake. There is a sandy beach roped off so adults and kids alike can enjoy the stunning view as well as enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere. For information regarding usage www.fs.usda.gov/bitterroot.

BOATING AT PAINTED ROCKS

Painted Rocks State Park is located on the West Side of the Bitterroot River up the West Fork. It offers boating as well as fishing in a quiet and secluded setting. There are 25 campsites with grills, fire pits, tables, boat ramp and dock, as well as drinking water. Visit www.fwp.mt.gov/parks/visit for more information.

FLOAT THE BITTERROOT RIVER

Abundant wildlife and rooted deep in history, the Bitterroot River winds its way north between the Bitterroot and Sapphire Mountains. You will see a wide range of birds as well as wildlife along its banks as you enjoy a quiet, relaxing float trip down this beautiful river. For information on a listing of local outfitters, call the Chamber at (406) 363-2400 or visit www.bitterrootchamber.com.

TAKE A SCENIC DRIVE

There are a number of breathtaking drives to take throughout the Bitterroot Valley. Skalkaho Falls and Sula Peak Lookout are among a few. Check out more scenic drives on page 36.

PICNIC PLACES

The Bitterroot has numerous places in which to relax and enjoy the beauty of our valley. Call the Chamber for more information on places to spread your blankets and relax. (406) 363-2400.

The Bitterroot River flows north for almost 100 miles. It is known for its aquatic insect hatches and is a place to fish for big trout. Catch and Release fishing is practiced. To receive a copy of the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Park’s current regulations call (406) 542-5500 or visit any local fly shop or visit www.fwp.mt.gov.

HUNTING FOR BIG GAME

With 1.6 million acres of public land in the Bitterroot and Lolo National Forest, the Bitterroot is a hunter’s paradise. From elk, moose, deer, mountain goat, bighorn sheep, black bear and mountain lion, hunters come to the Bitterroot for an experience that will last them a lifetime. Call the Chamber for information or visit www.bitterrootchamber.com.

OBSERVE WILDLIFE AT THE TELLER REFUGE

The Teller Wildlife Refuge maintains 1,200 acres of farmland and river bottom dedicated to the conservation of native riparian habitat. Approximately 40 acres are open for the public to enjoy. Call (406) 961-3507 or visit www.theteller.org.

BIKING IN THE BITTERROOT

No matter what kind of biking enthusiast you are or what age group you are in, the Bitterroot Valley has a trail for you. From mountain trails to our newly paved bike path that parallels US 93 for 45 miles from Lolo to Hamilton. If you did not bring your bike, no problem, we have local bike shops here to accommodate your every need. Valley Bicycles rents mountain bikes and they will be more than happy to fit you with a bike for your bicycling adventure, Call (406) 363-4428 or email valleybicycles@yahoo.com.

RIDE THE TRANSAMERICAN BICYCLE TRAIL

Between April and September, hundreds of cyclists across the country ride the 75 miles between Lost Trail Pass and Florence along Hwy 93, just one small portion of the 4,250 miles of the TransAmerican Bicycle Trail. Taking the same path that Lewis and Clark Corps of Discovery took while traveling through the Bitterroot Valley. For a map of the trail, go to www.adventurecycling.org/routes/transamerican. cfm.

TRAP SHOOTING

The Hamilton Trap Club has an excellent Five-Stand range. It is open Sunday and Wednesday afternoons. It is located on the Hamilton Airport Road in Hamilton, Visit www.hamiltontrapclub.com. The Whittecar Rifle Range is west of Hamilton and has six shooting ranges open to the public Wednesday through Sunday.

GOLFING IN THE VALLEY

The Hamilton 18-hole Golf Course in Hamilton was designed by Gary Jacobson and has 6,545 yards of golf. Listed as one of the best public courses in the northwest, it was established in 1924. In Stevensville there is a 9-hole, Whitetail Golf Course. It features 2,859 yards of golf and this course was designed by Jason Allen. A great way to see our the beautiful scenery and wildlife is by fourwheel vehicles. There are two designated ATV trails, Overwhich Falls Trail and Chain of Lakes Trail. You will be able to view a wide range of wildlife and superb scenery. Rye Creek Lodge offers guided tours for this adventure. Call (406) 821-4844. For off-road safety tips, see page 14.

VISIT OUR STATE WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREAS

Threemile and Calf Creek Wildlife Management Areas were created to provide winter range for elk and recreational opportunities to the public. Threemile, which is located east of Florence, offers 6,089 acres and Calf Creek, east of Hamilton, has 2,333 acres. Threemile is a mixture of motorized and walk-in. Calf Creek is by foot, horseback or mountain bike. Call (406) 542-5500 or visit www.fwp.mt.gov.

CROSS COUNTRY SKIING

You can begin your adventure at any Forest Service road or trail head. Chief Joseph trailhead is a beautiful place to begin your journey into the wilderness. Maps are available at the trailhead for your convenience as well as at your local Chamber and other businesses in the valley. Visit www.bitterrootxcskiclub.net for more information regarding this adventure.