Victor Community

VICTOR COMMUNITY OF

Photo by Perry Backus

Welcome to Victor - Located in the beautiful Bitterroot Valley. The 0.46 square mile unincorporated town has a population of about 745. Victor is nestled between the Bitterroot Mountain Range, Bitterroot River and the Sapphire Mountain Range. This positions the community of Victor for some of the most breath-taking panoramic views in this valley. The warmth and charm of Victor provides you with small community traditions and the ability to experience nature out your back door. With mountain corridors and the river close by, there is an abundance of wildlife and fowl. You’re just minutes away from a labyrinth, corn maze, float trip down the Bitterroot River, hike or horseback ride from one of the many trailheads. You can unwind at one of Victor’s vacation rentals, lodges or Bed and Breakfasts. Enjoy fantastic dining at Victor’s restaurants - known to be some of the Valley’s best! For larger groups, choose from one of the privately owned event destination centers - each having a unique landscape and charm. The town has a variety of small businesses spread throughout the community. Victor’s school has over 300 students from K-12, including the Mary Stuart Rogers Performing Arts Center with a capacity of 270. This venue has state-of-the-art equipment and was opened in 2009. Like most small Montana rural communities, Victor is close knit, helping and enjoying the town they live in. Events such as Victor Heritage Museum Annual Chocolate Tasting (the first Monday in December) or the ‘Field of Screams’, Western Montana’s #1 Haunted Attraction, shows how this community takes pride in their town!

The people of the Red Willow (the Salish), a nomadic tribe, occupied the Bitterroot Valley including Victor before the earliest trappers and explorers came. Plenty of Horses christened as Victor, was chosen as chief of the Salish tribe. Chief Victor died in the summer of 1870 on a hunt near Three Buttes in eastern Montana. In the mid 1860’s, A. Sterne Blake and his Shoshone wife came to the valley and were among the original founders of Victor. Mr. Blake was also the first elected State Legislator from Missoula County, which at that time Victor was a part of. Founding of the townsite, originally named Garfield after President James A. Garfield, was August 20, 1881. It was later discovered when applying for a post office destination for the town, the name ‘Garfield’ had already been taken. The name Victor was made official December 12, 1881. Shortly after, Victor experienced the railroad and silver mining boom along with prosperity in lumber and agriculture. For more information on the Victor community visit us at www.victormt.com.

A BRIEF HISTORY

TRAVELING OFF-ROAD IN THE BITTERROOT

A group of enthusiasts here in the Bitterroot, find excitement and fun traveling off-road. Going off road gives you some spectacular views that you would not otherwise see. It also challenges you as the terrain is different from what you are use to driving on. For more information on your local off-road association here in the Bitterroot visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/ravallioffroad.

RULES FOR A SAFE, ENJOYABLE RIDE

Let someone know where you will be and when you expect to return.

Always have at least one other vehicle along.

Pack survival gear ... you never know what might happen.

Stop if you become tired.

Wear your seatbelt, it is no different than driving your car. Arms and legs must remain inside.

If you get stuck in a precarious position, do not try to pull it down or tip it by hand. Use the proper tools and techniques - be smart. Make sure you are on level ground with brake on if you stop.

Tie everything down on your vehicle.

Inspect your vehicle before you leave on your trip to make sure everything is working properly.

WORKING THE BITTERROOT VALLEY SINCE 2005

LET US HELP YOU

CAREY KANAVEL, BROKER | GRI | RSPS CLEARWATER TOP 10 Carey@CMPMontana.com | 406.880.2335

SCOTT ERGAS, REALTOR®

SErgas@CMPMontana.com 406.544.0577

333 MAIN STREET, HAMILTON

www.CMPMontana.com | 800.577.3013

5 Trails with Room to Breathe and Space to Adventure

Ravalli County Tourism Business Improvement District

In Montana, social distancing comes naturally, and the Bitterroot Valley is no exception. At 96 miles long, there are plentiful places to explore, with the Bitterroot National Forest serving as the hub for hiking, mountain biking and exploring as it’s home to an extensive system of trails, as well as dirt roads that lead to scenic overlooks and trailheads.

Here are five trails that are perfect for breathing in fresh Montana air.

1. BEAR CREEK OVERLOOK TRAIL. Sitting outside Victor, the Bear Creek Overlook Trail is a moderate hike that is 4.5 miles roundtrip. Along the way, you’ll see wild flowers and be greeted by jaw-dropping scenery, including Bear Creek.

2. KOOTENAI CREEK TRAIL. Easily accessible near Stevensville, the Kootenai Creek Trail is ideal for a quick hike or a longer adventure to the Kootenai lakes (about 9 miles up the trail). It’s also perfect for rock climbers, with an accessible climbing section near the beginning of the trail that offers views out across the valley.

3. TRAPPER PEAK TRAIL. For more adventurous and experienced hikers, the trail to Trapper Peak gains 3,740 feet in elevation and is around 8 miles long (out and back). Make it to the end of the trail and you’ll not only be rewarded with panoramic views, but you’ll also be at 10,157 feet—the highest spot in the Bitterroot Valley. 4. THE BITTERROOT TRAIL. Connecting Missoula and Hamilton, the 50-mile-long Bitterroot Trail is paved and is perfect for walking, running or biking. Users won’t experience changes in elevation but will have up-close views of the valley and the surrounding Bitterroot and Sapphire Mountains. Plus, it’s a trail the whole family can easily explore, as it’s suitable for various ages and abilities. The trail goes right through most of our small town. Plan to grab a snack or lunch. Bikes are available for rent at Valley Bicycles and Ski in Hamilton.

5. LAKE COMO LOOP TRAIL. A few minutes’ drive from Darby will take you to Lake Como and the Lake Como Loop Trail. Set out to do the full loop—which clocks in at about 8 miles long—to circumnavigate the entire lake. Along the way, you’ll see waterfalls and stunning views.

Many trails are also accessible during the winter, and hikers are well-advised to bring snowshoes and/or poles. Snow also tends to fall early and late in the year and waterproof hiking boots are recommended for multi-season outings. Be sure to prepare properly when exploring area hiking trails and carry water, snacks and layers.

Find more hikes on page 30 or at www.visitbitterrootvalley.com/ hiking-trails/.