hred the ‘Root

BRIAN DUFRESNE

FOR THE RAVALLI REPUBLIC

The Bitterroot Valley with its quaint towns, towering mountains, miles of wilderness trails, blue ribbon trout streams, and abundant wildlife, offers a rather unexpected experience- three top notch skateparks within 38 miles. Nestled in the towns of Darby, Hamilton, and Stevensville the parks were crafted by Evergreen Skateparks. Major funding came from Pearl Jam’s Jeff Ament and the Montana Pool Service, and the park’s designs were influenced by Jeff as well.

At the south end of the Bitterroot Valley, the Darby Skatepark combines three bowls interconnected with hips that provide ample opportunity for carving banks and coping. Along with this transition section, the park boasts a solid street section featuring two pyramids, a fun box, and rails. It also has a lot of flat ground, so if you are a beginning skater, Darby’s park provides an excellent opportunity to learn. Tucked behind the rodeo grounds, the Darby Skatepark seems like a secret discovery in the small, rural town. 17 miles north, in the thriving town of Hamilton sits the Circle 13 Skatepark at Claudia Driscoll Park. The biggest park in the chain of three, Hamilton’s park features a big, aggressive series of connected bowls, hips, and banks. Skaters and bikers will find endless lines and plenty of speed in the transition section; it’s steep and deep. It also provides a classic pool, and a street arc with rails and a fun box. Located right in the middle of town, the park is next to a playground and within easy walking distance of downtown businesses. 21 miles north of Hamilton in the beautiful town of Stevensville rests the first park built in the Bitterroot Valley. Stevenville’s park features a wonderful pump track that surrounds a deep, pool style bowl. It also includes a small patch of flatground. Located at Lewis and Clark Park and next to a playground and plenty of field space, it’s a great family stop.

The Bitterroot Valley skateparks offer joy for all levels of skater. Each features postcard backdrops of the Bitterroot-Selway Mountains, and a variety of other amenities nearby. Whether looking for a serious skateboard road trip or hoping to fill an afternoon with family fun, the surprising skateparks of the Bitterroot Valley offer the unique opportunity to shred the ‘Root. V