Framed by the Bitterroot and Sapphire mountains, the Bitterroot Valley blends outdoor recreation with rich history and small-town character. Spend your days hiking or biking, spotting wildlife or saddling up for a horseback ride, then unwind with local breweries, cideries and distilleries, or a soak in nearby hot springs. With museums, historic sites and endless trails to explore, the Bitterroot Valley offers something for every traveler.
HIKE THE BITTERROOT VALLEY
The Bitterroot Range features hundreds of miles of hiking trails for all skill levels, with routes leading to alpine lakes, rushing creeks, waterfalls and sweeping overlooks. Popular options include the Lake Como Loop, Saint Mary Peak Trail, Blodgett Canyon Overlook Trail, Bass Creek Trail System and Sweathouse Falls. Many trails extend deep into the mountains, but you don’t have to go the full distance—turning around partway still offers plenty of scenery and a rewarding experience. Guided options are also available with Big Sky Backpacking and Bitterroot Backpacking. Ready for a multiday adventure? Make it an overnight or packrafting trip with Bitterroot Backpacking. Find other trails to trek here.
BIKE THE BITTERROOT TRAIL
The Bitterroot Trail is a 50-mile paved path stretching from Missoula to Hamilton, following the Bitterroot River with constant views of the Bitterroot Mountains and Sapphire Range. Mostly flat and beginner-friendly, the trail makes for an easy ride with plenty of stops along the way. Pass through the communities of Lolo, Florence, Stevensville, Victor and Hamilton, where you’ll find local shops, art galleries, bakeries, restaurants, coffee houses and breweries to explore.
SIP LOCAL: BREWERIES, CIDERIES + DISTILLERIES
The Bitterroot Valley knows how to make a drink—and serve up a good time. Alongside five local breweries pouring Montana-made craft beer, you’ll also find cideries and small-batch distilleries that highlight the valley’s deep agricultural roots. A little-known fact: more than 70 apple varieties are grown here, and local cideries press them into crisp, refreshing pours that celebrate the region’s orchard heritage. Distilleries draw from the surrounding landscape, using Montana cherries, huckleberries, grains and glacial waters to craft spirits and cocktails. Plan a tasting tour through the valley—with a designated driver, of course—or, for an evening meal, visit one of the spots that also serve food.
+ Lolo Peak Brewery & Grill, Lolo
+ Lolo Creek Distillery, Lolo
+ Backyard Taphouse, Florence
+ Blacksmith Brewing Company, Stevensville
+ Wildwood Brewing, Stevensville
+ Bitter Root Brewery, Hamilton
+ Higherground Brewing Co., Hamilton
+ Westslope Distillery, Hamilton
+ Montana CiderWorks, Darby
DISCOVER HISTORY + MUSEUMS
History runs deep in the Bitterroot Valley, where American Indian heritage, the Lewis and Clark Expedition and Montana’s Old West roots come together. At Travelers’ Rest State Park—the only archaeologically verified Lewis and Clark campsite—you can walk a 1-mile interpretive loop and learn more in the visitor center. Nearby, the Holt Heritage Museum (call ahead to schedule a tour) houses extensive collections of cowboy culture memorabilia.
In Stevensville, one of Montana’s first pioneer settlements, the Historic St. Mary’s Mission offers guided tours that bring the early 1800s to life. Further south in Hamilton, the Ravalli County Museum showcases art, local history and natural history across 28 galleries. Just north of town, the Daly Mansion opens the doors to copper king Marcus Daly’s 24,000-square-foot home, with expansive grounds and an interior that captures Montana’s Gilded Age.
MORE WAYS TO PLAY
The Bitterroot Valley has no shortage of ways to round out your trip. Start at the Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge in Stevensville, where visitors come for birding and short nature walks—and golfers can tee off at Whitetail Golf Course, located within the refuge. Hamilton Golf Course is another local favorite, offering a round with sweeping views of the Bitterroot Mountains. For a change of pace, saddle up with Hidalgo Trail Rides in Lolo for a one- to four-hour horseback adventure. And when it’s time to relax, soak in the waters of Lolo Hot Springs—visited by Lewis and Clark—or head south to Lost Trail Hot Springs in Sula, where outdoor pools, a dry sauna and cabin stays make for the perfect post-adventure retreat.
Please note: We ask that all our visitors and residents recreate responsibly by being mindful of the following: know before you go; plan ahead; play it safe; leave no trace; tread lightly; and help build an inclusive outdoors.
October 13, 2025
Related: Biking, Bitterroot Valley, Breweries, Corvallis, Darby, Family Fun, Florence, Golfing, Hamilton, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Hot Springs, Lolo, Montana, Museums, Outdoor Fun, Spring Fun, Stevensville
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