Sula, Montana

Recently and beautifully restored, this romantic cabin sits on unique land at the confluence of Dowling Creek and the Bitterroot River?s East Fork. Its lovely 2.8 acres fronts the river for more than 1,000 feet and also borders National Forest land on two sides. You can explore on up the river or back into Dowling Gulch.

Farmers market provides a wonderful opportunity for area folks to showcase their products in a social and fun atmosphere while highlighting the flavor of the local area. Shoppers enjoy the freshness and taste of locally grown foods and the opportunity to personally interact with the farmer who grows the produce. Farmers market typically offer locally grown bedding plants, herbs, flowers and farm grown seasonal fruits and vegetables, baked goods, jewelry, yard sale items. $5 space, benefits the Darby Pioneer Memorial Museum. For more information email or call 406-821-3753.

The Bitterroot Valley comes alive with a timber sports event you don?t want to miss! A family oriented weekend draws thousands of enthusiastic onlookers and expert competitors. Seventeen traditional logging competitions have been scheduled, including axe throwing, pole climbing, log roll and cross-cut sawing. There are also lots of activities for kids, live music, food, and other vendors. For more information ? go online.

The Strawberry Festival is a annual community appreciation fundraiser put on by the Darby Volunteer Fire Department, providing professional Bluegrass entertainment and featuring real strawberry shortcake with fresh organic strawberries and homemade cake topped with cold vanilla ice cream. Enter the raffle for the chance to win fabulous prizes, including a hand made quilt, a $500 gift certificate, a $250 gift certificate, and a hand made Deacon’s Bench all in the shady comfort of Darby’s town park. Everyone is welcome from far and wide for a fun and wholesome family evening. Fire hall tours are available anytime on the day of the event. For more information call 406-821-4636.

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• Point 9033 – Locally known as Little St. Joseph Peak is just east of St. Joseph Peak is a long day trip accessible from Bass Creek campground throughout winter and spring. Elevation: 9,587?
• Sweeney Peak – Due to the lower elevation of the trailhead, access to ridge of Sweeney Peak is often possible through most of winter. Elevation: 9,161?
• Point 9033 – Locally known as Little St. Joseph Peak is just east of St. Joseph Peak is a long day trip accessible from Bass Creek campground throughout winter and spring. Elevation: 9,587?
• St. Mary?s Peak – This area provides good open slope skiing off surrounding ridges and nice open ridge and glade skiing on eastern trail approach. It is often accessible in late fall and in spring once access road to trailhead melts off. Elevation: 9,351?
• Gash Point – Midwinter access is dependent upon road conditions. It is always accessible in late spring with great subalpine terrain and a great open bowl just to the south of the summit. The lake basin and ridge northwest of Glen Lake is a short spring trip with fine north and east facing open slopes and glade skiing from the 8,800? elevation ridge top down to unnamed lake at head of unnamed fork of Big Creek. Elevation:?8,886′
• Ward Mountain – Trailhead on plowed Roaring Lion Road makes this a great midwinter day trip with alpine to subalpine glade skiing above wonderful tree skiing through 1994 burn area.?Elevation:?9,119′
• Trapper Peak – Excellent spring day trip with extraordinary open alpine slopes above subalpine glades. Also great midwinter overnight trip from West Fork Road. Northeast slopes of Trapper Peak from Gem Lake. Nice spring skiing on open slopes and chutes above Gem Lake, once road to Baker Lake trailhead opens. Boulder Point is often accessible in midwinter and also provides fine spring skiing on south facing slopes.?Elevation:?10,157?
• Anderson Mountain – This area out of Chief Joseph Pass along the Continental Divide Trail is easy access for good backcountry skiing.
• Lost Horse Road – Private or personal snowmobiles can provide access to the Twin Lakes area in Lost Horse Canyon, the skiing is phenomenal. Elevation:?4,242′
• The Grubstake – Hike or ride the road to the Grubstake Restaurant, skiing above the restaurant is really good.
• Lake Como – The south-facing hill above the lake is very good with easy access. Little Rock Creek provides excellent access and skiing.?Elevation:?4,292?

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[expand title=”Routes”]

• Blodgett Canyon – Home to some of western Montana’s best rock climbing, Blodgett has decent ice with the Swan Slabs on the south side of the canyon across from the Shoshone Buttress. The slabs offer some low-angle, two-pitch climbing that’s suitable for novices, plus there’s steeper waterfall ice at the top of the slabs.
• Blodgett Falls – Just south of the Shoshone Buttress on the north wall, also offers opportunity, but requires improved skills.
• Bear Creek Canyon – Near Victor, offers pretty quick access and some top-ropable climbs. The ice is on the canyon’s north walls; cross the creek just above the trailhead parking lot and head for cliffbands that spread out to the west. There’s also some slabby ice up the trail a few miles.
• Lake Como – If you’re up for a three-mile walk, there are numerous flows in the cliffbands at the far end of the lake.

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[expand title=”Trails”]

• Skalkaho Snowpark – Providing access to Skalkaho Pass, Skalkaho Basin, and Sand Basin. The Skalkaho / Rye Creek Snowmobile Trail system offers over 50 miles of groomed snowmobile trails and endless backcountry snowmobiling terrain. Elevation: 4,795′ ? Directions
• Lolo Creek – Starting at Lolo Hot Springs or at the summit of Lolo Pass, roughly 250 miles of interconnected trails offer great snowmobiling access to the Lolo and Clearwater National Forests. Elevation: 6,157′ ? Directions
• Lost Trail Pass Snowpark – At the southern end of the valley on top of Lost Trail Pass there is a series of trails and Forest Service access. Parking is available just east of the ski area on Hwy 43. Elevation: 7,028′ ? Directions

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[expand title=”Historical Sites”]

• Big Hole National Battlefield ? Wisdom, MT – A site created to honor the Nez Perce people who fought and died on this battlefield in 1877. The Nez Perce were fleeing to Canada, led by Chief Joseph, when military forces attacked them at this site. Open 10am-5pm daily ? (406) 689-3155 ? Directions
• Fort Owen State Park ? Stevensville, MT – A site created to honor the Nez Perce people who fought and died on this battlefield in 1877. Fort Owen is the site of the first permanent white settlement in Montana. Father Pierre DeSmet came to the area in 1841 and established St. Mary?s Mission among the Flathead Indians. In 1850, Major John Owen established the fort as a regional trade center. Open daily May?Aug 8am?9pm, Sept?April 9am?5pm ? (406) 273-4253 ? Directions
• Travelers’ Rest State Park ? Lolo, MT – Walk in the footsteps of explorers near Lolo at Travelers? Rest State Park, the only site on the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail with a confirmed expedition campsite. Open 9am-6pm daily ? (406) 273-4253 ? Directions

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[expand title=”Trails”]

Bass Creek ? Stevensville, MT – This recreational area north of Stevensville has a relatively easy 7.5 mile loop that is open to mountain bikes. Shorter loops are also available. Since it is close to the valley floor it has early and late season ride in possibilities. A good place to start riding single track. The one negative is that it is very popular with horse riders, especially on weekends.

• Length: 7.5 miles
• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
• Driving Directions

Sheephead Creek ? Darby, MT – Up towards Nez Perce Pass, the Sheephead Creek trail is a fun out and back trail that extends to the boundary of the Selway Wilderness. Due to its relative remoteness, it doesn’t get much traffic.

• Length: 7.2 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Driving Directions

Shannon Ridge ? Darby, MT – Up towards Nez Perce Pass, the Sheephead Creek trail is a fun out and back trail that extends to the boundary of the Selway Wilderness. Due to its relative remoteness, it doesn’t get much traffic.

• Length: 6 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Driving Directions

Calf Creek ? Hamilton, MT – Calf Creek may be the smoothest and most beginner friendly trail loop near Hamilton and Corvallis. Lying at the base of the Sapphire Range at the end of Hamilton Heights Road, the lower section is grassy meadows and transitions to Ponderosa up higher. It very popular on weekends with the horse people, so we recommend it as a afterwork destination when user conflicts will be minimized. Closed December to April for wildlife.

• Length: 2.5 miles
• Difficulty: Easy
• Driving Directions

Warm Springs Creek #103 ? Sula, MT – A moderate to difficult ride to Two Good Cabin following Warm Springs Creek. Other than a few talus field crossing a relatively easy ride. Depending on which point you access the trail from, you’ll probably have drastically different goals in mind. At the bottom, you are probably planning a jaunt along the creek up to Two Good Cabin. If this is your plan, the trail should be rated moderate rather than difficult, since you’ll be skipping the hard section. On the other pedal, if you are at Overwhich Falls after riding Colter Creek or Shields Creek, you probably have visions of more downhill adventures.

• Length: 12 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
• Driving Directions

Warm Springs Ridge Trail #177 ? Sula, MT – Can be ridden in either direction and provides outstanding singletrack with amazing views. Most of the length of this trail is smooth singletrack – there are some rocky sections along the ridge. The central portion of the trail frequently has deadfall. The northern portion of the trail has rubber water bars – while not technically challenging to ride, they take some getting used to at first.

• Length: 12 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Driving Directions

Weasel Creek ? Darby, MT – Like hidden rocks and roots. How about steep loose switchbacks with rock drops. Or maybe fast ridge top flow? Overgrown creek bottoms? Maybe not the last one. Weasel Creek is not for everyone. Much of the trail is steep and technical, but the creek bottom holds plenty of booby traps to keep you on your toes. This trail is not for everyone, but if you are up to the challenge, you might be surprised how much fun you can have. Check out the map so that you can get catch the upper access trail. Trying to climb up from the bottom will have you wearing your unhappy face. The junction of the upper access trail and the main Weasel Creek trail is partially obscured by downfall. If you can’t find the junction, head to your right and you should stumble upon the trail.

• Length: 10 miles
• Difficulty: Technical
• Driving Directions

Buttercup ? Darby, MT – A little of everything on this ride. It starts with 8 miles of pavement up the beautiful Sleeping Child canyon, before several thousand feet of climbing forest service roads towards Blacktail point before a screaming single track descent to Little Sleeping Child.

• Length: 17 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Driving Directions

Fire Creek Trail #404 ? Sula, MT – Consistently steep, Fire Creek Trail is a good downhill and a tough uphill. Up or down, this trail allows loops between Warm Springs Ridge and Warm Springs Creek Trails.

• Length: 16 miles
• Difficulty: Difficult
• Driving Directions

Chief Josephs Pass – North ? Sula, MT – Good singletrack trail along it’s length that can be ridden as part of two loops. If ridden up, the climb is relatively gentle. If ridden down, it can be as fast as you want. There are a few water crossings but overall this trail is A-1 fun. Elk Creek flows into Trail Creek and is accessed from MT43 about 5 miles east of the Chief Joseph Pass.

• Length: 18 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Driving Directions

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[expand title=”Routes”]

• Chief Joseph Pass Trail System – Please be aware that these trails are groomed for skis, when on snowshoe, stay to the side of the ski track. Donations encouraged ? Elevation: 7,251′ ? Directions
• Anderson Mountain Road Ski Trail -?On the south side of the highway across from Chief Joseph trails you’ll find a dog-friendly area where the trails are not groomed for skis. Length: 8mi
• Lake Como National Recreational Loop Trail – This groomed cross country ski area also welcomes snowshoers. You can explore a huge variety of trails right next to Lake Como. Pets welcome ? Elevation: 4,292′ ? Directions
• Lolo Pass – Just up the hill from Lolo Hot Springs, there are many options for snowshoeing along Lolo Pass. Park at the summit and follow one of the snow covered roads. You can literally choose your own adventure up here. Or, visit Snowshoe Falls by parking near the turnout at mile marker 5 and follow the creek to the falls.

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[expand title=”Fishing Access Sites”]

• Angler?s Roost – Privately owned site open to public use, check-in at the Angler?s Roost store.
• Bass Creek – Fishing is fair for small cutthroat, rainbow and brook trout. It is a day use only site with walk-in access only. Hand launching of boats is not recommended.
• Bell Crossing – Day use area only. Fishing and boating may be enjoyed on the river. The boat launch is a carry-in launch.
• Chief Looking Glass – Hand boat launch available.
• Darby Bridge – Access the Bitterroot River on the east end of Darby, Montana.
• Demmons – Access the Bitterroot River on the Main Street Bridge just west of the town of Hamilton, Montana.
• Florence Bridge – Day use area offering fishing and boating access with a boat launch for carry-in launching only.
• Forest Cooper – 4 miles south of Darby where Hwy 93 meets West Fork Rd.
• Hannon Memorial – Day use with boat launch and toilets.
• Lake Como – The Boat Launch at Lake Como Recreation Area has 40 boat and 8 passenger vehicle parking spots, accessible toilets, dock, no overnight camping or water. Water adequate for boating mid-June through mid-August depending on the water level.
• Painted Rocks Reservoir – Boating, fishing, swimming and wildlife, The reservoir sits along the west fork of the Bitterroot River southwest of Darby, Montana.
• Poker Joe – Day use area only, no facilities, walk-in access only, canoes and rafts can be hand launched from this site.
• Tucker Crossing – A boat launch and toilets are available.
• Wally Crawford – Day use only site, boat launch and toilets, open all season.
• Woodside Bridge – Day use only, toilets, boat launch and disabled fishing platform.

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[expand title=”Guides”]

• Bitterroot Fly Company ? Darby, MT – The Bitterroot Fly Company is a full service destination fly shop authorized as an Orvis and Tenkara dealer along with Yellowstone, Columbia, Korkers and many more. Your source for quality fly fishing products and professionally guided trips. Established in 1976 on the scenic Bitterroot River offering their knowledge and service for over 30 years. (406) 821-1624
• Bitterroot River Guides ? Hamilton, MT – Guiding built on a passion for the river and the natural resources it supports, teaching the many facets of fly fishing with patient professional instruction, and individual customer service that is second to none. Experience memories of a lifetime on guided float trips throughout Western Montana. (406) 210-0142
• Chuck Stranahan’s Flies and Guides ? Hamilton, MT – Guides who are respectful to you, to others you meet along the river, and to the river itself. Offering the highest level of service available in the Bitterroot, they are equally at home teaching a beginner the basics, or sharing their secrets with veteran anglers and putting them onto fish. And, they have fun doing all of it. They will send you home with lasting memories, and the desire to fish with them again. (406) 363-4197
• Fly Fishing Always ? Hamilton, MT – Catering to the seasoned, as well as the first time angler. Fly Fishing Always matches clients with guides for the best possible experience, using a wide variety of guides with their own unique personalities, all of whom are skilled boatmen, anglers, and teachers. Fly Fishing Always promotes and practices Catch and Release and the use of barbless or pinched barb hooks. (406) 360-4346
• Fishs Eddy O ? Stevensville, MT – The main objective of a trip with Fishs Eddy O is fly-fishing for trout, while enjoying a day of new experiences, fun and adventure. Trips are catered for all levels of ability, from the raw beginner to the seasoned angler. Whether perfecting a basic cast, more advanced casting, reading water, or identifying insect hatches, Fishs Eddy O wants every guest to come away relaxed, happy and a better fly-fisherman. (406) 207-5678
• Freestone Fly Shop ? Hamilton, MT – Freestone Fly Shop is committed to offering the best trip possible. Freestone Fly Shop is licensed to guide on most waters in Montana, including the Bitterroot River. Located in Hamilton, MT in the Bitterroot Valley, all of their guides are accomplished fisherman who work hard, are patient and most importantly can put you on fish. Put your mind at ease and know that when you book a guided trip with Freestone Fly Shop, you are getting one of the best guides in the area. (406) 363-1000
• Go West Outfitters ? Hamilton, MT – Bitterroot Valley native Jenny West guided people of all skill and experience levels. Teaching them casting techniques, river-reading strategies, and how to match the hatch, in addition to sharing plenty of local Bitterroot River knowledge. Welcoming new clients and repeat customers Jenny West aspires to make every client?s day on the river unforgettable. All trips are on the Bitterroot River and include transportation, a gourmet lunch, non-alcoholic beverages, flies, and instruction as needed. (406) 360-2644
• Osprey Outfitters Guide Service and Fly Shop ? Hamilton, MT – Osprey Outfitters Guide Service and Fly Shop. Located in the heart of the Bitterroot Valley and just a cast away from some of the finest fly fishing in Western Montana. Osprey Outfitters is dedicated to providing you with a true Montana fly fishing experience. (406) 363-1000

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[expand title=”Courses”]

• Hamilton Golf Club – High quality course design. A par 72 with four sets of tees ranging from 6,847 yards from the back tees to 4,630 yards from the forward tees, a challenging but enjoyable golfing experience can be attained by any level golfer. On the grounds visitors will find a full-service clubhouse, and amenities that include a driving range, pro shop and beer, wine and deli. Open 7am-8pm daily ? (406) 363-4251 ? Directions
• Whitetail Golf Course – A premiere 9 hole golf course that plays to a true golfers dream. Built with open fairways, strategically placed trees and water to make for a competitive yet fun golfing experience. Whitetail Golf Course, being located within the wildlife refuge allows for a great day for you or the family to experience not only the great game of golf, but Montana?s illustrious scenery and wildlife. Open 7:30am-8pm daily ? (406) 777-3636 ? Directions

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[expand title=”Trails and Outfitters”]

• Blodgett Creek Trail #19 ? Hamilton, MT – Blodgett Canyon is one of the most picturesque and scenically varied of the Bitterroot canyons. The trail follows the creek westward towards Idaho, offering opportunities for fishing and wildlife viewing and is relatively easy for the first nine miles. There are excellent views of the sheer, towering rock walls of the canyon and good access to some deep wide pools in the creek. Directions
• Calf Creek Wildlife Management Area ? Corvallis, MT – A winter range for elk that offers hiking, biking and horseback riding along the foothills of the Sapphire Mountains just east of Corvallis. Set out in search of an elk herd in the grasslands and ponderosa pine forests or watch for songbirds and raptors. The Wildlife Management Area is home to a wide variety of wildlife. Open April 15 ? December 2 with restrictions in certain times of the year such as calving season. Hunting is allowed, check with Montana FWP for details. No dogs allowed from October 15 ? May 14. Directions
• Coyote Coulee ? Hamilton, MT – A favorite trail of locals on horseback, mountain bike or foot. Two loops of trail, Hayes Creek and Brown Jug, make a figure eight they wander through forest, meadows, aspens, and creek crossings with a slight elevation gains and drop of 1500 feet. The first loop is 4 miles and the second 2.6 with a mile of trail connecting them making the total 8.8 miles. Abundant wildlife also makes the area popular with hunters, so make sure to wear orange in the fall season. Directions
• Rock Creek Horse Camp ? Darby, MT – One of the most popular horse camps in the valley is the Rock Creek Horse Camp located at Lake Como just north of Darby. The campground is only minutes from the lake and has hay bunks and hitching rails and several slots where horses could also be high lined. Directions
• Threemile Wildlife Management Area ? Stevensville, MT – Threemile Wildlife Management area encompasses 6,089 acres. The area may be accessed by two-wheel drive vehicles whenever roads are dry between May 15 and November 30. The area lends itself to mountain biking in summer, but motorcycles and ATVs are prohibited at Threemile. Few elk inhabit this Wildlife Management Area during summer, but they are often observable nonetheless. The most likely observations are of songbirds and raptors commonly found in upland grasslands and ponderosa pine forests. Threemile is closed to all visitation from December 1 through May 14. Directions
• Trapper Peak Outfitters ? Victor, MT – These well trained horses will take you into some of the most breath taking scenery that Montana has to offer. Choose from half day and full day rides with lunch included. June 1st thru September 1st (406) 369-3925 ? Directions
• Selway Adventures ? Darby, MT – These well trained horses will take you into some of the most breath taking scenery that Montana has to offer. Choose from half day and full day rides with lunch included. June 1st thru September 1st (406) 369-3925 ? Directions

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[expand title=”Routes”]

• Blodgett Canyon ? Hamilton, MT – Blodgett Canyon sits in the middle of the Bitterroot Mountain Range and mainly consists of multi-pitch spires and one smaller cliff close to the parking lot. Driving Directions
• Kootenai Canyon ? Stevensville, MT – Cliffs soar from the scenic creek bottom offering many options for rock climbing. A fairly easy and scenic approach along the cascades of Kootenai Creek leads to a variety of sport and traditional routes. Driving Directions
• Lost Horse Canyon ? Hamilton, MT – Plenty to choose from in Lost Horse Canyon with multiple bouldering sites and lots of multi-pitch climbs. Giant crags shoot up from the crisp clean waters of Lost Horse Creek while the canyon floor is littered with house size boulders. It truly is some of the best rock climbing in Montana. Driving Directions
• Mill Creek Canyon ? Corvallis, MT – Plenty to choose from in Lost Horse Canyon with multiple bouldering sites and lots of multi-pitch climbs. Giant crags shoot up from the crisp clean waters of Lost Horse Creek while the canyon floor is littered with house size boulders. It truly is some of the best rock climbing in Montana. Driving Directions

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[expand title=”Hiking Trails”]

Baker Lake – Relatively steep but easy and quick access to Baker Lake, mainly used by day hikers and hunters, not recommended for stock use. This trail is not well defined, but the lake can be reached with adequate map reading. Depending on the route one chooses, openings along the trail offer excellent views of Trapper peak and the Bitterroot Valley.

• Length: 1.5 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Use: Heavy
• Driving Directions

Bear Creek Overlook Trail – The overlook of Bear Creek Canyon is absolutely stunning. You can see it in a little less than 3 miles out and back. A long drive up the mountain gains you some altitude.

• Length: 4.7 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Use: Moderate
• Driving Directions

Blodgett Canyon Trail – A classic Bitterroot hike just outside of Hamilton. Follow Blodgett Creek into a canyon with views of spectacular cliffs and spires. The trail is well-maintained with a mild elevation gain. Hikers that make it back 3.5 miles are rewarded with a waterfall.

• Length: 3.5 miles
• Difficulty: Easy
• Use: Moderate
• Driving Directions

Blodgett Canyon Overlook Trail – The Blodgett Overlook Trail begins 100 feet up the Canyon Creek Trail and climbs to the north. The hike is fairly easy and provides an excellent view of Blodgett Canyon and looks into the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness. Excellent short hike for any age. Caution is advised at the trails end due to steep cliffs at the overlook.

• Length: 3 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Use: Heavy
• Driving Directions

Calf Creek Wildlife Management Area – A winter range for elk that offers hiking, biking and horseback riding along the foothills of the Sapphire Mountains just east of Corvallis. Set out in search of an elk herd in the grasslands and ponderosa pine forests or watch for songbirds and raptors. The Wildlife Management Area is home to a wide variety of wildlife. Open April 15 ? December 2 with restrictions in certain times of the year such as calving season. Hunting is allowed, check with Montana FWP for details. No dogs allowed from October 15 ? May 14.

• Length: 6.5 miles
• Difficulty: Easy
• Use: Moderate
• Driving Directions

Camas Lake Trail – There are few lakes in the Bitterroot Mountain Range as accessible as Camas Lake. While many lakes require 8-10 miles to reach, this one can be done in less than 3 miles. The trail shows a variety of wildflowers in early summer and offers a scenic view of the Bitterroot Valley. It is a moderate climb to the lake at about 5.4 miles out and back. The beginning of the trail winds around the mountain before entering the canyon in a shaded wood and then crossing Camas Creek on a footbridge. The pyramidal Camas Peak rises beyond the lake and there are two upper lakes as well. The trail to Kidney Lake is not well marked but veers off to the left before reaching Camas lake.

• Length: 4.8 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Use: Light
• Driving Directions

Canyon Creek Trail – The landscape changes as your hike along the Canyon Creek bottom up to a waterfall and eventually ending at a spectacular lake. At 11 miles out and back to the lake with nearly 3,500 ft in elevation makes for a fairly moderate endeavor but the payoff is quite spectacular.

• Length: 11 miles
• Difficulty: Difficult
• Use: Light
• Driving Directions

Coyote Coulee – A favorite trail of locals on horseback, mountain bike or foot. Two loops of trail, Hayes Creek and Brown Jug, make a figure eight they wander through forest, meadows, aspens, and creek crossings with a slight elevation gains and drop of 1500 feet. The first loop is 4 miles and the second 2.6 with a mile of trail connecting them making the total 8.8 miles. Abundant wildlife also makes the area popular with hunters, so make sure to wear orange in the fall season.

• Length: 8.8 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Use: Moderate
• Driving Directions

Kootenai Creek Trail – An excellent day hike following the scenic Kootenai Creek. Cascades, small waterfalls, whitewater, clear pools and granite canyon walls are some of the features along this scenic trail. There is a popular rock climbing section near the bottom of the trail. Hikers can choose their out and back distance as the entire section is rewarding. The Kootenai lakes are 9 miles in.

• Length: 1 – 18 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Use: Moderate
• Driving Directions

Lake Como Loop Trail – Hike along a large mountain lake with a fabulous view of Como Peaks. This trail stays nice and level and even starts with short paved section. At the inlet, see the cascades often called the waterfall, to here and back makes a trip of around 6 miles. The entire loop around the lake is about 7 miles.

• Length: 7 miles
• Difficulty: Easy
• Use: Moderate
• Driving Directions

Mill Creek Trail – This is a nice, easy day hike with great views of the Bitterroots and a rewarding waterfall spot to have a picnic and relax.

• Length: 11 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Use: Moderate
• Driving Directions

Sawtooth Creek Trail – Starting from Roaring Lion and winding around Goat Mountain the trail is littered with wildflowers, huckleberries, and the rare Western Red Cedar. The trail crosses private property on Goat Mountain before entering Sawtooth Canyon where the trail begins to follow the creek. Views of the canyon walls continually improve as you hike.

• Length: 22.3 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Use: Light
• Driving Directions

Soft Rock Trail (Chaffin Butte) – Located on several acres of state lands just east of Corvallis, Montana is the Soft Rock area. From here you can hike to the ?C?, also known as Chaffin Butte. The area has many mountain bike trails and gullies including a free ride down hill course with jumps and berms.

• Length: 1.8 miles
• Difficulty: Difficult
• Use: Moderate
• Driving Directions

Trapper Peak – The highest peak in the Bitterroot Mountain Range, Trapper Peak is an awesome granite spire towering over the Bitterroot Valley. At 10,157 feet, views from the top of rocky ridges and the valley below are quite spectacular.July and August are the best time of year as snow covers much of the trail before July.

• Length: 8 miles
• Difficulty: Difficult
• Use: Moderate
• Driving Directions

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[expand title=”Commercial Hot Springs”]

• Lolo Hot Springs ? Lolo, MT – These hot spring pools heat up from 102?-106?. Whether it’s a freezing winter day or a hot summer day, you can take a dip in the indoor mineral pool or frolic in the outdoor swimming pool. Perched at the top of the Montana mountains, Lolo Hot Springs has been a longtime favorite destination for outdoor recreation enthusiasts. Open Sun-Thr 10am-10pm, Fri-Sat 10am-12am ? (406) 273-2290 ? Directions
• Lost Trail Hot Springs ? Sula, MT – Located at the base of Lost Trail Pass in the beautiful Bitterroot Valley of Western Montana. Lost Trail Hot Springs offers year round soaking opportunities in their beautiful, chemical-free hot springs pool, kept at 107? year round. There’s an outdoor pool, indoor hot tub, dry sauna and on-site restaurant. Open 8am-9pm daily (call before you go) ? (406) 821-3574 ? Directions

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[expand title=”Museums”]

• Daly Mansion ? Hamilton, MT – Visit the grand home and expansive grounds of Montana?s famous copper king, Marcus Daly. Open May-October, 10am-3pm daily ? (406) 363-6004 ? Directions
• Pioneer Memorial Museum ? Darby, MT – Originally one of the first hand-hewn homestead cabins built in the area this museum is a depository for the extensive collection of both home and business artifacts saved by the many pioneer families in the area. Open June-September, 1-5pm daily ? (406) 821-3753 ? Directions
• Darby Historical Ranger Station ? Darby, MT – Artifacts, maps and photographs tell the story of the rugged individuals who staffed this ?isolated? ranger station. These pioneer foresters during the pre-World War II period were responsible for maintaining telephone lines, trails, and suppressing fires. Open May-October, 9am-4:30pm M-Sat ? (406) 821-3913 ? Directions
• Ravalli County Museum ? Hamilton, MT – A center for art, history, events, and community gatherings. The museum is a wealth of local art and history located in the old courthouse. Open Tu-Fri 10am-4pm, Sat 9am-1pm ? (406) 363-3338 ? Directions
• St. Mary?s Mission ? Stevensville, MT – The first permanent settlement in Montana, Historic St. Mary?s Mission, was founded in 1841 by Fr. Pierre DeSmet, a Jesuit priest. The Mission complex includes a visitor center, gift shop, chapel, cabins, museum and a park. Guided tours are available and large groups are encouraged to make reservations. Open April-October Tu-Fri 10am-5pm, Sat 11am-3pm ? (406) 777-5734 ? Directions
• Stevensville Historical Museum ? Stevensville, MT – The museum offers a complete overview of this historic town flanked by the Bitterroot and Sapphire Mountains. The museum focuses on a history deeply entrenched in the missionary movement in the Northwest and the establishment of settlements along the Bitterroot River emerging from the timber and mining industries. Open Wed-Sat 11am-4pm ? (406) 777-1007 ? Directions
• Victor Heritage Museum ? Victor, MT – The Victor Heritage Museum strives to preserve the proud and noble heritage of the community, which includes mining, railroads, schools, churches, businesses, agriculture, and natural resources. Native Americans, pioneer settlers, and those who followed are represented here. Open Tue-Sat 1-4pm ? (406) 777-1007 ? Directions

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[expand title=”Wildlife and Birding Areas”]

• Calf Creek Wildlife Management Area ? Corvallis, MT – A winter range for elk that offers hiking, biking and horseback riding along the foothills of the Sapphire Mountains just east of Corvallis. Set out in search of an elk herd in the grasslands and ponderosa pine forests or watch for songbirds and raptors. The Wildlife Management Area is home to a wide variety of wildlife. Open April 15 ? December 2 with restrictions in certain times of the year such as calving season. Hunting is allowed, check with Montana FWP for details. No dogs allowed from October 15 ? May 14.
• Lee Metcalf Wildlife Refuge ? Stevensville, MT Visitors can enjoy wildlife observation, photography, hunting, fishing, environmental education and interpretation on the Refuge. There are 2.5 miles of walking trails at two locations, the Wildlife Viewing Area (WVA) Trail and the Kenai Nature Trail. Both include a .25 mile of accessible asphalt-paved path. These two trails differ by wildlife habitats; the WVA trail meanders through riparian forest bordering the Bitterroot River while the Kenai Nature Trail (trailhead at Headquarters) borders grassland/wetland habitat offering an open landscape vista of the Bitterroot and Sapphire Mountains. Don’t have enough time for a walk? Wildfowl Lane is the county road that bisects the Refuge providing drive-thru scenic views of the surrounding landscape and wildlife.
• Teller Wildlife Refuge ? Corvallis, MT – The Teller is a wildlife sanctuary running for 4 miles along the Bitterroot River near Corvallis. The land is managed by a private, non-profit organization working to conserve riparian habitat. Of the 1200 acres nearly 40 acres is open to the public, called the Teller Trail. Enjoy Teller?s National Audubon Important Bird Area (IBA) status while you walk along the banks of the Bitterroot River and wander through approximately 40 acres of riparian (riverbottom) habitat. Moose, deer, mountain lion and over 145 species of birds have called Teller home. The approximate mile long trail loop can be used for hiking, bird watching and fishing the Bitterroot River.
• Threemile Wildlife Management Area ? Stevensville, MT – Threemile Wildlife Management area encompasses 6,089 acres. The area may be accessed by two-wheel drive vehicles whenever roads are dry between May 15 and November 30. The area lends itself to mountain biking in summer, but motorcycles and ATVs are prohibited at Threemile. Few elk inhabit this Wildlife Management Area during summer, but they are often observable nonetheless. The most likely observations are of songbirds and raptors commonly found in upland grasslands and ponderosa pine forests. Threemile is closed to all visitation from December 1 through May 14.

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