Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
In 1854, John Mullan, who masterminded the Mullan Road overland route to the Pacific,
predicted that while much of the region was unpopulated rugged wilderness, the Bitterroot
Valley would soon be “one villaged valley, teeming with life, and bustle and business.”
Nearly 160 years later, his prediction has panned out; the Bitterroot Valley is the fastest-
growing part of Montana while still remaining a gorgeous swath of green-drenched moun-
tains with sparkling rivers, quaint little towns, and no end of opportunities for outdoor ad-
ventures. The drive through towns like Florence, Stevensville, Victor, Corvallis, Hamilton,
and Darby is utterly scenic and a splendid way to spend a day or two. The largest of the
towns in the Bitterroot Valley, Hamilton was founded by copper king Marcus Daly, and
named for James Hamilton, one of Daly's employees. Calamity Jane was among the town's
most notorious residents.
The climate here is milder than in other parts of the state, sandwiched as it is between
the Bitterroot and Sapphire mountain ranges. Anglers, cyclists, and hikers will not want to
leave, and history buffs and antiques hunters will be content here as well.
Although not among the state's fanciest, the hot springs at
Lolo Hot Springs Resort
(38500
W. U.S. 12, 800/273-2290 or 877/541-5117,
www.lolohotsprings.com
,
deluxe cabins $90,
heated camping cabins $40) are among those known to indigenous people long before
Lewis and Clark arrived in the region. The area was a natural mineral lick for wildlife and
an ancient meeting spot for Native Americans. It was also a well-known rendezvous site for
trappers and prospectors. As early as 1888, the springs were advertised in Missoula news-
papers for board, room, and bath for $11 per week. Today the resort offers deluxe cabins,
heated camping cabins, tipis, and RV and tent sites ($16). There is also a restaurant on-site.
In summer this is a great camping spot, with immediate access to both the Lolo and Bit-
terroot National Forests as well as many miles of prime river access. In winter the area is
popular for snowmobilers, and snowmobile rentals are available daily on-site. The naturally
heated mineral pools (8am-10pm Mon.-Fri., 8am-midnight Sat.-Sun. summer, 10am-9pm
Mon.-Fri., 10am-midnight Sat.-Sun. winter, $7 adults, $6 seniors 55 and over, $5 children
5-12) are sublime any time of year. Entrance to the pools is included with cabin rentals.
Located just 0.5 mile west of the town of Lolo on U.S. Highway 12,
Travelers' Rest State
Park
(406/273-4253,
www.travelersrest.org
,
8am-8pm mid-May-Aug., shorter hours Sept.-
May, $5/vehicle, free with Montana license plates) is a critical stop for any Lewis and Clark
