The Bitterroot Valley is an amazing place – it’s one of the most beautiful areas of Montana.
People from all over the world visit the Bitterroot Valley to enjoy its spectacular scenery, wildlife and outdoor recreation.
This article shares our top five reasons you should visit the Bitterroot Valley
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Top 5 Reasons to Visit the Bitterroot Valley
Everyone loves the Bitterroot Valley, and there are many reasons for this well deserved admiration.
Here’s our top 5 reasons to visit the Bitterroot Valley.
Reason #1 – Small Charming Towns
The Bitterroot Valley is home to several small charming towns that you almost have to see to believe.
These are authentic rural Montana communities that you just don’t find anywhere else.
Main Street in Stevensville / Bitterroot Info
Head south from Missoula and you’ll pass through Lolo, Florence, Stevensville, Victor, Corvallis, Hamilton and Darby along the Highway 93 corridor.
These small charming towns are full of small businesses that will make you feel welcome, and the community festivals and events are not to be missed.
Reason #2 – Unspoiled Nature
Many people think the Bitterroot Valley is one of the most beautiful valleys in all of Montana, which is saying a lot.
With the Bitterroot Mountains to the west and the Sapphire Mountains to the east, the views are incredible, and you will never run out of nature to explore.
A diverse variety of wildlife is abundant in the Bitterroot Valley.
Whitetail fawn / Bitterroot Info
The valley is home to majestic elk, mule and whitetail deer, moose, bear, bighorn sheep, mountain lions, mountain goats and many more critters, large and small.
The rivers are full of cutthroat, rainbow, brown and brook trout. And the sky is full of eagles, hawks, owls and osprey.
Bring your camera when you visit the Bitterroot Valley, you’ll definitely need it.
Reason #3 – Warm, Friendly People
The people of the Bitterroot Valley are a friendly bunch.
You know, the kind of people who wave at you when you pass them driving down the road.
The kind who let you into traffic, hold a door open for you, or say hello at the grocery store.
Bitterrooter’s are friendly folks / Bitterroot Info
You’ll see the generations who have built these towns and raised their families when you visit the Bitterroot Valley.
You’ll see them at the fair, or the rodeo, or on their tractor moving equipment down the road to another pasture.
And when you do, the friendly people of the Bitterroot Valley will make you feel right at home.
Reason #4 – Spectacular Weather
They don’t call the Bitterroot Valley “The Banana Belt of Montana” for nothing.
Compared to the rest of the state, the Bitterroot Valley has fairly mild weather.
Summer sunset in the Bitterroot Valley / Bitterroot Info
Summers are gorgeous with warm afternoons and cool evenings, and winters aren’t so bad. Humidity is pleasant and sunshine is plentiful.
Come experience why so many people visit the Bitterroot Valley to enjoy its spectacular weather.
Reason #5 – The Bitterroot River
It’s the heartbeat of the Bitterroot Valley and the epicenter of some of Montana’s best fly fishing.
90 miles of the Bitterroot River winds through the valley and offers unlimited recreation throughout the year.
East fork of the Bitterroot River / Bitterroot Info
The variety of wildlife that calls the river home is incredible, and the river is about as scenic as they come.
Once you experience the Bitterroot River, you’ll want to come back again, we promise.
More About the Bitterroot Valley
The Bitterroot Valley is on the western border of Montana — here’s a map and directions.
There’s plenty of lodging available throughout the valley. — here’s a handy lodging guide.
Hiking and fishing are just a few of the popular activities around here.
Cutthroat trout on the Bitterroot River / Bitterroot Info
Real estate options range from small cabins to big ranches. Our real estate articles help sort it all out.
When you’re hungry, our dining scene features more than 130 food and drink establishments to choose from.
That’s a Good Question
Mid-June through early September combines our most pleasant weather with the most recreational opportunities, activities, and events of the year.
There’s lots of outdoor recreation like hiking, fishing, hunting and biking.
There are festivals and events to attend, and cultural attractions to visit.
Additional Resources
The Bitterroot Valley Chamber of Commerce can be found here
The Visit Bitterroot Valley website can be found here