Exploring The Bitterroot Valley
Visiting Montana is on every explorer’s bucket list, and with every corner of the state offering jaw-dropping nature scenes, it’s hard to find where to set your GPS coordinates. Bitterroot Valley, located on the border of Montana and Idaho, provides everything you could imagine from this fantastic state.
Our guide walks you through everything you need to know to plan your trip to Western Montana, from why the Bitterroot Valley is so special to the must-see places, what to do there, and how to stay powered.
Why the Bitterroot Valley Is a Hidden Gem
The valley is often called the “Hidden Gem of Montana” because of its untouched wilderness landscape. It's the largest wilderness area in the lower 48: the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness Area, spanning 1.25 million acres.
The Bitterroot River runs through the valley, with the Bitterroot range flanking the left, and the Sapphire Mountains to the east. You can stay in a backcountry camping area or a campsite for tenting and RVing.
While the area is known for its wilderness, plenty of charming towns exist. Here, you’ll find dining, lodging, amenities, and cultural experiences, while the rest of the valley remains mostly undeveloped.
Bitterroot Valley Must-See Places & Highlights
The Bitterroot Trail: You can’t visit Bitterroot Valley without walking or biking along the Bitterroot Trail, a 50-mile paved path connecting Missoula to Hamilton, running partly along the Bitterroot River. You’ll pass through several towns and experience breathtaking scenery off the highway. Use an EcoFlow RAPID Magnetic Power Bank (10,000mAh) to quickly and conveniently charge your phone while biking. It’ll keep your maps running while you monitor your location.
St. Mary’s Mission: St. Mary's Mission is Montana’s first permanent white settlement and has Montana’s first church. Visitors can take a guided tour of the rebuilt church and Father Ravalli’s cabin, visit the museum, and stroll through a cemetery.
Traveler’s Rest State Park: This state park has the only archaeologically verified campsite for the Lewis and Clark expedition in the United States. After exploring, drive to the Lolo Pass and see the Mountain Pass connecting Montana to Idaho, whitewater rafting in the Lochsa River, and camping in Lolo National Forest.
Lee MetCalf National Wildlife Refuge: This national wildlife refuge (NWR) spans over 2,5000 acres and focuses on protecting migratory birds. When visiting the NWR, peer into the wildlife viewing area, overlooking 160 acres, stroll down the two nature trails, and learn more about nature in the Visitor Center. There's a bird walk every third Saturday of the month.
Daly Mansion: The Daly Mansion is a grand estate in Hamilton. It was built during the Gilded Age as a summer house for Marcus Daly and is now owned by the University of Montana. Its extensive square footage and luxurious interior are fun to view during a guided or self-guided tour. If you visit at the right time, you can attend a community event at the mansion.
Adventures for Every Kind of Explorer
Bitterroot Valley isn’t just one kind of hobby; there’s something for everyone. The expansive wilderness area has trails to hike, backpack, bike, or ride horseback.
Between the Bitterroot River and Lake Como, you’re sure to find a comfortable spot for fishing, swimming, and boating. The EcoFlow GLACIER Classic Portable Refrigerator Freezer is designed to keep your drinks and snacks cool wherever you go, but it can also be used to keep your bait chilled if needed. Many anglers come here for the trout in the Bitterroot River, and it’s the best spot in Montana.
The vast wilderness is home to sheep, elk, deer, bears, goats, and many bird species. People come from all over to watch birds, hunt, and observe wildlife. When it snows in the valley, the mountains become white-capped, and the valley transforms into a winter playground, offering activities like skiing, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing.
Of course, you can't forget the many festivals in Bitterroot. You’ll likely come across one while visiting or plan your stay around one: Microbrew Fest, Scottish-Irish Festival, Logger Days, Christmas Stroll, Montana Mule Days, and many others.
Staying Powered in the Bitterroot Backcountry
With so much to do across the Bitterroot Valley, you’ll need a solid, off-grid power plan, especially if you’re camping in the backcountry. Several trails take hours to complete, and though entirely worth it, they will drain your phone battery while you capture pictures of the breathtaking views or follow an AllTrails map.
Bring portable electricity with you on any hike, bike ride, or campsite area with an EcoFlow RIVER 3 Plus + 160W Solar Panel. The solar generator combines a solar panel and power bank, providing unlimited access to electricity, even miles away from a traditional outlet.
Frequently Asked Questions
When’s the Best Time of Year to Visit the Bitterroot Valley?
Truly, any time of the year is a great time to visit, as every season offers something to do, but the best time depends on your preferences. For the best weather, visit mid-June to early September. Visit December through February for winter sports like skiing.
Is the Bitterroot Valley Suitable for Camping?
Absolutely, and you should definitely plan to camp in the Bitterroot Valley. There are plenty of camping sites with a variety of options. You can hook up your RV in a private RV park, pitch a tent in a developed campground, or escape to dispersed backcountry sites.
Final Thoughts
If pictures and thoughts of Bitterroot Valley call your name, it’s time to answer. Plan your next trip to this Montana gem, full of charming towns, engaging history, and endless wilderness. There’s plenty to do year-round, from biking trails, snowboarding, historical settlements, touring mansions, and viewing wildlife.
If you plan to wander the backcountry away from the traditional power grid, bring backup power. The EcoFlow RIVER 3 Plus + 160W Solar Panel is lightweight, robust, and powerful enough to keep your electronics and appliances running smoothly from anywhere.