Overview

The Bitterroot Valley includes the towns of Stevensville, Victor, Hamilton, and Darby, Montana. The Bitterroot Valley is said to be the oldest inhabited area in all of Montana. The Kootenai, Salish, and Nez Perce Indians were the first to inhabit the area, while Lewis and Clark traveled through the valley in 1805-06.

Location

US Highway 93 is the primary vein of travel for those visiting the Bitterroot Valley, making it easy for those commuting from Sun Valley. The southern most end of the Bitterroot Valley can be found approximately 200 miles northeast of Sun Valley.

Services/Amenities

The towns of the Bitterroot are small but cater to tourists well, with a handful of restaurants, supermarkets and lodging options in each. Visitors will find Darby has the most 'Old Western' style downtown and will notice that Hamilton holds up to its claim as the 'log home building capitol of the world'.

Activities

The Bitterroot is chock full of history and offers all sorts recreational opportunities. Visitors here can enjoy hiking, fishing, mountain biking, skiing, hot springs, boating and some of the best rock climbing in the state.

Attractions

The Bitterroot Valley has a wide assortment of interesting attractions.

• Marcus Daley Mansion
  The Marcus Daly Mansion can be found near Hamilton, MT. This is the historic home of the Daly family and is located on 46 acres of lush landscape. The exhibits convey the story of Daly and his rise from working-class immigrant to copper magnate.
• Historic St. Mary’s Mission
  Located in Stevensville, the well-preserved buildings and artifacts allow visitors to have a look back at the beginnings of the State of the Montana and the settlement of the West.
• Darby Pioneer Memorial Museum
  This original hand-hewn homestead has been moved from its original location to the Darby City Park near Highway 93. Here you will find an extensive collection of home and business artifacts and a display of early photographs of Darby and its inhabitants.

Other attractions include various art galleries and wildlife management areas along the route.

Getting Here

While driving through the Bitterroot Valley, you will be parallel with the Bitterroot River for most of the way. The river connects the valley towns much like it did when the area was fist settled. The valley is surrounded by the Bitterroot Mountains as well as the Bitterroot National Forest. For a better view of the mountains you might want to take an alternative route, MT 269 from Hamilton to Stevensville. This drive is definitely more rewarding and relaxing than the highway. Keep you eye out for old cabins and homesteads, evidence of the area's rich history.