The Bitterroot Valley - A Special Getaway from the Bustle of the City

    
The Bitterroot Valley, named after the symbolic flower of Montana - namely the Bitterroot Lily - is a picturesque valley on a riverside encompassing fertile land strewn with enormous cottonwood trees. The Valley has an impressive historical background, as the renowned discovery expedition of  Lewis and Clarks Corps passed through here. Other than that, the Bitterroot Valley is a unique recreational hotspot providing all kinds of recreation and outdoor activities, such as hiking, skiing, mountain biking,  fishing, boating, hot springs, wildlife watching and one of the most incredible rock climbing in the country.
    In 2000, however, the Bitterroot Valley drew the public's attention for being the victim of a series of difficult-to-control wildfires, resulting in burned land of about 100,000 acres. Presently, visitors can reassure themselves of the incredible forest re-growth and the green carpets of grass and bright-coloured wild flowers.
    The Bitterroot valley is a natural link between the Missoula areas with the eastern frontier of Idaho. Once, Lewis and Clark walked in these lands - you can still enjoy the gorgeous one-day route. The towns of Bitterroot are small, with charming restaurants and shops; the natives are friendly and openhearted; and tourists are warmly welcomed in various types of lodgings.
    One of the foremost attractions in the Bitterroot Valley is St. Mary's Mission, dating back to 1841, which was found by a Jesuit priest. It was the first white settlement throughout the territory of Montana. The mission later laid the foundations for the town of Stevensville. You can walk around the complex and eye the chapel, cabin, dovecotes and art galleries.
    Scenic trails will guide you through the pristine beauty of Bitterroot National Forest. Winding paths will lead you to breathtaking lakes and whispering waterfalls in the pulsing soul of the wilderness, untouched by the hands of civilization. As an insider, you would definitely like to visit Lee Metcalf Wildlife Refuge, a home for many animal species. Or drop in on the multiple parks scattered among the towns of Bitterroot Valley. In Hamilton, you can try an 18-hole golf course, or maybe the 9-hole golf course in Stevensville.
    The banks of the Bitterroot River are tempting places for anglers; you can enjoy probably the best fishing of trout in the United States. There are also many streams and lakes.
     Bitterroot Valley is also a hunter's paradise, especially for big game hunting: mule deer, white tail, mountain lion, moose, bear, and elk as well as geese, duck, grouse, pheasant.
    The abundantly represented wildlife attracts wildlife photographers and birders:  Teller Wildlife Refuge, Broad Axe Preserve, the Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge, Skalkaho Game Preserve are excellent for wildlife watching.