The Bitterroot Valley of Montana is a truly special place and something you should absolutely have on your radar for upcoming vacations. This stretch of the valley lies just a short drive from Missoula and is more than worth your time. Not only is the scenery jaw-dropping, but you’ll also find charming small towns, historic sites, and sweeping views across one of the most beautiful landscapes in the region. With its dramatic peaks, open spaces, and quiet roads, the Bitterroot Valley delivers a classic Montana experience surrounded by the rugged Bitterroot Mountains.
Easy access to top attractions and being close enough to downtown Missoula for dining, breweries, music, art, and more make our Missoula Bed and Breakfast one of the best places to stay in Montana. Our Inn sits among Ponderosa Pines on a quiet mountainside just minutes from town, offering easy access to Montana’s pretty places right in the heart of the Bitterroot Valley.
With five private guest rooms and twenty acres of wildlife habitat, our Missoula Bed and Breakfast is the perfect mountain retreat, offering comfort, convenience, natural beauty, and warm hospitality. Explore the Bitterroot Valley Montana with us this season at the best place to stay in Missoula. Book your stay today!
Day Trip to Montana's Bitterroot Valley
You’ll find the Bitterroot Valley Montana just south of Missoula. This impressive valley stretches approximately 90 miles and includes a variety of small towns to visit, scenic stops, and outdoor recreation areas. The Bitterroot Valley MT region offers excellent hikes, fishing, wildlife viewing, and access to natural wonders, including our favorite Montana hot springs, Lolo Hot Springs. Whether you want hiking, biking, fishing, or a peaceful drive through Montana’s pretty places, you’ll find endless inspiration in the Montana Bitterroot region.
If you’re planning a day trip, here are the top things to do in the Bitterroot Valley Montana:
- Nature lovers, don’t miss the Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge, which provides 2,800 beautiful acres of habitat perfect for migratory birds. More than 250 bird species have been documented here, and with mammals, reptiles, and amphibians also present, this refuge highlights the biodiversity of the Bitterroot Valley MT region. There are two nature trails throughout the refuge, providing easy access for nature viewing. There are other great wildlife refuges in the area worth visiting.
- There are quite a few towns in the Bitterroot Valley Montana, but one of our favorites is Darby. At one time, the Northern Pacific Railroad line ended here, and today it is a picturesque, charming town nestled against the backdrop of the Bitterroot Mountains. The town offers fantastic shopping, dining, and outdoor recreation. Darby is also a filming location for the hit show Yellowstone. The other small towns in the valley have their own interesting histories.
- For historic attractions, don’t miss the elegant Daly Mansion, a beautiful Georgian Revival-style home built in 1896.
- Another important historic landmark in the Bitterroot Valley is the Historic St. Mary’s Mission, considered the birthplace of Montana. Built in 1841, it marks a significant chapter in the state’s origins.
- If you visit in May, you can see Montana’s state flower, the beautiful Bitterroot, carpeting the region in soft pink blooms. This season is especially beautiful throughout the Bitterroot Valley, adding a colorful highlight to springtime visits.
- Explore local breweries, cideries, distilleries, and wineries throughout the Bitterroot Valley Montana.
- Mountain bikers will love the various trails in the Bitterroot Valley Montana region, including top-rated rides along along the foothills of the Bitterroot Mountains.
- The Bitterroot Valley is home to some of the most scenic hiking in Montana, including favorites like the Bear Creek Overlook Trail.
- A horseback ride through the Bitterroot Valley Montana is another unforgettable way to experience the rugged beauty of the area with local guides.
- Running through the heart of the valley is the famed Bitterroot River, a premier trout-fishing destination and a defining natural feature of the Montana Bitterroot landscape.
Best Places to Stay in Missoula
Missoula is an incredible mountain town surrounded by some of the top attractions in Montana, including the entire Bitterroot Valley region. For relaxing, comfortable accommodations in Missoula, nothing beats our top-rated Bed and Breakfast. It’s easy to see why we’re considered one of the best places to stay in the area.
The Blue Mountain Bed and Breakfast offers the perfect balance: close enough to enjoy Missoula’s restaurants, breweries, museums, and downtown attractions, yet far enough into nature to enjoy the peaceful ambiance of the Bitterroot Valley MT region. Our setting provides rustic elegance paired with modern comfort, all with stunning views of the Bitterroot Mountains.
Each morning begins with a delicious, hearty breakfast, ideal fuel for a day of hiking, fishing, sightseeing, or simply exploring the Bitterroot Valley Montana. After a full day of adventure, unwind in your comfortable guest room, enjoy our serene surroundings, and experience our award-winning hospitality. Reserve your room now!
