Hot Springs, Montana is a historic town that was founded in 1910. It is no mystery how the town was named! The local hot springs that bubble here attract visitors in search of relaxation and relief from aches and pains. The healing powers of the mineral water and mud baths helped create the towns motto: limp inleap out! The area is situated along the western side of the state where recreational opportunities are endless. Plenty of lakes, rivers, and streams allow fisherman solitude while angling. Thousands of acres of Forest Service and BLM land give the opportunities for hunting, hiking, camping, wildlife viewing, and more to everyone. Be sure to visit the LaRue Hot Springs Museum to walk back in time and relive the homesteader life. The photographs and historic artifacts are captivating!

A Montana college town, Missoula lies among seven wilderness areas along the Northern Rockies. Home to the University of Montana, Montanans flood the stadium and fieldhouse bleachers to cheer on their Grizzlies. Three rivers flow through town making Missoula an outdoor enthusiasts dream. Fish the blue-ribbon trout waters. The famous fly-fishing flick A River Runs Through It was set in Missoula. Spend a warm summer day kayaking, rafting, or tubing through downtown Missoula, or set out to explore the 60,000 acres of forest. The cultural downtown environment is eclectic with small-town values and a variety of adventures. The surrounding forests are popular for hunting deer, elk, bears, moose, and other game animals. Spend the day checking out town sites, walking the river trail, or playing on the Missoula Carousel.

Area Attractions

The National Bison Range

As one of the oldest wildlife refuges in the nation, this spread allows one of the most significant remaining American bison herds to roam safely. It was established in 1908 to protect the bison and sustains nearly 300 to 500 bison across the 19,000 acres of timberland and grassland. The range includes an informative visitor center, an auto tour, and a picnic area. You can also find white-tailed and mule deer, elk, bighorn sheep, pronghorns, and at least 200 species of birds that call the range home.

The Rattlesnake National Recreation Area

The Rattlesnake is one of three designated National Recreation Areas that border Missoula. This scenic and rugged portion of the Missoula Valley offers hiking, biking, horseback riding, and trail running.

Flathead River

This enthusiastic river is made up of three branches: North Fork, South Fork, and Middle Fork. The waters are cold as the river flows uniquely as a glacial river. The Middle Fork is well known for its captivating white waters and originates in the Bob Marshall Wilderness. The Middle Fork brings kayakers, rafters, and anglers seeking the white caps and the low pressure for fishing. The river has a healthy number of Cutthroats up to 16 inches. If you are looking for a scenic area to fish that is quiet and not overcrowded with fishermen, the Flathead River is ideal. Fly fishing is excellent through the deeper pockets and pools along the river.

The Clark Fork River

The Clark Fork River is one of the longest rivers in Montana meandering more than 280 miles paralleling I-90. There are many access points, and its diverse terrain makes certain that no two trips down its waters are the same. It originates in the Silver Bow Mountains with many tributaries contributing to its reputation as one of the most popular destinations for fly fishing in the United States. The river offers recreation such as floating, rafting, kayaking, and river surfing in addition to its epic fishing. The best fishing waters are found between the origin and the confluence with the Flathead River near the Paradise-Plains area. Fish caught in these waters range in size but some can be from 14-20 inches. Northern Pike can be 40 inches or more! Species thriving here include the Clark Fork native Westslope Cutthroat and world-class brown and rainbow trout as well as smallmouth bass.

Golf

Test your skill at one of the several surrounding golf courses. Missoula golf courses include Missoula Country Club, the Larchmont, The Ranch Club, and Canyon Creek.

Winter Recreating and Sports

Beat the cold while skiing at the Snow Bowl, the Lost Trail Ski Area, or Lookout Pass Ski Area.