Find a map of the Bison Range here (opens as PDF). Easy to drive and guaranteed to bring you close to multiple bison and other wildlife such as elk, pronghorn antelope, several types of deer, bighorn sheep, coyotes, and even black bears as well as many birds, including eagles, hawks, and geese. It is approximately 100 miles round trip plus drive time around the Range’s dirt roads for viewing wildlife. The Range is home to approximately 400 to 500 bison. Pro Tip: Be prepared to back up for oncoming traffic…rare, but there! National Bison Range (Photo Credit: John Edwards) 5. Do not drive anything larger than an SUV or pickup. Summer or autumn trip only, before the snow. One caution: Rock Creek Road is unpaved, hard-pack, and single lane for a significant part of the trip. This is my favorite day trip from Missoula. Take I-90E to State Highway 1 past Philipsburg to State Highway 38. Approximately 150 miles round trip and at least 3 hours. If you want max scenery and nature and quietude, this is the trip. And to eat all the candy you might want! 4. The town has an Old West feel and offers the opportunity to mine or pan for sapphires and other jewels. Philipsburg was known for mining gold and silver as well as precious stones in the past but today, of all things, it is known for having the largest candy store in the West. Exit onto State Highway 1 also known as Pintler Veterans Memorial Scenic Highway near Drummond. Maybe 75 miles each way: a gorgeous drive along I-90E past Rock Creek with views of the Sapphire Mountains, Ruby Mountains, and the Clark Fork River. Philipsburg, Montana (Photo Credit: Cavan-Images / ) 3. Read up on 7 Amazing Things To Explore In Montana’s Beautiful Bitterroot Valley here. Warning: Be watchful for speeders on this highway. This route is a lovely two-lane country road with spectacular views of the Bitterroot Mountains off to the west. Mary’s Mission, the place “where Montana began”. When driving back to Missoula, take State Highway 269, the Eastside Highway from Hamilton to Stevensville, stopping at historic St. They are stunning! Wanna see where the TV series Yellowstone is filmed? Drive another 20 miles or so south to Chief Joseph Ranch just outside of Darby. Along the way visit the Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge near Stevensville and marvel at the Bitterroot Mountains and Bitterroot River. Missoula To HamiltonĪpproximately 57 miles south on I-93: Stop at Big Creek Coffee Roasters on West Main Street in downtown Hamilton for a satisfying cup of joe and scones. The Bitterroot River west of Hamilton, Montana (Photo Credit: John Edwards) 2. Bear spray at the ready is never a bad idea in Montana. Signs along the trails note that this land is a habitat for bears and mountain lions among other creatures. Pro Tip: Be watchful for wildlife on these flat dirt trails. You’ll find Old Western decor with multiple animal trophies and homemade pies. Afterward, lunch at Ekstrom’s Stage Station several hundred yards up the road. Of that, approximately 0.3 miles is wheelchair accessible. The curated trail runs approximately 0.75 miles from the parking area to the convergence of Rock Creek and the Clark Fork River. Missoula To Rock CreekĪpproximately 20 miles east on I-90: Walk the meadows and meandering trails of the 300-acre Rock Creek Confluence Property. The following paragraphs describe my favorite drives with him. He provides commentary and history lessons as we go. Over the past decade or so, my father-in-law (who was also born and raised in Missoula) and I have taken many day trips from town. It has an increasingly urban vibe and gorgeous rural scenery in all directions just beyond the city limits. Luckily, I like Missoula and the surrounding areas. My wife was born and raised there and since most of her family is still there we go up at least twice per year. I have visited many times over the years. Missoula is a bustling, growing, vibrant city in western Montana.
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