Hamilton Montana Vacations: Activities, Fly Fishing

Year round outdoor recreational activities will keep you busy as you explore the mountains, rivers, and valleys that surround the community of Hamilton, located just south of Missoula in southwestern Montana.

• Hamilton is just 45 minutes south of Missoula on Hwy 93.
• Spend the day hiking the Bitterroot Mountains.
• Tease the trout as you fish in the famous Bitterroot River.
• Practice your turns in the powder up at Lost Trail Powder Mountain.
• Catch some speed as you snowmobile down old logging roads in the Sapphire Mountains.

Overview

Hamilton, located in southwestern Montana offers access to amazing outdoor recreation. Nestled between the Bitterroot and Sapphire Mountains and adjacent to the Bitterroot River, the outdoor adventures at hand are too many to count. Here you will find something for every member of your group. A trip to Hamilton will be a vacation to remember!

Summer

• Hiking
  Peak baggers delight in the Bitterroot Mountains. Not only are the Bitterroots some of the most jagged, impressive mountains in the region, but many summit hikes can be accomplished in a day. Looking for a shorter adventure, there are over 1,500 miles of pristine trail. Jump over to the Sapphires for scenic vistas of the valley.
• Backpacking/Camping
  If you are looking to beat the chaos of the city, pack your pack and hit the trail. There are tons of trails and campsites that dot the surrounding mountains. Make sure to tell someone your plans before heading out and remember to leave no trace.
• Fishing
  The Bitterroot River is the place to go for fly-fishing. Set among a picturesque mountain backdrop, the Bitterroot is full of rainbow, brown, and cutthroat trout. So practice your cast and get ready for some world-class fly-fishing.
• Boating/Kayaking
  The Bitterroot is not only for fisherman, launch your boat or kayak and paddle your way down the tranquil river. For a larger piece of water, check out Lake Como. The reservoir lies in a beautiful canyon and offers a convenient boat launch.
• Rock Climbing
  Blodgett and Kootenai Canyon offer some of the best rock climbing opportunities to be found in the west. Huge granite walls offer multi-pitch routes for trad, sport, and top-rope climbs. If you don't feel like hauling all your gear in, check out the bouldering at Lost Horse.
• Wildlife Viewing
  Both the Bitterroot and the Sapphires Mountains offer great wildlife viewing opportunities. Because of a past complete with logging and forest fires, the Sapphires have been left with open, rolling meadows and low-land brush that provide great habitat protection for deer, elk, and moose.
• Hunting
  Hunting for white-tailed deer and elk is popular in the Sapphire Mountains. Make sure to obtain a permit from the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks.

Winter

• Downhill Skiing
  You don't have to go far for good powder. Lost Trail Powder Mountain is just twenty miles
  south of Hamilton and averages over 300 inches of snow a year. With 45 runs to choose from,
  everyone in the family will find a route to enjoy.
• Cross-Country Skiing
  Explore the landscape glide by glide. Ski peacefully across fields, along mountainsides, and under forested canopies. Take advantage of the groomed trails up on Chief Joseph's Pass. There are trails for every skill level.
• Snowshoeing
  Where you can hike you can snowshoe. Strap on those snowshoes and hit the trail. Blodgett
  Canyon is especially beautiful in the winter.
• Snowmobiling
  The Sapphire Mountains offer great riding terrain with tons of abandoned logging roads and loads of open meadows. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, especially elk, as the open meadows are their prime winter habitat.
  Note: The Sapphires are home to two wilderness areas, which means no motorized vehicles are allowed, so know the boundaries before you drive your way into a fine.