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Step 1
Take U.S. Highway 93 on a tour through the Bitterroot Valley. Go south and the visit the town of Lolo. It is a small place in the higher area of this valley. Pass Florence, which is another small place. Next, explore the Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge. It can be reached by taking the East Side Highway. Head for Stevensville. See osprey and all of the other wildlife that make their home here. Arrive in Stevensville and visit St. Mary's Mission. See the Fort Owen State Monument. It marks the place where the first white settlement in Montana was located.
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Step 2
Visit Hamilton. In Downtown Hamilton is the Ravalli County Museum. It is located in the old county Courthouse building that was created in 1900, and has some historically significant items.
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Step 3
Go to Darby, Montana, next. Darby is a famous area for big game hunting, and skiing. Find your way to the Lost Trail Pass and Chief Joseph Pass. Both were used on the expedition of Lewis and Clark. Chief Joseph also fled from the U.S. Calvary and escaped into Canada by this route. Visit Darby's Pioneer Memorial Museum. This building is one of the first cabins built in the area. Hand-crafted by an early settler in 1886, it was purchased and moved to the present location, which is near the Darby City Park on U.S. Highway 93.
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Step 4
Visit the Alta ranger station, built between 1937 and 1939. The building has been used for the Bitterroot Fire Crew and is now used as a visitors center. Have a picnic at one of the provided tables outside. The center also has firewood and Christmas tree permits, and forest maps for sale.
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Step 5
Find Painted Rocks Reservoir. It is off Highway 93, about 23 miles past Darby. The park has fishing, camping and boating opportunities, and provides 25 camping sites complete with nice camping facilities. Don't plan to stay over the 14-day limit.
