The gold strike of the 1860’s started in the Beaverhead Valley. This is evidenced by the multitude of ghost towns now dotting the hills. One of those towns is Bannack, the first territorial capital of Montana and one of the previously mentioned ghost towns. Bannack is also reportedly where the strike started. Later, in 1877, the Nez Perce fought the United States army in the Battle of the Big Hole on the banks of Trail Creek.

With a wide-open landscape ringed with 10,000 foot high peaks, the Beaverhead Valley is cattle and sheep country. Many of the current ranches have been in operation since the turn of the century. The cool dry climate also lends itself to many species of wildlife.

Dillon, the county seat, is home to the University of Montana – Western. It is also home to the national franchise office of Great Harvest Bread Company. With its location at the junction of several major highways, Dillon has become the main shopping destination in Beaverhead and Western Madison Counties as well as the center of Montana’s largest cattle and hay producing area.

The scenic community of Big Sky (population approx. 2000) nestles high in mountain meadows of Gallatin Canyon, surrounded by timberland, the Spanish Peaks Primitive Area and the Gallatin National Forest. During the summer and winter, the population rises by about 300 to 400, accounting for people with vacation homes. Majestic 11,166-foot Lone Mountain towers over this paradise. Big Sky is located in southwestern Montana, 40 miles south of Bozeman and 47 miles north of West Yellowstone on US Highway 191.

Big Sky is a small community that provides amazing outdoor activities for the outdoor enthusiast. There are three ski and golf resorts in the area; Big Sky Ski Resort and Moonlight Basin along with one private ski and golf resort, Yellowstone Club. Big Sky was conceived and built by the late NBC newscaster, Chet Huntley. It first opened for skiing in December 1973. With 17 lifts transporting skiers and snowboarders over 3,500 skiable acres, the resort has set the standard for uncrowded slopes and non-existent lift lines. With the addition of Moonlight Basin to the area a few years ago, the resort adds 80 runs, 6 lifts and nearly 2000 acres of terrain to the mountain. Big Sky Resort and Moonlight Basin have teamed up to offer a dual-pass to both ski resorts. This Lone Peak Ticket allows skiers and snowboarders all-mountain access to over 220 runs and 5,500 skiable acres. One of the largest industries in Big Sky is tourism, rivaled only by construction and real estate activity, which has seen a significant rise over the past few years.

The Bitterroot Valley is a place of cowboys, writers, professionals, and energy. Located about 20 miles south of Missoula, the Valley is dotted with small ranches and homes and scattered commercial enterprises. To the west are the grassy foothills, towering peaks, and deeply carved canyons of the Bitterroot Mountains including the Bitterroot National Forest and the Selway Bitterroot Wilderness to the Idaho border. To the east are the sage covered and heavily timbered Sapphire Mountains stretching to the Rock Creek drainage and Phillipsburg. On the Valley floor is the crown jewel of trout fishing for the region – The Bitterroot River – one of only five rivers in the Nation that flows North.

The population of the Valley is just under 40,000 with about 15,000 new residents over the past 25 years. It’s not just a popular tourist destination; it’s also a great place to live (population is up more than 25 percent since the year 2000). The scenery is uncommonly beautiful, the recreational opportunities are diverse, and the people folksy and friendly. Consider the Bitterroot Valley as one of Montana’s greatest secrets – a small “non-place” that offers the best of the west.

Known for the mildest climate in the State, the Bitterroot Valley has summer days in the 80’s & 90’s. The Valley floor is usually without snow or at a depth of around 4 – 6 inches most of the winter months. Higher elevations see lots of dry powder for cross country skiing and downhill skiing. Sunny days are around 270 annually with little to no wind – which is unusual for Montana. The abundance of water available from the many clear rushing creeks and the East Fork and West Fork of the Bitterroot River, keep the Valley hay fields green throughout the summer.

Lying at the base of the Bridger Mountains in southwest Montana, this historic mountain city is at an elevation of 4,810 feet and has a population of 32,500. A recent study by conducted by BizJournal ranked Bozeman number one among small towns across the country because of its business opportunities, growth, educational systems, economy, lack of traffic, and cost of living.

Bozeman is one of the most diverse small towns in the Rocky Mountain West and is blessed with an eclectic mix of ranchers, artists, professors, ski enthusiasts and entrepreneurs. Bozeman is home to Montana State University and is 20 minutes away from the Bridger Bowl ski area. Bozeman is ranked as one of the top 10 ski towns in America by Skiing Magazine. Downtown Bozeman has rows of turn-of-the-century buildings with more than 100 shops and restaurants lining this beautiful and historic retailing corridor. Bozeman is also home to many museums, talented artists and excellent galleries. You can find opera, theatre, symphony and ballet, as well as rodeo, the Sweet Pea Festival, the Montana Winter Fair and the Gallatin County Fair. Bozeman is located in southwestern Montana and surrounded by four mountain ranges, thousands of acres of the Gallatin National Forest and hundreds of miles of blue ribbon trout streams. Bridger Bowl is located 16 miles northeast of town.

The Jefferson, Madison and Gallatin rivers join together to form the Missouri River at the Missouri Headwaters State Park near Three Forks, Montana. The rivers, streams and lakes in the region offer some of the finest fly fishing for trout found anywhere in the world and the scenery around our trout waters is spectacular. Fly fishing enthusiasts will find blue ribbon trout streams minutes from town. Fishermen from all around travel to the Bozeman area to spend quality time on our rivers. Cold clear streams and lakes provide rainbow, cutthroat and golden trout, as well as grayling and mountain whitefish. The nationally renowned Madison River, the storied Yellowstone River and the famous Gallatin River are all blue ribbon fisheries located in or adjacent to Gallatin County. Hunting opportunities abound in the area. In fact, there is the opportunity to hunt more species here than in any other area in the western states.

Yellowstone National Park and additional wild lands managed by the U.S. National Forest Service, Montana Department of Fish and Parks, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and private agricultural interests provide wildlife hunting, photography, or viewing opportunities for many species. Elk, bighorn sheep, mule and white-tailed deer, coyote, pronghorn antelope, bald and golden eagles, moose, mountain goat, black and grizzly bear, and an array of less obvious, but no less remarkable animals, still find suitable range and habitat here.

Flathead is the largest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi. This mountain lake is 28 miles long with tree lined shores and sparkling water. It is up to 15 miles wide with two highways that encircle the shoreline. Cherry orchards cover hills above the eastern shore. Boating, fishing and sailing are among the favorite sports. Camping is also enjoyed in one of the six state parks along the shore. Polson, on the South shore, and Bigfork, on the North shore, offer fine dining and many shops. Two large tour boats and many resorts and marinas can be found around the lake. The Flathead valley is considered the gateway to Glacier Park.

Flathead Lake was carved out of the earth by the last retreating glaciers during the last ice age. Legend has it that the Flathead River Gorge was gouged out by Paul Bunyan himself with the help of his blue ox, Babe. Kerr Dam regulates the flow of the river. At 204 feet high Kerr Dam is 50 feet higher than Niagra Falls.

Georgetown Lake is a haven for summer visitors looking to boat, camp, fish, hike and explore a multitude of other outdoor activities. The lake itself is surrounded by the Deerlodge National Forest and the Anaconda-Pintler National Forest. It is a large; 3,000 acre, high; over 6,000 feet, mountain lake. The lake is surrounded by the Flint Creek Range to the north and the Pintlers to the south. At Georgetown Lake Kokanee salmon is the most sought after species, followed by rainbow trout. The Lake has four public boat ramps. In winter, Georgetown Lake is used for ice fishing and snowmobiling. Georgetown Lake visitors have access to lodging, restaurants, casinos and a marina. Camping is also available around the Lake at a number of National Forest campgrounds.

The town of Georgetown sits North East of the lake. Named after an early miner, George Cameron, Georgetown is a popular destination for summer visitors. Winter visitors also enjoy snowmobiling in the Anaconda-Pintler National Forest.

A former industrial center with a rich history and heritage, Anaconda is more recently renowned as a recreation community in Southwest Montana. The Continental Divide passes within a few miles of the city limits and Rocky Mountain peaks reach 10,379 feet. Anaconda offers an extraordinary summer or winter vacation opportunity as well as a great place to live and work. Anaconda is home to the Old Works Golf Course and well as Fairmont Hotsprings Resort.

The Blue Ribbon Madison River flows 140 miles through the spectacular Madison Valley. The stretch between Hebgen Lake and Ennis is known by fisherman as the "fifty mile riffle". The river is consistent, very accessible and you can easily wade or drift to catch rainbow, brown and the occasional cutthroat trout.

The town of Ennis is the main settlement in the valley along with Norris, Harrison, McAllister, Pony, Cardwell, Cameron and Willow Creek. Lewis and Clark visited in 1805. In 1863 gold was discovered prompting the founding of Madison County in 1864 in what was then Idaho territory. Later that year Madison County became part of Montana Territory. Modern day visitors can still try their hand at gold panning in the area rivers and streams.

The beautiful, wide Madison Valley is primarily cattle country with prize Herefords and Black Angus raised along with hay and grain. These cattle and grain operations maintain plenty of open space for wildlife. Elk, mule and white tail deer and antelope are just a few of the species living in and migrating through the valley.

The Mission Valley, a glacially carved 350,000-acre valley is within the exterior boundaries of the Flathead Indian Reservation of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes. The northern end of the valley is bordered by Flathead Lake. The National Bison Range National Wildlife Refuge forms the southern boundary, and the majestic Mission Mountains tower above the valley's eastern edge.

Towns within the Mission Valley include St. Ignatius, Arlee, Charlo Pablo, Polson and Ronan. Points of interest are the St. Ignatius Mission and the Mission Valley Winery. Hay and Potato farms and cattle ranches dominate the area economy. As everywhere surrounding Flathead Lake, boating and fishing are also main pursuits. There is also golfing in Ronan, Pablo and Polson. Many museums also dot the valley with displays ranging from Indian artifacts to World War II memorabilia to antique farm implements.

St. Ignatius is the largest town within the valley. Founded in 1854 by Jesuit Missionaries, they brought the first schools, hospital, saw and flower mills in the state.

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About 70,000 people live in the Missoula Valley. Many people who work in Missoula live in surrounding towns that are within a 20 to 45 minute drive. South: Lolo (population 3500) - East: E. Missoula (population 2000), Bonner (population 1700), Turah, Clinton (population 600), Potomac - West: Frenchtown (population 900), Alberton - North: Evero (population 350). Note: Population estimates are based on 2000 census data. Home to the University of Montana, Missoula has a "college town" feel and excitement including homecoming parades and tailgate parties. Whether Football or Basketball, fans are always there to support the Griz and the Lady Griz teams. Local performing arts include Missoula Community Theater and Missoula Symphony.

Other popular forms of entertainment are centered primarily on the outdoors. Missoula is located in the fly fishing golden triangle. Fishing and hunting top the list of recreational activities. Not far behind are skiing, white water activities, bicycling, and off-road motorcycle riding. The Rattlesnake River drainage and the Blue Mountain recreation area are open to all for enjoyment. Snow Bowl ski area runs are visible from town and are only a short drive from downtown.

Missoula is located in a deep valley surrounded by mountains and cut by three major rivers, the Clark Fork River, the Bitterroot River and the Blackfoot River. The city is the namesake and center of the large, ancient Glacial Lake Missoula, which caused catastrophic floods across the northwest in the last ice age. Missoula is currently the second most populous city in Montana. Billings is the only city that has a larger population. Missoula is often considered the capital of Western Montana. Missoula has four seasons with an annual average temperature of 44 degrees Fahrenheit. About 22 days per year are above 90 degrees and 180 days per year are below freezing. Annual precipitation is about 13.5 inches.

Paradise Valley is situated in southwestern Montana It is located just north of Yellowstone National Park in Park County, Montana, which lends its name to the county.

The Paradise Valley is separated from the Gallatin Valley and Bozeman, MT by the Bozeman Pass. Interstate 90 passes through both communities. The valley is surrounded by scenery that served as the backdrop for "A River Runs Through It" and "The Horse Whisperer,. The valley lies predominantly along a north-south axis, and is anchored to the north by Livingston, Montana and to the south by Yankee Jim Canyon, approximately fifteen miles north of Gardiner, Montana and the north entrance of Yellowstone Park. US Highway 89 passes through the valley and into Yellowstone National Park.

The Yellowstone River flows through the valley and is noted for world-class fly fishing in the river and nearby spring creeks such as DePuy Spring Creek. The valley hosts other natural wonders such as several natural hot springs, including Chico Hot Springs near Emigrant, Montana, La Duke Hot Springs near Gardiner, and Hunter's Hot Springs near Livingston.

Located between the Gallatin and Crazy Mountain ranges and surrounded by the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness Area, the town of Livingston (population 6851) is nestled along the free flowing Yellowstone River. Main Street and the historic districts are reminders the city’s bygone golden era. The downtown buildings from the 1880s and 90s still stand as a testimony of the old west and give Livingston its special turn-of-the-century charm.

Over the decades, Livingston has become an arts mecca with many artists and writers living in the area. The downtown area has over 15 art galleries, and there are over 200 artisans throughout Park County.

The Ruby Valley is a paradise for the outdoor enthusiast. Bird Watchers will find a myriad of species to add to their life lists. Boaters enjoy drifting area streams or power boating, tubing or jet skiing on the Ruby Reservoir, a thousand acre multipurpose reservoir just south of Alder with paved highway access. In the fall, waterfowl hunters will find terrific duck and goose shooting. Blue Ribbon Trout Streams like the Big Hole, Jefferson, Ruby and Beaverhead provide not only some of the finest fishing opportunities in the Rocky Mountain West but also offer superb river rafting, and canoeing.

If you are an big game hunter, rock hound, camper, hiker, wildflower collector or mountain biker you will find hundreds of square miles of U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management acreage to explore in the Tobacco Root, Ruby, Highland, McCartney, Pioneer, Snowcrest, Greenhorn and Gravelly Mountain ranges that guard the Ruby Valley. For those hardy souls who really like to escape civilization you can travel into the high county using mechanized horsepower of ATV’s and Four Wheelers or you can go the tried and true way on the back of a horse or mule. In the winter months a whole other world can be discovered in these beautiful mountain ranges around the Ruby Valley when you clamp on snowshoes and cross-country skis or crank up a snowmobile and trek into the deep snows of the high country.

Seeley Lake is flanked by the peaks of the Mission and Swan mountain ranges and is situated along one of the most scenic drives in Montana. Beginning at the charming village of Bigfork on the north and ending at Clearwater Junction on the south, this 91-mile stretch of road is commonly known as the Seeley Swan Highway or the Chain of Lakes. Running between two majestic mountain ranges and following the Swan and Clearwater rivers past pristine lakes and heavily wooded slopes, Montana Highway 83 provides the most scenic route between Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks. Those who love water and the great outdoors will discover excellent camping, boating, fishing, and hiking opportunities at Placid Lake State Park and the Salmon Lake State Park.

The Seeley Swan Valley butts up against the Bob Marshall Wilderness (known to locals as "the Bob"). Straddling the Continental Divide, "the Bob" joins other wilderness areas to form more than 1.5 million acres of protected forest accessible only by trail.

In addition to its wilderness, the Seeley Swan offers abundant opportunity for outdoor recreation from boating to fishing, from snowmobiling to dog sledding, from golfing to horseback riding; there is no end to the fun you can have. Just pick your favorite season and be ready to be active.

Seeley Lake is a town of about 2400 people that has grown up around a glacially-formed lake. Seeley Lake is a full service town. It is home to a locally-owned grocery store, pharmacy, hardware store, sporting goods store, video rentals, auto repair shops, gas stations and recreation/sport rentals. Several churches will welcome you and there are available health services. Seeley Lake and the surrounding area has multiple lodges, motels, guest ranches, conference facilities and restaurants. Seeley Lake is one hour northeast of an international airport located in Missoula.

At the mouth of Cedar Creek lies the town of Superior, county seat of Mineral County. Superior was named after the founder’s home town – Superior, Wisconsin. As the crow flies the Idaho border is only 10 miles away, but it’s closer to 48 by mountain roads. The Clark Fork River cuts through the middle of town.

Historically the area is known for mining and logging. A rich silver load was discovered at what is now Keystone in the 1880’s. A number of mining era ghost towns still dot the mountain landscape. The Mineral County Museum in Superior is a good source of information pertaining to both area mining logging activities.

The western border of the Superior Plains Area is the Lolo National Forest. With over 2,500 miles of trails ranging from valley bottoms to mountain tops, there is a trail suitable for every hiker’s ideal adventure.

Source: VisitMT.com