Bitterroot Valley Montana Lakes, Rivers & Waterfalls

Bitterroot Valley Montana
> Lakes Rivers Falls

While the Bitterroot River characterizes the valley with great fishing and floating, there are many other nearby lakes and rivers worth visiting.

Big Hole River
Originating in the Beaverhead National Forest, the Big Hole River is an angler's dream come true, flowing northwest until merging with the Jefferson River near Twin Bridges, Montana.

Bitterroot River
Flowing right through the heart of the Bitterroot Valley, the Bitterroot offers great (although sometimes busy) waters for fishing and floating.

Lake Como
Just west of Darby, Montana, Lake Como offers boating, a lovely swimming beach, camping, and hiking trails. In the winter, there is a large network of cross country ski and snowshoe trails around the lake.

Lochsa River
Over Lolo Pass, the Lochsa River flows through a very lush canyon. It's known for day long whitewater rafting trips and is easily accessible from Highway 12.

Painted Rocks Reservoir
At the far southern end of the Bitterroot Valley, Painted Rocks State Park offers a primitive setting for boating, fishing, and camping.

Rock Creek
On the east side of the Sapphire Range (which sits east of the Bitterroot Valley), Rock Creek offers fantastic fishing. Access is via a dirt road and there are many campgrounds along the banks of the creek.

Salmon River
South of the Bitterroot Valley, the Salmon River features multi-day rafting trips, jet boating, and a number of backcountry lodges, some of which are only accessible by plane.

Skalkaho Falls
These beautiful falls are located in the Sapphire Mountains, just east of the Bitterroot Valley.

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