Western Montana is both unique and beautiful, especially the Clark Fork Valley. And despite the fact that Western Montana is more populated than the rest of the state, there are still plenty of gems waiting to be discovered here. This visually stunning loop is one of them.
If you head west from Missoula, you’ll encounter all sorts of stunning scenery while following the Clark Fork River. This easy road trip can easily be completed in a single day, and you’re pretty much guaranteed to fall in love with the Treasure State all over again.
Google Maps
- Alberton
Bitterroot / Flickr Head west from Missoula and make a pit stop in the Alberton area. Whether you check out Fish Creek State Park or get a glimpse of the Alberton Gorge, you’ll be impressed with this area.
- St. Regis
Ken Gallager / Wikipedia St. Regis is a small town nestled that sits at the confluence of the St. Regis and Clark Fork Rivers. Check out the St. Regis Gift Shop and enjoy some huckleberry treats, or simply take a scenic drive through town.
- Paradise
Jerry Huddleston / Flickr Next, stop in Paradise, which is definitely appropriately named. If you have time, stop and soak in the mineral baths at Quinn’s Hot Springs Resort, which is now open to the public again.
- National Bison Range
kentuckylongrifle / TripAdvisor There are up to 500 bison living at the National Bison Range at any given time. This 18,500-acre wildlife refuge has been around since 1908, and the scenery here is gorgeous.
Have you ever driven this loop? While it can technically be completed in three hours, we advise planning on a five or six-hour day so you can spend plenty of time in each place. And if you can’t go on this road trip anytime soon, give one of these a try.
Google Maps
Bitterroot / Flickr
Head west from Missoula and make a pit stop in the Alberton area. Whether you check out Fish Creek State Park or get a glimpse of the Alberton Gorge, you’ll be impressed with this area.
Ken Gallager / Wikipedia
St. Regis is a small town nestled that sits at the confluence of the St. Regis and Clark Fork Rivers. Check out the St. Regis Gift Shop and enjoy some huckleberry treats, or simply take a scenic drive through town.
Jerry Huddleston / Flickr
Next, stop in Paradise, which is definitely appropriately named. If you have time, stop and soak in the mineral baths at Quinn’s Hot Springs Resort, which is now open to the public again.
kentuckylongrifle / TripAdvisor
There are up to 500 bison living at the National Bison Range at any given time. This 18,500-acre wildlife refuge has been around since 1908, and the scenery here is gorgeous.
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Address: Alberton, MT 59820, USAAddress: Paradise, MT 59859, USAAddress: Saint Regis, St Regis, MT 59866, USAAddress: Bison Range, 58355 Bison Range Rd, Charlo, MT 59824, USA
