Are you suffering from a bit of cabin fever, fellow Montanans? We still have a lot of spring left here in the Treasure State, and things are slowly starting to reopen. Embarking on a nice day trip is a great way to enjoy a change of scenery while still making it home to sleep in your own bed. The Blackfoot River Route is a short but beautiful drive, taking you right to one of our finest ghost towns.

This loop will only take you about 2.5 hours to complete, but you’ll want to allow plenty of time to stretch your legs and explore.

Google Maps

This route has you starting in Missoula, but you’re welcome to embark on this adventure from anywhere.

Micah Sheldon / Flickr From Missoula, just follow the signs for MT-200 E.

The Blackfoot River was once a hidden gem locals would fish in peace.

Bureau of Land Management / Flickr Then, it was made nationally famous by the Norman Maclean novel (and movie) A River Runs Through It. Now it’s a pretty popular place for floating and fishing. The Blackfoot River merges with the Clark Fork River a few miles east of Missoula.

Cruise along Highway 200 until you see signs for Garnet Ghost Town.

David J Laporte / Flickr Whether or not you prefer to stop here, there are plenty of hiking trails in the area. However, Garnet is definitely worth checking out.

Garnet’s name comes from the ruby-colored stone found in the region. The area surrounding Montana’s most intact ghost town was also filled with quartz.

David J Laporte / Flickr This little mining town was active until the turn of the 20th century. But by the 1940s, it had reached ghost town status.

When you’ve had your fill of Garnet, hop back in the car and take I-90 back to Missoula to make the trip a loop.

Jimmy Emerson, DVM / Flickr If you stop in Clinton, you can check out Beavertail Hill State Park and the Clark Fork River.

Doesn’t this look fun? Tell us about the Montana road trips you’re hoping to take this year.

Google Maps

Micah Sheldon / Flickr

From Missoula, just follow the signs for MT-200 E.

Bureau of Land Management / Flickr

Then, it was made nationally famous by the Norman Maclean novel (and movie) A River Runs Through It. Now it’s a pretty popular place for floating and fishing. The Blackfoot River merges with the Clark Fork River a few miles east of Missoula.

David J Laporte / Flickr

Whether or not you prefer to stop here, there are plenty of hiking trails in the area. However, Garnet is definitely worth checking out.

This little mining town was active until the turn of the 20th century. But by the 1940s, it had reached ghost town status.

Jimmy Emerson, DVM / Flickr

If you stop in Clinton, you can check out Beavertail Hill State Park and the Clark Fork River.

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Address: Missoula, MT, USAAddress: Garnet, MT 59832, USA