Overview
Hamilton is a city of about 5,000 people in the Bitterroot Valley of Northwestern Montana. It is the central trade area for the many farms, ranches, and orchards in the valley, and a base for exploring the steep Bitterroot Range.
This article also covers other nearby attractions and small towns across the Bitterroot Valley.
2 sights · 6 things to do · 2 bars & cafés · 3 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Hamilton
Daly Mansion
The summer home of mining magnate Marcus Daly, one of Montana's founding fathers.
Ravalli County Museum
Located in former Ravalli County Courthouse, the museum has displays of local and Montana history.
Blodgett Canyon
A scenic canyon carved over 2000 ft deep into the eastern flanks of the Bitterroots. It is also one of the best big wall climbing spots in Montana. The tallest route is the South Face of Flathead Buttress, at about 1,200…
Blodgett Creek Trail
This trail follows the valley 12 mi one-way and then up into Idaho. Look for Horsehead Arch, Montana's largest natural arch, atop the southern ridge about 3 mi in.
Blodgett Overlook Trail
Hike 3 mi round-trip to a lookout along the southern ridge.
Lake Como
Swimming, fishing, boating, and hiking trails. Camping available.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: May–Sep. Summer highs reach about 85°F; winter lows dip to about 18°F. Cold months (Jan, Feb, Nov, Dec) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: Jun and May. (climate data from nearby Missoula)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- MSO Missoula Montana Airport, Missoula — 46 mi away. Directions
- SMN Lemhi County Airport, Salmon — 79 mi away. Directions
- GEG Spokane International Airport, Spokane — 185 mi away (major hub). Directions
Hamilton is on US-93. 50 miles to the north is Missoula. 50 miles to the south is Lost Trail Pass taking you into Idaho. The few towns on this stretch of US-93 are quite small.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 2-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Daly Mansion, Ravalli County Museum, Skalkaho Falls
- Afternoon Blodgett Canyon, Blodgett Overlook Trail
- Evening Bitter Root Brewing
Day 2
- Morning Lake Como, Blodgett Creek Trail
- Afternoon Montana Mule Days
- Evening Hidden Legend Winery
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
Hamilton is the county seat of Ravalli County. It was founded by Butte copper king Marcus Daly in the late 19th century. It was named for J.W. Hamilton, who provided the right-of-way to the railroad. Daly is said to have wanted to begin business in the then county seat of Grantsdale, but was denied the opportunity. He supposedly founded Hamilton out of his own pocket as a reaction to being rebuffed at Grantsdale.
Get in
Hamilton is on US-93. 50 miles to the north is Missoula. 50 miles to the south is Lost Trail Pass taking you into Idaho. The few towns on this stretch of US-93 are quite small.
The nearest airport is Missoula International Airport (MSO).
Get around
Many of the shops and restaurants are spread out along US-93, making a car or bicycle best for getting around.
See
Do
Do Blodgett Canyon
A scenic canyon carved over 2000 ft deep into the eastern flanks of the Bitterroots. It is also one of the best big wall climbing spots in Montana. The tallest route is the South Face of Flathead Buttress, at about 1,200 ft of sustained vertical.
Do Skalkaho Falls
Take a scenic drive through Skalkaho Pass, a primitive seasonal road to reach the falls. The road ends in Philipsburg. No RVs or trailers. There are no guardrails on this narrow, mostly gravel mountain road.
Events
Drink
Drink Bitter Root Brewing
Serves about six of its microbrews on any given date; the taproom and restaurant also occasionally hosts live music.
Sleep
Go next
- Lost Trail Ski Area (47 miles south): Over 60 marked trails on 1,800 acres. Covers 2 mountains.
- Lolo
- Missoula
- Salmon
- Philipsburg
- Anaconda
Nearby
Lolo
City / town · 9 listings · 36 mi away
Philipsburg
City / town · 7 listings · 42 mi away
Missoula
City / town · 57 listings · 44 mi away
Anaconda
City / town · 20 listings · 59 mi away
Deer Lodge
City / town · 20 listings · 69 mi away
Ravalli
City / town · 4 listings · 71 mi away
Seeley Lake
City / town · 4 listings · 71 mi away
Superior
City / town · 12 listings · 74 mi away
My experience
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