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First, let me be perfectly clear; this place is stunningly beautiful!
I don't believe anywhere else in Montana offers such a diverse and
satisfying harmony of attractions as the Bitterroot Valley. The
Bitterroot River, flanked by cottonwoods, meanders through a wide, fertile
valley of farm and pasture land. The heavily wooded Bitterroot
Mountains challenge the adventurer and lure the photographer with
precipitous canyons and jagged peaks. Historic, quiet old towns exist
in a steadfast way. There are comings and goings, but little
commotion. Opportunities for recreation abound. The rivers and streams provide
great fishing, the Bitterroot National Forest provides thousands of acres of
wilderness with over 1,600 miles of maintained trails that lead to dramatic
peaks, pristine alpine lakes, and unsurpassed wildlife viewing. To the
east across the valley, the Sapphire Mountain Range offers gem
hunting, more fishing, and more wildlife.
Flora and Fauna
There are many species of wildlife here, though none are unique to the
Bitterroots. Bighorn sheep, elk, black bear, mountain goats, deer, and
mountain lions are frequently encountered, as are smaller animals like the
ground squirrel and badger. Ospreys can be seen nesting along the
river and bald eagles often visit the valley.
Because of the wide range in altitude a variety of ecosystems sustains a
varied cross section of plant life. Juniper and sage make their home
on the valley floor while fir and larch populate the higher altitudes.
Majestic ponderosa pines populate the areas in between. Sub-alpine
larch cling to rock faces high above the point at which other trees refuse
to grow.
Gardening is popular in the Bitterroot Valley. The flowers are
colorful and the vegetables tasty. Gardens are usually planted in May
and are harvested in August and September. Raspberries, tomatoes,
broccoli, corn, beans, peas, potatoes, onions, carrots and even melons
thrive here.
Climate
Annual rainfall between 12 and 15 inches and the valley would be dry and
desert-like without irrigation. Water is so well managed and
distributed, however, that the valley looks like a green and fertile oasis.
Being located on the western side of the Continental Divide gives us the
advantage of avoiding the northern winds and Arctic climate of Canada.
Our weather patterns generally come from the west, and the Bitterroot Valley
has the distinction of being referred to as the "banana belt" of Montana.
Summer temperatures are generally in the 80's to 90's with the evenings
cooling down to 40's or 50's with nice summer breezes. Fall generally
stretches into November with a bit of rainy weather. There is usually
snow at Christmas but not as much as you might think. The valley floor
is usually clear and rarely requires plowing, but the mountains are a
different story. The mountains boast an average of 300 inches of snow
annually. Spring is green with splashes of mountain wildflowers
providing vivid contrast with snow covered peaks and stunning blue skies.
Warm days can be followed by cool days, so pack accordingly. One day you can
be comfortable in shorts and the next day in fleece.
In short, you have a lot of sun, a little rain, enough snow, and enough
variation in temperatures to keep you looking forward to the changing
seasons and enjoying every one of them.
The Valley
Bitterroot Valley Links
Recreation Opportunities
Bitterroot
National Forest
Jobs in the Valley
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