Pinesdale, Montana - Discovering Montana

Pinesdale, Montana, is a small town in Ravalli County nestled in the Bitterroot Valley, about 45 miles from Missoula.

Chosen for its isolation, fundamentalist Mormons settled in Pinesdale in the 1960s. As of 2020, only a little over 800 live in this secluded community.

The Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness surrounds this section of land with an average temperature of 59° Fahrenheit. The coldest months of the year are December and January, with a high of around 35° and the warmest months are July and August with highs around 85°.

Discover the best things to do and see in Pinesdale, Montana!

Main Attractions

Shopping

Find these specialty stores around the Pinesdale area!

Freestone Outlet – Check out this fly fishing shop that sells clothing, home decor, handmade jewelry, and coffee mugs. It’s a great place to grab some fishing gear and a souvenir!

Burlap Chic Boutique and Gifts – Burlap Chic is a unique women’s boutique where you can find in-style women’s clothing, shoes, and accessories. Whether you’re having a girl’s day out or need to pick up a gift, stop by this chic small-town store.

Copper Poppy Boutique – This women’s boutique has a wide selection of clothing, accessories, and gifts. They have unique style options – ranging from classic to fun! See their rotating outfits on display and add some great pieces to your collection.

Mainstreet Toys – This fun, entertaining store has products for the whole family. Mainstreet Toys has it if you’re looking for the latest board game or a vintage toy! Check out their extensive toys, games, arts, and crafts collection.

Hamilton Gifts – Check everyone off your list at this unique gift shop. You can find personalized presents and made-in-Montana products.

Historic Sites and Landmarks

The area around Pinesdale has a few historical sites to check out the next time you’re here.

Bear Creek Overlook – Pinesdale is in the valley next to the Bitterroot Mountains, once explored by the Salish Native American tribe. It’s a short drive to Bear Creek Overlook, where you will see a stunning landscape and hiking trails.

Daly Mansion – Built in 1886, the Daly Mansion is perfectly preserved and maintained. You can schedule a tour and see all four stories, including 50 rooms. There are seven fireplaces complete with real Italian marble. Read more about the history of the Daly house.

Charles Granke Home – An old sawmill company built this colonial revival cottage in 1906. Charles Granke, an employee of the company, bought the deed shortly after and raised his family in the home. This turn-of-the-century house is well-preserved and perfect for architecture enthusiasts.

Museums

Learn about the history of Western Montana and view other educational exhibits!

Ravalli County Museum – Explore what life was like in the Bitterroot Valley for Native Americans and the first settlers. Learn about the meeting between Lewis, Clark, and the Salish Tribe, or see evidence of flooding during the last ice age. There are numerous exhibits for people of all ages.

Victor Heritage Museum – This small museum features exhibits of small-town Montana history, including education about the Northern Pacific Railroad and mining communities.

Parks

Connect with nature, stretch your legs, and enjoy the big Montana sky in these top-rated parks.

Summerdale Park features sprawling fields perfect for a family BBQ or laying out a blanket and enjoying a good book. Take a stroll and enjoy the sights or play a game of frisbee at this favorite local spot.

Hieronymus Park is a peaceful recreation space great for taking walks along the pond and the Bitterroot River. Bring your fishing pole and relax at the fishing pond while viewing wildlife or bike along the paths.

Claudia Driscoll Park is the perfect spot to bring your kids. They will expend all their energy playing on all the equipment and running around grassy fields. The park also features a skate park for all skill levels.

Kiwanis Park provides activities for all ages. The park has walking trails, picnic areas, swings, and playground equipment; plus, it’s dog-friendly, so bring your pets!

Nightlife

Enjoy a cold drink with friends at these small-town bars and taverns.

Fin’s Taphouse – Come for the food and drinks, stay for the mountain views and live music. Order a charcuterie board and a glass of wine or cold beer while taking in the views from the outdoor patio.

If you like western decor, casino games, and daily drink specials, you will love Corvallis Tavern. Stop in for hot food, cold drinks, and comedy standup!

Pharaohplex Cinema is a local drive-in theater. Sit in your car or outside during the summer, watch blockbuster movies, munch on popcorn, and hang out with friends and family.

Brewski’s Sports Bar & Casino is a fun sports bar to spend the evening with friends. Grab some drinks, eat delicious food, and watch the game.

Recreation Activities

The Bitterroot Valley and surrounding mountains offer plenty of recreation fun. Grab your hiking boots and fishing pole!

Hiking

Sheafman Trail is a great day hike for beginners. Hike the trails leading up to an elevation overlooking the town below.

Fred Burr Trail is a multi-use area perfect for hiking, backpacking, horseback riding, and camping. The trails are well-maintained and are easy to intermediate. Get to the end of the course and enjoy amazing views.

Mill Creek Trail is another multi-use area where you can hike, picnic, camp, fish, and hunt. Enjoy the beautiful scenery of the creek on this intermediate hike.

Fishing/Hunting

Woodside Bridge is a fishing access site where you can swim, kayak, and hike. Enjoy the peaceful Bitterroot River while catching fish and watching the kids play in the water.

Mill Creek is also an excellent spot for fishing.

Camping

Blodgett Campground consists of two campgrounds with five overall campsites. This popular campsite fills up fast, but you can’t beat the views! The campground provides picnic tables, fire pits, and a vault toilet.

For an alternative campground, check out Fed Burr and Mill Creek.