What a lovely place. We came here both to hike and to hang out at the beach on a warm spring day…read more The beach near the parking area is pretty gravelly, and the lake was still a bit cold for the likes of us, so we stuck to hiking. We took Trail #502 along the north shore, and were richly rewarded with views, waterfalls and wildlife. I would come here again in a heartbeat. Como Lake is tucked in along the eastern edge of the Bitterroot Range. Snow capped mountains form much of the horizon, and the lake is a lovely turquoise blue. Ponderosa pines seem to be the dominant tree cover, and there are many different kinds of rock formations, particularly scree slopes and some gorgeous bedrock formations close to the water. Moss, ferns and lichens are everywhere, and we were here just as the wildflowers were starting to bloom. There was also lots of wildlife--we saw ospreys, woodpeckers, wild turkeys, jays, garter snakes, squirrels and chipmunks, and I would guess there are other, bigger animals around here if you are lucky. The trail is pretty easy and there is basically no elevation change. Lots of excellent vistas, meadows, and cool spots to look at how the area was affected by wildfires several decades ago. Hike all the way to the junction with Trail #580 to see a great little waterfall, probably about 3.5 miles or so from the trailhead. There are primitive facilities at the trailhead and at the beach, and also a boat launch. It wasn't crowded at all and everyone we met was super nice. Lots of cute dogs too.

it was very pretty and I enjoyed the view. I however did not have any Perry Como music with me. lol…read more took some nice photos

Welcome Creek may not strike you as a very welcoming place, at least not at first glance. It's not…read moreunwelcoming, exactly, but it makes an impression - an intimidating impression. It's steep, rocky, rugged, and wild. Once you cross the swaying suspension bridge from the trail head parking to the other side of Rock Creek, you're really entering another world, in which humans rarely tread. As far as wilderness areas go, this one is tiny at just over 28,000 acres, but it doesn't feel tiny when you are there. It's a single watershed, a clear mountain creek whose headwaters are high above in the Sapphire Range, where snows linger into late spring and early summer. A rough hewn trail follows the creek all the way to the top of the dividing ridgeline. To the East is picturesque Rock Creek, brimming with trout fishermen. To the West over the ridge is the Bitterroot Valley. In between are wilderness, deep canyons, steep mountains, dense forests, and diverse wildlife. It's not a place that many people explore, and recent wildfires have rendered the landscape even less inviting. It looks and feels frightening. But these feelings are initial ones only. They will fade away, and what remains is an appreciation for the protected wildness that is Welcome Creek. You really are the leave-no-trace visitor here, and you'll know it. Whether you are clambering over fallen trees, negotiating a rocky talus field, or scrambling atop boulders to get a better view, the wilderness value of this place is abundantly evident. If you linger long enough, you'll detect the small things that reveal a healthy forest in the process of healing itself, hiding the traces of its gold mining past, and slowly replacing the burnt trees and scorched hillsides with new growth and green foliage. The sounds are minimal, but majestic. The wilderness can be a welcoming place, if you open your eyes, calm your mind, and respect the limits of man in a place that is not his alone to possess. The plants and animals can have Welcome Creek as a sanctuary. I'll play the role as guest, any day.

Bonnie and Jim Fly shop was fantastic. Set up the perfect guide with Drew to teach a first time…read moreFlyfisher woman how to cast and actually catch fish on the main section of the Bitterroot going through Darby Montana.!. we visited the shop on multiple occasions, and all of the staff was personable and helpful. Recommend hitting his place for any and all trips to the bitterroot!

Stopped into the store for some local flies and met the lovely owner, Bonnie. She was great to chat…read morewith and had a great visit. Will be back!

The Cabins at Rock Creek are the perfect "off the beaten path" getaway for outdoor enthusiasts with…read moreaccess to 9,000+ acres & 9 miles of frontage to some of the best blue ribbon fly fishing in Montana and North America.

This was the most fantastic family vacation ever. Everything from the beautiful cabins with full…read more size washer and dryer. The decor was beautiful, food was excellent, there were a plethora of activities for our family of 17 which included children and grandchildren. My favorite activities were sapphire mining and cowboy. The staff was very attentive and always concerned that we had everything we needed. The ranch manager, Will, ran a well managed resort. Our kids/grandkids had never been fly fishing before and they all said they now have a new hobby. Our stay was over July 4th and Will arranged for a cow boy concert around the fire pit which excellent and a great way to end our stay. I highly recommend the resort.

My husband and I just returned from a magical few days at The Meadows. Us "city folk" had always…read moredreamed of exploring Montana and its offerings, but this exceeded anything we imagined. The accommodations were lovely; darling fully furnished cottages with a spectacular clubhouse/ dining area all looked out across a beautiful meadow with Rock Creek bubbling in the background. The service was top notch with every attention to detail handled by Will and his staff. The food was incredible; what a gem Chef Casey is! He's a master at developing flavors and creating beautiful dishes using local meats and fresh vegetables. His potatoes are legendary, and his cobblers are the best I've ever had! The quality of the food and wine are first class. The all inclusive aspect allowed us to try many new things. Fly fishing was fantastic, and our guide, Henry, was very patient with us newbies. His instructions miraculously saw us both catching cutthroat trout. We also did archery (super fun!), horseback riding, and had a ton of fun doing some distance shooting. I was very intimidated, but with fabulous instruction, felt relaxed and really enjoyed it. We enjoyed some hikes and gem mining to round out our time. Highly recommend a getaway to The Meadows.

Looking for ski/snowboarding gear? Ken (at least that's what I think his name is) was amazing!…read moreApparently, he's been working there for quite some time because my husband remembers going to him a few years ago for ski gear. Ken was able to help me fill my closet with all things ski-related. From a helmet to goggles, and boots to socks, he was such a great resource. More specifically, he was extremely helpful in helping me pick out my ski boots. As many know, it can be really difficult to find boots that are comfortable, fits your budget, and looks great (they have to match the rest of your outfit!). All other employees were also helpful, friendly, and kind. Great store filled with great people!

2019 fall had an internet order get screwed up and they eventually fixed it after about a month of…read moreback and forth. Then went out of my way a few weeks before Xmas of 2020 to stop in at the Butte store and buy a gun they said that they had in inventory. After a 200+ mile route change to get there before they closed that day I arrived and they didn't have it. Their website still showed they had one in stock. The employee went in the back for 2 minutes and was like no we don't have that. They have some serious problems if they can't keep track of FIREARM sales. So today I got an email from this company I've opted out of emails after that last experience as I don't want to do business with losers who can't keep track of FIREARMS inventory and I go to OPT OUT AGAIN! I see they are listing an address in Logan, UTAH! Then I think what happens when kids inherit a family business they have no clue about running because they are spoiled and soft? They sell the business because they need to maintain their lifestyle and the business isn't very or at all profitalbe. Yup Bob Ward's is now owned by Utah Mormons. https://mtstandard.com/news/local/updated-al-s-sporting-goods-acquires-bob-ward-sons/article_9d0d33b3-24b1-5a97-9b4a-4038b6dc9968.html They basically left the barely competnent management on and now run things out of UTAH. I'll just stick to actual Montana owned businesses, no thanks.

What a fabulous outfitter!!!! Jim Mitchell is a class act and a fantastic fishing guide. Just…read morecame back from fishing the Bitterroot and WOW...what an experience. And, the day before we fished with one of Jim's guides -- Cary -- and had every bit of a fantastic experience with him. I can't say enough good things about this Outfitter. He is the BOMB!!!!!

From the owner: Flyfishing, Hunting, Tenkara, Casting lessons,read more