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.

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

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.

Brooks took me up to Rock Creek yesterday for a magnificent day. No joke- I caught 25 fish and saw…read morea moose. Brooks taught me to fish a few years ago when my dad starting bringing me on his fly fishing trips. Now I come up to Montana to fish with Brooks a couple times per year. Guides everywhere tell me Brooks is the best. He grew up on the rivers in Montana and knows every nook and cranny of the Bitterroot, Clark Fork, Blackfoot, Missouri, and the ever so special Rock Creek. I know that when I'm out with Brooks, if the fish are biting, I'll get as many as the Montana regulars or like yesterday, 25. On my very first trip out, on a cold February day, I caught 7 on the Clark Fork. Brooks has also had me catching a couple trout during snow storm on the Missouri. If you know anything about trout, those are pretty excellent numbers on cold Montana days. And if I'm really lucky (and if you are really lucky), Brooks will cook up an elk burger for lunch. Brooks works with some pretty amazing other guides as well. As an outfitter, he doesn't mess around with guides who don't know rivers or trout, aren't safe, or jerks.

Brooks provided a great experience during our float down the Bitterroot River. We caught several…read morebeautiful trout, including browns, cutthroat, rainbows and hybrids. He knows the river, the hatches and the feeding habits of the fish, so he was able to position us for several dozen strikes. He is an excellent coach who tells you where to cast, when to mend and when to set the hook. After the fish is on, he nets it and then sets you up for the next one. If a hole is productive, he rows back to the sweet spot to give you another shot at it. Brooks is very observant, pointing out four bald eagles, an osprey and some elk during our float. He provided a freshly made lunch, high quality rods and reels, and tied on the best flies and patterns for the current conditions. The river is known for having fallen trees and other hazards, so he used his experience and skills to keep us safe all day. I highly recommend fishing with Brooks next time you want a great fishing and nature experience in western Montana.

Called Tony for 3 days fishing in Missoula. We fished in early August. It was me and my two boys,…read moreages 13 and 14. We are from Florida with zero experience fly fishing for trout. Our first time to visit Montana. Tony set us up with Zack Scott, Scott Stanko and Lane Armstrong as our guides. This was a wonderful trip. These guides were top notch...patient, knowledgeable, hard working and enthusiastic throughout the three full days of float fishing. We were in the fish constantly each day with several nice fish per day. They were especially good with my kids and when I had a day on a raft just me and the guide, he easily switched to all business and worked hard to keep me on the fish and coach me on proper technique with encouragement throughout the day. Concerning Tony, though we did not fish with him, he was quick to respond during the planning with accurate and helpful information...super easy booking through him. I would highly recommend Montana Trout Outfitters.

Tony is the top professional fishing guide in Montana. His incredible knowledge of both the rivers…read moreand trout around Missoula is unparalleled. I've used Tony and his guides several times for my group utilizing up to 12 boats at a time and the results have been flawless. My colleagues and spouses have had a blast and caught loads of beautiful trout. I highly recommend Montana Trout Outfitters for wonderful day on the river.

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!

Such a cool store. Always a must stop when we come into Missoula. Staff is friendly and helpful.read more

Service was awesome. Very knowledgeable about local conditions. Will definitely be backread more

Absolutely the best views in the refuge. Plenty of wild life and stunning views of the valley,…read moremountains, and the beautiful Bitteroot River. Nice fall walk in the refuge.

This is a great place to see some nature. They have a few different trail options including a paved…read moreloop near the visitor center. You can take one of the additional walking paths to make for a longer walk which is really beautiful. There were lots of birds to see near the water. Staff in the visitor center were friendly and knowledgeable and they had a large display of animals that you might see in the park. Definitely worth a few hours of your time when you're in the Stevensville area.

We did the Clark Fork Whitewater Half Day Raft Trip (3 Hours No Lunch). We had a lot of fun, and…read moreour guide Sarah was very nice. We ended up being the only 2 guests on the raft. The area is beautiful in the fall, and the rapids were great. We were told that we went over some category 3 rapids. The excursion was reasonably priced but the photos that you can buy are way too expensive.

Great trip included fishing and rafting. Our guide Tucker was the best and made the trip awesome…read more The communication and directions were fantastic. Will come back.