MISSOULA
Before setting out into the surrounding Lolo National Forest hike the 1.8-mile Mount Sentinel Trail, which starts in town and leads to the giant M overlooking the University of Montana campus. Or marvel at the surfers at Brennan's Wave, a human-made hydraulic on the Clark Fork River, which bisects the city. Want to give it a whirl? Rent a board and take a river surfing lesson from Strongwater Mountain Surf Company. Or sign up for the "Historic Town Float," from Bearpaw River Expeditions, which starts in Milltown and ends in time to shop at the (summer only) Saturday Farmer's Market back in Missoula. For a trip back in time, drive an hour east to Garnet Ghost Town, a historic mining town with 30 preserved buildings.
EAT & STAY: Fuel up with spicy Cajun food at Charlie B's & the Dinosaur Cafe and then kick back at the DoubleTree by Hilton Edgewater, which has rooms with patios facing the Clark Fork River.
PHILIPSBURG
Situated within striking distance of both Lolo and Beaverhead Deerlodge National Forests, this former mining town is at the base of Discovery, a ski area with lift-accessed mountain biking. Rock Creek, a world-famous blue-ribbon trout stream also runs near town. Missoula-based Blackfoot River Outfitters has a satellite store here with the necessary gear, permitting, and guides. If you want to see old Montana, don't miss the basement display in the Granite County Museum and Cultural Center in Philipsburg, with its collection of cowboy chaps, artifacts found in a typical western Montana homestead, and a mine car from Contact Mining.
EAT & STAY: Have ribs your way at UpNSmokin BBQ House, then head next door for taffy and fuge at The Sweet Palace.
WISDOM TO LOLO
This stunning 121-mile-long corridor between Beaverhead-Deerlodge and Bitterroot National Forests follows the big Hole and Bitterroot National Forests most of the way. With the appropriate fishing licenses, visitors can drop a line in almost anywhere. The wide-open valley at Big Hole National Battlefield, west of Wisdom, honors those who died during a fierce battle in 1877. Off U.S. 93 between Chief Joseph Pass and Lolo, there are 40 access points into the Bitterroot National Forest and the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness beyond. Trailheads are well marked with brown road signs - pick one and go.
EAT & STAY: In Wisdom, the Crossing Bar & Grill has excelent bacon and blu cheese burgers and vanilla shakes. Time After Time B&B in Victor sits on ten acres and has a new, rustic cabin plus three bedrooms in the main house.
FLATHEAD LAKE TO JEWEL BASIN
The largest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi, Flathead Lake is home to Wild Horse Island State Park, where, true to its name, horses still roam. Book a boat tour with Montana Journeys to explore the 2,160-acres island's rolling hills. Back on land, drive the eastern shoreline, lined with cherry orchards on one side and the Flathead National Forest on the other, before heading to your final destination, Jewel Basin, a 15,349 acre south of Glacier National Park with 27 alpine lakes and 35 miles of trails.
EAT & STAY: Order braised bison short ribs on the deck at Schafer's Restaurant, overlooking Flathead Lake, part of Bigfork Mountain Lake Lodge, which has 30 suites with fireplaces.
