A Story of Waterfalls, Rivers, Mountains and Gemstones
Our Montana adventure was a wild ride that led my family and me deep into the heart of this rugged state. Flying into Missoula, we found ourselves surrounded by the meeting of the Clark Fork, Blackfoot, and Bitterroot rivers – a triumvirate of waterways setting the stage for our adventure and exploration journey.
We didn't opt for some boring rental car; no, sir! Using Turo, we went all-in with a kickass 2017 Toyota 4Runner TRD fitted with those beastly 285/70 R17 Maxxis Razer MT tires – a true machine built for the challenges that awaited us. And let me tell you, it was perfect for the road that lay ahead.
Our base was a cozy house located just outside Stevensville, nestled right by the enchanting Bitterroot River. The next morning, our appetites burning with curiosity, we set out driving south from Stevensville towards Hamilton on the 93. We stumbled upon a hidden gem at the local airport, aptly named "The Hangar Café." Inside, my daughter's eyes sparkled like the Montana stars as she spotted a mouthwatering special scribbled on a whiteboard – S'More Pancakes! That was her pick, and who could blame her? My wife indulged in a classic Denver omelet, while I couldn't resist the allure of Chicken Fried Steak. Oh boy, the beef in Montana, it's just on another level!
After a filling breakfast, we hit the road once more, embarking on Highway 93 through Hamilton. Then on to Highway 38, a two-lane beauty that snaked its way through small farms and ever-increasing elevations. With the sunroof wide open, the fresh Montana air filled our lungs, and the landscape began to transform from plains to majestic pine forests.
The journey unfolded, and the scenery revealed its natural wonders – rugged granite mountainsides, sparkling creeks, and hidden waterfalls like Skalkaho Falls, roaring with cascading beauty. We soaked in the sights, and my daughter's delight peaked when she spotted some butterflies fluttering around the waterfall, their vibrant colors in harmony with nature's grandeur.
Our next stop was Gem Mountain, a Sapphire mine where you could dig for your own precious gems. My daughter had been eagerly anticipating this part of the journey, and her excitement was contagious. We crossed a charming wooden single-lane bridge to enter the mine, and we were soon handed a ticket for a 5-gallon bucket of gravel – our treasure trove to be sifted for sapphires.
With tweezers in hand and a lucky bucket to call our own, we set to work, panning and sorting, our team effort yielding impressive results. The sapphires glistened like seaglass, and we discovered a big sapphire weighing nearly 4 karats and a pile of smaller ones adding up to about 12 karats. It was a true gem-hunting triumph!
Leaving Gem Mountain behind, we headed North towards Philipsburg, The road turns back to a wide single lane asphalt road. The road passes by some nice campsites located along the creek. the road guiding us along the creek, the forest continued for another 10 miles and dropped us into a rolling grass prairie.The road is paved but it is rough. The 4Runner, rides over the uneven tarmac like we're on a cloud. Taking in the awe inspiring ranches with log cabin mansions with barns just as impressive. We arrived at our next destination, Philipsburg.
Upon our arrival, Philipsburg unfolded like a dream suspended in time, a pre-war time capsule come to life. Architectural brick wonders lined the main street, an open invitation to a bygone era. A stop at the Sweet Palace candy store was in order, handcrafted chocolates joining our adventure. And who could resist a visit to the Phillipsburg Creamery ice cream parlor, where huckleberry dreams churned out perfection? The ice cream is churned in custom made ice cream machines run by belt drive from a single jack screw. The way the early 1900’s machine shops were run. After finishing our ice cream we jumped in the 4Runner and said see you next time to this quaint haven.
Westward ho, Rock Creek Road beckoned, its two lanes weaving through rolling hills and leading us to Rock Creek, the creek the road is named after, a world famous haven for fly fishermen. Pavement gave way to gravel, mountain cabins and then the sprawling cabins at The Ranch at Rock Creek, the world's first Forbes Travel Guide 5-Star ranch! This spectacular ranch shares the stage with the water's meandering course. After passing the ranch a rhythmic dance between creek and road played out before us with bridges spanning the divide giving an illusion that had us driving atop the water itself. Amidst the creek and the forest, a black bear emerged, a graceful interlude in our voyage. Nature's drama continued as a moose materialized, a moment of pure enchantment. And then, Rock Creek Road came to a poetic close, merging with Highway 90.
We traced the threads of this grand tapestry back to Missoula, a city where downtown charm met highway 93's embrace. Turning southward, the small town of Lolo beckoned, and Lolo Steakhouse stood ready to gratify our carnivorous cravings. With the fragrance of fire-kissed meats wafting around us, we delved into rib-eye wonders, with my wife's huckleberry cocktail being a refreshing detour. And as the last bite vanished, we retraced our steps to Stevensville, marking the end of this Montana adventure—a journey filled with nature's artistry, culinary delights, and shared moments forever etched in memory.
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