1.  Fort Fizzle Historic Site, west of Lolo. On this spot soldiers erected a barricade to halt the advance of the Nez Perce, who simply bypassed the fort. Thus, the name.

 2. Lewis & Clark Hwy. For one of those leisure drives, Highway 12 offers some of the areas finest scenery and is paralleled by Lolo Creek. Note the rock formations as you reach the Lolo Hot Springs area. This is also  a popular area for cross‑country skiing.

 3. Lolo Hot Springs Resort Area. In addition to the naturally fed and heated waters, this area is exceptionally scenic with unusual rock formations. There is a picnic area located on Lolo Creek. In 1965, Lolo Hot Springs was the sight of the first luge run built in North America .

 4. Charles Waters Memorial Park . Located on Bass Creek, this is a popular recreation area for those weekend picnics and get togethers.

 5. Lee Metcalf Wildlife Refuge, east of Stevensville on Wildfowl Lane . This 2700 acre refuge features nature trails, waterfowl, and wildlife in natural habitat. It is dedicated to the late Lee Metcalf, Montana 's U.S. Senator. Open all year.

 6. Fort Owen State Historical Site, 112 mile east of Hwy 93 on Stevensville cutoff road. Established in 1850, the history of this early trading post for Indians and whites is associated with the history of St. Mary's Mission . It supplied and protected the early settlers miners, traders, and merchants; and, it was the site of many firsts in Montana , including the first permanent white settlement, first school and sawmill. Self‑guided tour all year.

 7. St. Mary's Mission , west end of 4th St. , Stevensville. Built in 1841, this historical site stands as a monument to the early pioneers and dedicated Jesuits of Montana's past. Guided tours and information: 777‑5734.

 8. Stevensville Golf Course.

 9. Bitterroot‑Selway Wilderness Area. Combined with the Frank Church and River of No Return Wilderness area makes up the largest continuous wilderness area in the lower 48 states. A favorite for backpacking, horseback riding and fishing.

 10. Daly Mansion , 251 Eastside Hwy. , Hamilton . Built in 1890, this 3‑story, 42‑room monument stands on 50 acres ‑‑ part of Marcus Daly's 22,000 acre stock farm. It represents early Montana luxury and the lifestyle of Marcus Daly, the copper‑king who built the Mansion for his wife, Margaret Daly The original mansion was built at a cost of $40,000. Guided tours and special events: 363‑6004

 11.0'Hara House, Hamilton. On the National Registry of Historic Places, this house was built by Robert O'Hara, an employee of the copper king, Marcus Daly. O'Hara went on to be Hamilton 's first mayor.

 12. Hamilton Golf Course.

 13. Ravalli County Museum , 205 Bedford St. , Hamilton . Located in the old Ravalli County Courthouse, this museum offers a variety of exhibits depicting early Montana and Ravalli County . Information: 363‑3338.

 14. Skalkaho Falls . One of Western Montana 's "must sees;' this breath‑taking waterfall can be viewed close up from the road.

 15. Sleeping Child Hot Springs . Now a resort site with naturally heated mineral water and pools, Sleeping Child played an interesting role in the war between Nez Perce Indians and General Howard's Infantry.

 16. Lake Como Recreation Area. In a beautiful mountain setting, Lake Como is one of the Valley's most popular camping and boating sites. The El Captain Lodge, on the north shore of the Lake , was constructed in 1935 and is on the National Historic Registry.

 17. Painted Rocks Lake . Like Como , Painted Rocks is a favorite for boating, camping and skiing.

 18. Alta Ranger Station. Said to be the first ranger station in the United States , Alta has a ranger on duty during summer months. Note: Alta Pine, the oldest ponderosa pine in the Bitterroot Valley , can be seen before reaching the ranger station.

 19. Lost Trail Hot Springs , near Lost Trail Ski Area, Darby. This resort offers lodging facilities, as well as a naturally heated pool for complete relaxation.

 20. Big Hole Battlefield National Monument . On August 9, 1877 , Col. John Gibbon and his infantry force of 182 men succeeded in sneaking up on and attacking the unsuspecting Chief Joseph and his Nez Perce tribe of 800 Indians, after pursuing the evasive tribe for 2 months.

 ADDITIONS TO SEE AND DO

 Lost Trail Ski Area, Powder Mountain , near continental Divide, Darby.

 Bass House, North College Street . Built in 1909, this house is on the Register of Historic Places. It serves as a private residence and Bed & Breakfast.

 Teller Wildlife Refuge, Chaffin Road, Corvallis . Once the homestead site of the Chaffin family, this 1,300‑acre refuge is now inhabited by a wide variety of wildlife, including over 200 species of transient birds. Information: 961‑3507.

 Strawberry Festival, Darby. Held in July, thousands of picnickers are served strawberries, ice cream and cake.