Western Mountain Ride
& Rough Road Ride
Missoula, Montana
July 11-14, 2007
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Western Mountain Ride
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This ride follows much of the same route as the Deerlodge National Forrest Loop, but is a little longer and takes you down through Dillon and back over the Pipestone Pass just east of Butte. It would be a good alternative if you want to avoid the construction on the Deerlodge ride.
Head south through the picturesque Bitterroot Valley. You'll climb up to the 7264 ft. Chief Joseph Pass (not to be confused with the Chief Joseph Hwy) and then ride west through the Beaverhead Deerlodge National Forrest.
Consider visiting the Big Hole National Battlefield located just west of Wisdom.
From Wisdom you'll ride south through Jackson, MT (Hot Springs Alert: take your bathing suit if you want to stop and soak!), up over the 7630 ft. Big Hole Pass, and on into Dillon.
You'll head north to Whitehall, where you won't get on the Interstate, but take MT 2 over the 6453 ft. Pipestone Pass and on into Butte.
You'll return to Lolo by way of the old mining community of Anaconda, and the Pintler Scenic Loop, which takes you over yet another mountain pass.
South on U.S. 93 - East on MT 43 to Wisdom - South on County Rd. 278 - North on I-15 (just a mile or two) to Dillon - North on MT 41 through Twin Bridges to Whitehall - West on MT 2 to Butte - West on I-90 to Anaconda - West on MT 1 - West on I-90 to Missoula.
