The Bitterroot Valley is 96 miles long, and Florence sits near the northern end of it — close enough to Missoula (18 miles) to be part of that city’s daily gravitational pull, far enough south to feel like the valley is actually the main character.
The town was originally called “One Horse” for a creek crossing, renamed Florence in 1880 after Florence Hammond, daughter of the lumber baron who opened the valley to industrial logging.
Those two origin stories — practical homestead character and industrial ambition — still show up in Florence’s personality.
TL;DR
- Florence (~2,400) is the northern Bitterroot Valley’s largest community on US-93, 18 miles south of Missoula and 8 miles south of Lolo.
- The Bitterroot Trail (50-mile paved cycling path from Missoula to Hamilton) passes directly through Florence.
- Threemile Wildlife Management Area east of Florence provides hunting, mountain biking, and wildlife viewing toward the Sapphire Mountains.
- The Bitterroot River runs west of town — good brown and rainbow trout fishing with public access sites.
- Best for: Bitterroot Trail cyclists, Missoula-area day trippers, and northern Bitterroot community character.
Florence at a Glance
| Population (2020) | ~2,400 |
|---|---|
| County | Ravalli County |
| Region | Western Montana (Bitterroot Valley) |
| Distance to Missoula | ~18 miles north (~25 min) |
| Distance to Lolo | ~8 miles north (~12 min) |
| Distance to Stevensville | ~8 miles south (~12 min) |
| Distance to Hamilton | ~28 miles south (~35 min) |
| Best for | Bitterroot Trail, Bitterroot River fishing, Threemile WMA, northern Bitterroot character |
What Makes Florence Different
Florence occupies the northern Bitterroot in a way that doesn’t fit neatly into the more famous valley narrative.
It’s close enough to Missoula that it functions partly as a commuter community; it’s far enough south that the Bitterroot Mountains feel close and the valley has settled into its agricultural rhythm. The Bitterroot River runs west of town through cottonwood bottomlands. The Sapphire Mountains rise to the east.
The Bitterroot Trail — a 50-mile paved rail-trail from Missoula to Hamilton — runs right through Florence, making it one of the best points to access the trail for a multi-hour ride in either direction.
The northern section from Florence to Missoula (18 miles) passes through river bottomlands and rural residential areas; the southern section toward Stevensville and Hamilton gets into the more open agricultural valley.
Threemile Wildlife Management Area — east of Florence toward the Sapphire Mountains — is a 2,000+ acre hunting and public recreation area largely unknown to non-Montana travelers. Mule deer, elk, wild turkey, and black bears use the area. Mountain biking and hiking trails access the lower Sapphire range.
For broader trip context, see my Montana cities and towns hub.
The Top 10 Things to Do In & Around Florence
1. Ride the Bitterroot Trail
The 50-mile paved Bitterroot Trail from Missoula to Hamilton provides some of its best intermediate scenery through the Florence section. The trail runs along the valley floor with mountain views in both directions. Florence is an excellent mid-point for rides of 15–30 miles.
2. Fly Fish the Bitterroot River
The Bitterroot near Florence holds brown and rainbow trout. Public fishing access sites west of Florence on the river provide wade fishing opportunities. The river here is wider and more accessible than the upper canyon sections.
3. Threemile Wildlife Management Area
A 2,000+ acre public hunting and recreation area east of Florence toward the Sapphire Mountains. Trails access the lower slopes for hiking and mountain biking. Wildlife is abundant — deer, elk, turkey, and occasional black bear.
4. Doug Vulcan Trail
A short community trail connecting Florence to the Bitterroot River — walking, biking, and wildlife viewing along the river corridor.
5. Long Riders BBQ
One of the Bitterroot Valley’s better BBQ restaurants — smoked meats, sides, and casual atmosphere. Worth a lunch stop.
6. Caffe Firenze
An Italian-influenced coffee and light meal café — a genuine bright spot for coffee culture in the northern Bitterroot.
7. Gary and Leo’s IGA
A large full-service grocery store on US-93 — useful for supplies before a day on the Bitterroot Trail or river.
8. Day Trip to Stevensville (8 miles south)
Montana’s first permanent settlement — St. Mary’s Mission (1841), Fort Owen ruins, Lee Metcalf NWR. See Stevensville guide.
9. Day Trip to Lolo Hot Springs (30 min via US-12)
Natural hot springs on US-12 west of Lolo — a reliable mountain hot spring resort. See Lolo guide.
10. Missoula Day Trip (25 min north)
Clark Fork River, University of Montana, farmer’s market, full restaurant scene. See Missoula guide.
Where to Stay
| Hotel | Vibe | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bitterroot River Inn (Hamilton area) | Best valley lodging | $140–200 | Anglers, most travelers |
| Missoula hotels (25 min north) | Full selection | $140–260 | More variety |
| Vacation rentals (Florence area) | Various | $130–250 | Families, longer stays |
Florence itself has limited dedicated lodging. Missoula or Hamilton are the practical bases.
Where to Eat
- Long Riders BBQ — the dining highlight in Florence; smoked meats and sides
- Caffe Firenze — coffee and light meals
- Various convenience and chain options along US-93
- Missoula dining (25 min north) — full variety
Getting There
From Missoula: 18 miles south on US-93, about 25 minutes.
From Hamilton: 28 miles north on US-93, about 35 minutes.
From Lolo: 8 miles south on US-93, about 12 minutes.
When to Visit
Summer (June–August): Best Bitterroot Trail cycling, Bitterroot River fishing.
Fall (September–October): Brown trout fishing peak, Threemile WMA hunting season, fall colors in the cottonwoods.
Year-round: The trail and river are accessible in all seasons; the valley is quieter in winter.
Personal Tips
Use Florence as a Bitterroot Trail starting point. Parking near the trail in Florence gives you the option of riding north toward Missoula or south toward Hamilton and Stevensville — both are excellent.
Threemile WMA is for wildlife, not just hunters. Outside hunting season, the area is quiet and productive for wildlife photography and hiking.
Long Riders BBQ is the call for lunch. After a morning on the trail, it’s the right stop before heading back.
Florence Quick Facts
Founded | 1880
Originally called | “One Horse”
Named for | Florence Hammond, daughter of lumber magnate A.B. Hammond
Bitterroot Trail | Passes through; 50 miles total Missoula to Hamilton
Average summer high | 84°F
Average winter low | 21°F
Conclusion
Florence is the northern Bitterroot at its most functional — a working community with genuine outdoor recreation access, good food, and the full Bitterroot Valley experience within reach in both directions. The Bitterroot Trail, the river, and Threemile WMA together make it more than a Missoula suburb, and less than an hour from everything the city offers.
Have a Florence question? Drop it in the comments — I read every one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Florence Montana worth visiting?
Worth a stop for Bitterroot Trail cycling (excellent mid-point access), Bitterroot River trout fishing, and Long Riders BBQ. Florence works best as part of a broader northern Bitterroot itinerary combining Stevensville, Lolo Hot Springs, and Missoula.
How far is Florence from Missoula?
Florence is approximately 18 miles south of Missoula on US-93 — about a 25-minute drive. The Bitterroot Trail connects the two communities via a paved cycling path.
What is the Bitterroot Trail near Florence?
The Bitterroot Trail is a 50-mile paved multi-use path running from Missoula south to Hamilton, following the Bitterroot River corridor. The Florence section provides flat, scenic cycling with mountain views. Multiple access points allow riders to start in Florence and ride north toward Missoula or south toward Stevensville and Hamilton.
