Getting Oriented

Much of the area's population is concentrated in the Bitterroot, Missoula, Mission, and Flathead valleys. Missoula, with a population of approximately 82,000, is the largest. Home of the University of Montana, it's a business and shopping center and offers many arts and cultural attractions. In friendly towns such as Hamilton, Stevensville, Kalispell, Polson, and Whitefish you'll find well-preserved historic sites and small yet resourceful museums. However, civilization here perches on the edge of seemingly endless wilderness: visit this part of the world for its wildlife, its water, and its pristine lands.