Three Nights in Missoula

I got a good vibe from the moment we arrived in this cool mountain town. We left West Yellowstone and followed the Madison River much of the way as we headed toward Missoula. The town is situated along the Clark Fork River and has grown to a population around 70,000 people, with the University of Montana having around 15,000 students. It has been called "the Hub of Five Valleys" because five mountain ranges converge here.


Kettle House Brewery, north side



Beers on tap at Kettle House, downtown Missoula

Missoula is home to the three largest breweries in Montana. Maybe that had something to do with my good vibe?  Probably.  On our first night we checked out the Kettle House Brewery's new location in an historic warehouse in Missoula’s Northside railroad district. We liked their Cold Smoke Scotch Ale, the Fresh Bongwater Hemp Pale Ale (which included Canadian industrial hemp), and (our favorite) a Cold Smoke with elderberries.

The (excellent) Riverside Cafe on Front Steet, downtown Missola

From the tap room, we headed south to the Riverside Cafe for an excellent meal, including grilled rainbow trout, yellow-pea fritters, and, of course, a beer. This one was from Elysian in Seattle, which Colene and I discovered on a trip many years ago.

We stayed at the KOA because it was centrally located, which allowed us to get around on our bikes. On our second night we rode downtown with a packed lunch. We had planned to have a drink at the Tamarack Brewpub, then picnic by the river. But Colene suggested we first check out the Rhinoceros, where a local band ("Cash for Junkers") was playing in the back ally. See why I like this town? We sampled thee more local brews and danced a few two-steps before we ate our sandwiches and rode home.

Rhinoceros bar, downtown Missoula

While out shopping I noticed this steel-clad, mixed-use building. I found fascinating its unfinished, rusty metal exterior and Flat Iron lines. If you want to see more go to http://www.thecornermissoula.com/

Unfortunately, after a little fun and several errand runs, we had to leave Missoula.  On our first night in this west Montana town, our neighbor in the RV park--a retired Austinite--told me that he liked to spend at least one month most places they travel. I like that plan; it would let you get a better sense for the place.

Maybe someday I will have that luxury, but for now, we have reservations in Glacier, so off we go.