Bitterroot Valley right now? (Hamilton, Stevensville: credit card, home, restaurants)

[Clark Fork Fantast]

We're probably going to be driving up through the Bitterroot Valley tomorrow. Looking forward to it--last time we drove through we didn't see the mountains at all because of smoke from fires in Idaho . How is it right now? Is the air more or less clear? Thanks!

And while I'm at it: could someone repeat the info from an old thread about a good eatery in Hamilton, please?

[Montana Griz]

Originally Posted by Clark Fork Fantast

We're probably going to be driving up through the Bitterroot Valley tomorrow. Looking forward to it--last time we drove through we didn't see the mountains at all because of smoke from fires in Idaho . How is it right now? Is the air more or less clear? Thanks!

And while I'm at it: could someone repeat the info from an old thread about a good eatery in Hamilton, please?

.......Just got home and saw your post.........................

There is one fire S/W of Hamilton about 12 to 13 miles away as the crow flies and I think it is in the Wilderness area. Started about 3 days ago from lightning strike I believe. Smoke not a problem at this time.

Restaurants:

Coffee Cup Cafe: On the right side of Hwy 93 (aka 1st Street) (north bound) about 1/2 mile after you go thru the first Signal light. actual address is 500 S 1st Street (aka 500 S. Hwy 93.)

Signal Grill: T/L at the 2nd Signal light (about 3/4 mile after the 1st signal light), you are now on Main Street). on the left side of Main street at 131 W. Main St is the SIGNAL GRILL....................

THE KITCHEN Restaurant, 102 S. 2nd Street.: Only open to 2pm on Sundays--May not be open at all on this particular Sunday due to "DALY DAYS" (annual celebration for city of Hamilton).

Nap's Grill at 220 N. 2nd Street. May or may not be open on this Sunday.

B J's Restaurant at 900 N. 1st Street (aka 900 N. Hwy 93).

For convenience (they both --Coffee Cup & BJ's-- ) are right on Hwy 93) and pretty good food, I'd take Coffee Cup as 1st choice and B J's as 2nd choice....nothing fancy but both are where 50% of the 'locals eat'.

Signal Grill is 50% more expensive than these two above, but very good food.

Kitchen is also a little pricey, but very large portions & good food (but they don't take Credit Cards.)

Nap's is very good food (the Best Hamburger in Town), no waitresses....you order your selection and they call out your name when ready to be picked up and take it back to your table.

If I wasn't going to be up at Lake Como with daughter and husband, I'd meet you in town. Sorry.

Have a safe trip.............................................. .Griz

[Clark Fork Fantast]

Griz, thanks so much! You've made it very easy for us. Too bad you're going to be out of town--it would have been great to meet you. Maybe next time!

[Clark Fork Fantast]

We're so glad we decided to come up through the Bitterroot Valley. What a gorgeous drive! we finally got to see those fabled mountain peaks. Trapper Peak just took our breath away! And there's still snow on the north-facing slopes. While Stevensville hit 96 yesterday...Such a contrast.

And no fires at this time except for that one above Hamilton. So thanks for that report, Griz, otherwise we'd probably have gone the usual way up to Clark Fork, up 95 to 200. This way we got a chance to see something else, going up 93 over Lost Trail Pass.

The only problem was that we came up so late in the day that the Bitterroots were backlit. And there was just no time to stop for food anywhere. So next time we'll plan on a morning/midday trip, with a nice lunch in Hamilton...