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THE ITEN COMPANY
170 SOUTH 2ND STREET
HAMILTON, MT 59840
Tel: 406.363.1010
Fax: 406.363.6965
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Area Information
Ravalli County/Bitterroot Valley
Location and Locale
The Bitterroot Valley is located in western Montana south of Missoula.
Lined along the west by the Bitterroot Mountain Range and along
the east by the Sapphire Mountain Range, the valley spans 25 miles
in width and 96 miles in length. During their voyage of discovery,
Lewis and Clark named the valley for the flowering plant abundant
to the region. Ravalli County, which encompasses most of the Bitterroot
Valley, features Hamilton as the county seat. Hamilton, the fastest
growing town in Montana, is centrally located in the middle of the
Bitterroot Valley and is the hub of the surrounding communities.
Climate
Seasonal temperatures in the Bitterroot Valley are proclaimed as
the mildest in Montana - with balmy winters and cool summer
evenings! The average rainfall is 12" - 15" per year.
With elevations in the valley ranging between 3,200' -
3,900', extreme winter months tend to average just 2"
- 4" of snow at any given time. The higher elevations
typically accumulate several feet from November to April making
conditions perfect for winter recreational activities.
Seasonal temperature ranges on average are as follow:
| Spring |
20's
- 60's |
| Summer |
50's
- 80's |
| Fall |
30's
- 70's |
| Winter |
Teen's
- 40's |
Population
The population of Ravalli County was estimated in 2004 to be about 36,070. Projections reveal that the county population could be nearly 46,120 by 2010.
The majority of residents living in Ravalli County live outside the city limits of any particular town. Based on the census of 2000, listed below are the populations of specific towns in the county (listed in order as traveling south from Missoula):
| Town |
2000 Population |
Distance from
Missoula |
| Lolo |
2,400 |
8 miles |
| Florence |
1,200 |
16 miles |
| Stevensville |
1,784 |
25 miles |
| Victor |
859 |
32 miles |
| Corvallis |
443 |
40 miles |
| Hamilton |
4163 |
46 miles |
| Darby |
785 |
65 miles |
| Sula |
100 |
80 miles |
Airports
Missoula is the closest commercial airport to the Bitterroot Valley
for jet service. Delta, Northwest and Horizon Airlines provide service
to the Missoula International Airport. With hubs in Salt Lake City,
Minneapolis and Seattle respectively, it is easy to connect to or
from about anywhere in the country.
Two private aviation companies, Minuteman Aviation and North Star
Air, are conveniently located at the Missoula airport.
Hamilton has a lighted airstrip that accommodates single and twin-engine
aircraft as well as various sized jets. At an elevation of 3,638'
and with a 4,200' paved runway, many pilots are quite comfortable
bringing their planes into Hamilton Aviation.
Stevensville has an airstrip suited for light aircraft. The elevation
at the Stevensville field is 3,620' and it has a 3,800'
hard surface strip.
Education
Schools in the Bitterroot Valley are proud
to be ranked third in the nation on ACT scores. The school systems
can also boast of having one of the highest numbers of Rhodes Scholars
per capita. There are 14 public schools in Ravalli County and three
private schools. The University of Montana, located in Missoula,
is an easy commute, as is the Missoula Vocational Technical Center.
Medical
The Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital in Hamilton
has a 50 patient capacity. The Bitterroot Valley is home to 30 practicing
doctors and 16 dentists. There are also several long-term care facilities
in the area.
Missoula has two hospitals, both of which are renowned regional
headquarters for specialized care. Emergency helicopter dispatch
is available from St. Patrick's Hospital insuring quick transport
throughout western Montana in critical situations.
Industry
Log home manufacturing leads the local
industry followed closely by tourism which is vital to the service
industry. Agriculture remains a key factor in the economy. With
two experimental laboratories in the Hamilton area, medical research
holds a unique aspect in the community.
Recreation
Surrounded by numerous trailheads into
the Bitterroot National Forest and in close proximity to the Selway-Bitterroot
Wilderness, many recreational opportunities abound. Horseback riding,
hiking, fly-fishing, cross-country and downhill skiing prevail as
top sports. Mountain biking, hunting, wildlife viewing and photography
or dipping in a natural hot springs are also among the favorites.
Golf is available in Hamilton at a beautiful 18-hole public course,
or in Stevensville at a fantastic 9-hole course. The private 18-hole
Fazio-designed course in Hamilton known as the Charles Schwab Stock
Farm Club is making a name for itself. The communities of the valley
offer wonderful art, antique and western wear shops - even
a custom hattery.
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