Inspiring travel stories, tips, and guides from a couple exploring the world one destination at a time.
Missoula, Montana sits in a valley and borders the Bitterroot Mountains. Located in western Montana, Missoula is only about 45 miles from Idaho. Founded in 1860, it has become one of the larger cities in Montana and is home to the University of Montana. About 18,000 people live in the area. The Clark Fork River runs through the city.
Last Updated: June 22, 2026
Montana is one of the largest and least populated states in America — and one of our absolute favorites. On this leg of our Pacific Northwest loop, we pushed east from Walla Walla, Washington through northern Idaho before crossing into Big Sky Country. We would have loved to revisit Glacier and Yellowstone, but with New England fall foliage and a Florida winter on the horizon, we had to keep moving. What we did find along the way — a hidden ghost town, a cave carved by ancient seas, and a sandstone pillar signed by Lewis and Clark — more than made up for it.
Last Updated: May 2026
From Gardiner, Montana at the north entrance of Yellowstone we made our way toward Glacier National Park. Along the way, we stopped in Livingston, Bozeman, and Missoula — and were treated to one of the most vivid double rainbows over the Yellowstone River we have ever seen.
