Montana’s Smith River is among the West’s most legendary fly fishing trips. Lucky visitors gaze in awe at majestic limestone cliffs and densely timbered forests as they enjoy 60+ miles of winding, uninterrupted wilderness. Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks carefully regulate the river, protecting the canyon’s pristine beauty. Rainbow and Brown trout over 20" are frequently seen. Learn how to get a permit here.

Experience Smith River State Park

Showdown isn’t just a pretty face — though the 1,400-foot vertical trip up is something to fall in love with, and the view from the 8,600 foot peak is unforgettable any time of year. As Montana’s oldest ski area, Showdown is also a delightful piece of Montana history with a distinctly Western spirit. Though Showdown sports modern services and a variety of course styles, it’s easy to imagine vintage wooden skis hitting the slopes back in 1936. More lovely still are the friendly folks who work at this legendary White Sulphur Springs destination.

Visit Showdown Ski Resort ⟩ 

Native Americans traveling through this valley believed the hot mineral water of these springs had a strong medicinal effect, healing the body and strengthening the spirit. They called the springs “Wampum Waters.” (Wampum translates roughly as “good” or “beneficial.”) The historic Spa Hot Springs Motel in Downtown White Sulphur Springs has provided healing and comfort since 1860.

Visit Spa Hot Springs Motel ⟩

The Red Ants Pants Music Festival, a project of the Red Ants Pants Foundation, uses music as a means to bring people together in support of women’s leadership, working family farms and ranches, and rural communities. Proceeds from their festival fund community grants, timber skills work shops, and Girl’s Leadership Programs. That’s truly wonderful, but trust us when we tell you: Founder Sarah Calhoun and her dedicated team haven’t just created a force for good — they’ve also created one of the most interesting and dynamic musical events in the country, featuring the very best acts in Country & Western-inspired music.

Visit Red Ants Pants Music Festival ⟩

Along the Upper Mussellshell River, just north of the majestic Crazy Mountains and west of the Castle Mountains, an unlikely gem can be found: The modern and well-appointed Bair Family Art Museum featuring five state-of-the-art, climate-controlled galleries. The museum features the rich history and extensive Native American, Cowboy, and European art collections of the Bair family, and details their impact and place in the fabric of Montana and the West.

Visit The Bair Family Art Museum ⟩

Why did Bryon Roger Sherman build a towering Victorian castle on a White Sulphur Springs hilltop in 1892, resplendent with Italian marble and Belgian rugs, only to abandon it 3 years later? It’s a great and torrid story, so we won’t ruin the ending for you — you’ll just have to visit and find out for yourself.

Visit Castle Museum ⟩

The Smith River is a stunning 59-mile stretch of water located near White Sulphur Springs, Montana. This river is one of the most desirable float trips in the United States and the only river in Montana that requires a permit to float. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at the history, geography, weather, and desirability of the river, and provide practical tips for anyone planning a trip to this beautiful area.

Float The Smith River ⟩