WELCOME TO EIGHT MILE
5 Things To Know About The Bitterroot Valley’s
Best Kept Secret
The Bitterroot Valley has grown extensively in the last three decades, but it still holds a few secrets. One of those secrets is an area and neighborhood just off Highway 93 in Florence known as Eight Mile.
This rural and distinctly Montana area is a treasure of Montana wilderness, scenery, wildlife, and recreation. Still, its proximity to some of the best food and shopping in the BItterroot and South Missoula makes it one of a kind. Here are a few things to know about one of the Bitterroot Valley’s best-kept secrets…
1) Blue Ribbon
Fly-Fishing
Eight Mile Creek is a small creek that meanders through the Eight Mile valley. It’s a fun place for kids to learn to fish and catch small brookies. The Bitterroot River, known for its exceptional Blue Ribbon trout fishing, is just a few miles away. Fly-fishers travel the world over to cast a fly in this river.
2) bitterroot and lolo
National Forest
The Eight Mile region of the BItterroot is a unique and interesting part of the valley that provides stunning views of the Sapphire and the Bitterroot Mountain ranges, as well as it borders both the Bitterroot and Lolo National Forests. There is a trailhead into Forest Service at the end of Eight Mile Road.
3) historic
White Cloud Mine
This small mine which is now part of the Lolo National Forest was opened by Marcus Daly in 1866. The mine consists of a single shaft that is 120 feet deep and 310 feet long. Considered a small operation, gold and silver were mined from the rocks of White Cloud Mine.
4) Spectacularly scenic
Neighborhood Golf Course
If golf is more your style, a well-manicured 9-hole golf course, Whitetail, is a short distance from Eight Mile. This course, built along the Bitterroot River, has majestic views of the Bitterroot Valley and is located in the Lee Metcalf Wildlife Refuge. In the winter, Whitetail Golf Course keeps the game going year-round with simulators. They also open the outdoor course to cross-country skiing in the wintertime.
5) Distinctive Neighborhood Entertainment
Best brews, pizza, prime rib, and live entertainment in the valley
One of the most endearing things about the Eight Mile Neighborhood is its proximity to any and all forms of entertainment. Missoula is a mere half hour away, but if you want to keep it more local, head to Backyard Tap House in Florence. This is the “Cheers” of the Bitterroot Valley. Backyard Tap House has a full liquor license, a plethora of Montana brews on tap, a tasty food menu (you’ve not lived until you have had their “pint o’ bacon) and a large outdoor patio area for yard games and mingling with neighbors. In the winter, like their Facebook page so you can be in the loop on weekly Bingo games and other winter activities.
As an Eight Mile resident, you will also LOVE the Rustic Hut. How rustic you ask? Carpet-on-the-ceiling rustic! But don’t be fooled. The Rustic Hut has darts, trivia, gaming machines, and one of the largest dance floors in the Bitterroot Valley. You can look forward to live entertainment while you dine on the Rustic Hut’s legendary Friday night prime rib dinner or their delicious pizza (the Best in the Bitterroot title for pizza would have to be shared with The Bear’s Lair – also in Florence – Kodiak Jack’s and Fireside in Stevensville, and Cowboy Troy’s in Victor).
The Eight Mile area offers its residents the quintessential Montana experience – golf, legendary fly fishing, access to Forest Service, cross-country skiing, historical relevance, fantastic local food, brews, and neighborhood fun, all within quick proximity to Missoula.