Twin Bridges, Montana

Twin Bridges, Montana is located 1.5 hours from Bozeman, 2 hours to Yellowstone National Park and 26 miles north of Dillion, Montana on Montana highway 41.

This small western town founded in 1864 with a population of 418 dates back to 1805 when Lewis and Clark’s main expedition camped at Beaverhead Rock (now a state park open for day use). The towns name was from the two bridges built: one on the Beaverhead River and later another at the Beaverhead Rock (also known as Point of Rocks). 

The Twin Bridges Historical Museum has interesting history on the town’s mining, early exploration, military and geological exhibits. 

At an elevation of 4,626 feet, here you will find the merging of the four blue ribbon trout streams – Big Hole, Beaverhead and Ruby rivers to form the Jefferson River. As a result, the area is a mecca for fly fishing outfitters, guides, fly shops and other services supporting the fly fishing sportsman. It is also the home to the world famous R.L. Winston Rod Company highly respected manufacturer of premium fly-fishing rods established in 1929. Check these great instruction videos out here from R.L.Winston’s site. 

Lush cattle and hay ranchland surrounds Twin Bridges with stunning views framed by the Tobacco Root Mountains to the east and Rocky Mountains to the west. In our opinion, one of the best views in Montana. While fishing may be the primary attraction for sportsmen, the mainstay of the economy still is ranching and agriculture.  There are a number of working ranches in the area with cattle being the primary livestock and alfalfa being the major crop.  During hunting season, this area also attracts hunters.

The nation’s first Bill White Bike Camp was built here in 2009 for touring cyclists. Twin Bridges sits at a crossroads between two long-distance bike touring routes—the TransAmerica and the Lewis & Clark Bicycle Trail. Watch this video of the concept behind the Bike Camp and how it was started.

There are some interesting summer events that happen in Twin Bridges.  The Floating Flotillas Fish Fantasy river parade is sponsored by the Greater Ruby Valley Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture. Summer county fair and Rodeo is one of the best around. Farmer’s markets happen on Saturday morning. Other great finds: Montana Mad Hatters on main street specializes is custom made cowboy hats – beautiful. Four Rivers Fishing Company has a great shop on main street and fly-fishing guide tours.

While fishing may be the primary attraction for travelers and sportsmen, the mainstay of the economy still is ranching and agriculture.  There are a number of working ranches in the area with cattle being the primary livestock and alfalfa being the major crop.