Distinctly Montana Magazine

w w w . d i s t i n c t l y m o n t a n a . c o m 61 ENNIS: ENNIS LAKE Nestled in the sprawling Madison Valley, Ennis is a destination for summer recreation for travelers from all over the state. Like many towns across Montana, the busy Main Street of Ennis is the town focal point, featuring block after block of shopping, dining, and art installations. For the rod-and- reel aficionados, Ennis is a world-class fly-fishing destination. Not only is Ennis Lake right on the edge of town, but the Madison River sweeps through the area as well. DON'T MISS: Take a paddleboard, motorboat, pontoon boat, or kayak out on Ennis Lake. Find more solitude by driving down the road and over the bridge. Here you'll find a quieter space with picnic tables, water perfect for wading, and small sandy areas away from the hustle and bustle of the main waterfront space. Back in town, swing through Shedhorn Sports, grab a drink, and catch live music at Willie's Distill- ery, and enjoy the Old West feel of this town. ST. REGIS: CLARK FORK RIVER Sitting right at the confluence of the Clark Fork and St. Regis rivers, this quaint town is a lovely destination for a summer road trip. Fishing, canoeing, and rafting are all prime activities to enjoy a day on the water. Multiple outfitters call St. Regis home, and are open for the entire season to catch plentiful midsize trout with a pristine Montana backdrop. DON'T MISS: Take the Clark Fork Scenic Drive, which begins in Alber- ton 40 minutes southeast of St. Regis. is drive can be picked up in St. Regis and followed all the way to the lovely Lookout Pass Ski Area. Take a hike on the Clark Fork River trail, and don't forget your picnic lunch. TWIN BRIDGES: CONFLUENCE OF THE BEAVERHEAD, BIG HOLE, RUBY RIVERS Twin Bridges has the notable claim of being the only town on this list to sit at the confluence of three rivers. e Ruby, Beaverhead, and Big Hole Rivers converge to form the Jefferson River. is small town is worth a stop, with a few homey restaurants and a place to put the boat in the water and float the section between Twin Bridges and Cardwell. is river is a slow-moving body of water… even the faster section between Twin Bridges and Cardwell won't be too intimidating. DON'T MISS: e Jefferson River Canoe Trail begins in Jessen Park, right in town. Paddlers looking for an extended canoe trip through scenic Montana landscapes on a slow-moving river need look no further. Additionally, Beaverhead Rock State Park is located just 10 minutes outside of town, and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Pull in and check out the interpretive signs about this fascinat- ing natural rock formation shown. BIGFORK: FLATHEAD LAKE is picturesque community is situated right where the Swan River flows into Flathead Lake. Boaters and water recreation enthusiasts will find no shortage of things to do here. When the sunburns need healing, the town of Bigfork is packed with dining, shopping, and even a 27-hole golf course. Flathead Lake has plenty of opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding, boating, and fishing, and there are many options for gear rentals right along the water. ere are op- tions for guided tours and rides around the lake, exploring the water 1 2 3 4 Gardiner Casting on a quiet morning outside Gardiner

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