River Park — Attraction in Hamilton

Still No Moose… But So Much Beauty 🦊🦌🪶** I spent the hours in the morning before it got hot (7am to 11am) wandering along the trails by the Bitterroot River determined to finally see a moose. Sadly—no luck. Zero moose. 😅signs of yep they’re here stuff… but 0 seen :(

But honestly? The day didn’t disappoint. I saw at least dozen different birds, a few foxes, what I think were beavers (or possibly just very large muskrats), and even a mystery critter—maybe a prairie dog or one of those sleek little martens?

Then there were the mule deer, including some truly stunning 7- and 8-pointers. Wildlife was everywhere—just not the one I came looking for! The rocky banks of the river were my favorite. I could’ve sat there for hours, listening to the water, watching the trails stretch along the base of the mountains. It’s one of those places that makes you slow down and really breathe.

I do hope they add a few more bridges or crossings in the future—it would make some of those deeper ditches easier to explore—but wow… Even without spotting a moose, I totally get why they live here. Wild. Calm. Untouched....

I live just a few blocks from this park, and it is one of my favorites. If I am unable to get out in the mountains to enjoy nature, this is my nearest alternative. Beautiful views of the Bitterroot River and, beyond, the Bitterroot Mountains. It has nature trails winding through the aspens and cottonwoods and there's a little creek that runs through as well as a slough from the river and willows also near the water. If I feel a need to just soak in all the beauty of God's creation and take some time to meditate upon his creation, his Word, and speak to him through prayer, this is many times where I like to go. Also, as an aspiring writer, I often get inspiration for my poetry here as well. Near the parking lot, there's a nice children's playground, and beautiful gazebo and a large open lawn for playing frizbee, soccer, or football. There are also several picnic tables and park benches here and there...

River Park is a wheelchair accessible park featuring a paved trail that follows the Bitterroot River.

Accessibility info and site description: There are two disabled/van-accessible parking spots and an accessible public restroom. The trail is a wide, paved path. There is a hill at the entrance of the park (steeper than it appears in pictures), then flattens out. The first bench is about .1 mile from the parking lot and features a beautiful view! The path continues to the left another .1 mile, and to the right another .2 mile, and there are additional benches in both directions.

River Park took me by surprise! I wasn't expecting such an amazing view or how quiet it was for being right in town. What I loved most was the wide, paved path, because if I need to, I can use my wheelchair while still enjoying a beautiful...