Things to Do Around Ovando, Season by Season
Ovando is a base for some of western Montana’s best outdoor country. Glacier Country Tourism lists fly-fishing, horseback trail rides, camping, hiking and cycling in the warmer months, and snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and ice fishing in winter. Here is how the year breaks down.
Late spring to early fall
- Fishing the Blackfoot. The University of Montana’s column on Ovando describes deep pools and swirling water that hold rainbow and brook trout even in the heat of summer, for anglers who float or wade.
- Hiking and riding into “The Bob.” The Bob Marshall Wilderness, designated in 1964, covers about 1,009,356 acres along the Continental Divide and has no roads. Trails from the Ovando side lead into its interior, and the Scapegoat Wilderness is nearby as well.
- Cycling. The Great Divide Mountain Bike Route runs through town, and every June the riders of the Tour Divide come through. See Ovando and the Tour Divide.
- Wildlife and birds. The wetlands and ponds left by the glaciers make the valley good country for watching birds and other wildlife.
Winter
- Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing on valley roads and trails.
- Snowmobiling in the surrounding national forest.
- Ice fishing once the lakes freeze.
Good to know
- Ovando is small, with limited services, so carry what you need, especially fuel and food in winter.
- This is grizzly country. Follow food-storage rules in camp and carry bear spray on the trail.
- Weather changes quickly. Check road and trail conditions with the local ranger district before heading into the backcountry.