Pinesdale - Scenic View

Pinesdale

The Bitterroot Valley Haven

Population
833
County
Ravalli County
Region
Western Montana
Elevation
4,003 ft
Top Industry
Education & Healthcare
Nearest Hospital
Bitterroot Health - Daly Hospital (6.3 mi)
Zip Code
59841
Area Code
406
Time Zone
Mountain Time (MT)
Industry: Census ACS 5-Year 2019–2023 · Hospital: MT DPHHS 2024
Loading current weather...

Nearest Major Airports

✈️ Missoula (MSO)
49 miles
~1h 4m drive
✈️ Butte (BTM)
104 miles
~1h 58m drive
✈️ Helena (HLN)
130 miles
~2h 24m drive

Quick Facts

  • Population: ~TBD (Source: U.S. Census Bureau estimates)
  • County: TBD County
  • Elevation: TBD ft
  • Known For: Historical agricultural roots, stunning Montana landscapes, and quiet small-town charm.

History & Heritage

The quiet town of Pinesdale represents the vast, enduring frontier spirit of Montana.

The history of Pinesdale is closely tied to the pioneering spirit of early Montana. Founded during the homesteading or railroad eras, the town grew as a central hub for the surrounding farmers and ranchers who worked the expansive plains and river valleys. Today, it retains its deep agricultural heritage and stands as a testament to the resilience of rural Montana communities.

Top Things to Do in Pinesdale

  • Explore the Surrounding Wilderness: Pinesdale serves as a fantastic, quiet basecamp for exploring the vast public lands, rivers, and mountain ranges that define this region of Montana.
  • Experience Local Culture: Visit the local businesses, cafes, and historic sites in town to experience the genuine, welcoming hospitality of a classic Montana ranching community.
  • Hunting and Fishing: The surrounding agricultural fields, prairies, and waterways provide excellent, uncrowded opportunities for seasonal hunting and fishing.

Local Industry & Economy

The economy of Pinesdale is primarily driven by agriculture. The vast expanses of land surrounding the town are dedicated to cattle ranching and dryland farming (primarily wheat, barley, and hay). Small, locally-owned businesses provide essential services and goods to the community, while the local school district often serves as one of the primary civic anchors and employers in town.

Getting There & Nearby Destinations

  • Getting There: Pinesdale is accessible via Montana's network of scenic state highways and local county roads, offering a beautiful drive no matter which direction you approach from.
  • Nearby Destinations:
    • Regional Hubs: Larger neighboring cities offer comprehensive dining, shopping, and commercial airports.
    • State Parks and Public Lands: Visitors can easily take day trips to nearby state parks, national forests, or wildlife refuges.

Where to Stay in Pinesdale

Because Pinesdale is a smaller, residential community, traditional commercial lodging can be limited.

  • Local Motels: There may be small, independent motels in or near town offering basic accommodations for highway travelers and hunters.
  • Nearby Cities: Many visitors choose to stay in larger regional hubs a short drive away, utilizing Pinesdale as a scenic day-trip destination.
  • Camping: For outdoor enthusiasts, nearby public lands often provide beautiful, rustic camping options.
Find Vacation Rentals near Pinesdale via VRBO Find Hotels near Pinesdale via Expedia

Affiliate links help support this site at no extra cost to you.

Average Monthly Climate: Pinesdale

MonthAvg HighAvg LowPrecipSnow
Jan37°F21°F1.7"3.4"
Feb34°F18°F2.6"5.5"
Mar43°F23°F1.9"3.5"
Apr51°F29°F2.9"2.7"
May61°F38°F3.4"0.7"
Jun70°F47°F2.3"0"
Jul81°F53°F1.5"0"
Aug80°F53°F1.8"0"
Sep70°F45°F1.6"0.3"
Oct55°F34°F2.3"1.9"
Nov43°F25°F2.1"2.4"
Dec37°F22°F1.8"3.8"

Housing & Cost of Living

$198,100
Median Home Value
$1,292/mo
Median Rent
$70,694
Median Household Income
National Rankings
Home Value56th percentile
Rent74th percentile
Income58th percentile
Affordability Ratio (home price ÷ income)2.8xAffordable
Percentile among ~21,000 U.S. cities. Higher = more expensive (home/rent) or higher earning (income).
Housing Availability
199
Total Housing Units
3%
Vacancy Rate
Employment & Economy
ACS 5-Year 2019–2023
1.7%
Unemployment Rate
MT avg: ~3.5%
71.2%
Labor Force Participation
406
Employed Residents
Top Industries
Education & Healthcare
27.1%
Construction
22.7%
Information
11.1%
Income, home values,, vacancy,, employment, industry, from U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year 2019–2023. Data may not reflect current conditions. Check Zillow for the latest market data.
🏫
Pinesdale School District
~80 students

Outdoor Recreation Near Pinesdale

9.9/10
World-Class
415 sites within 50 mi
19 categories
🌲3🏕️7🌳6🏞️104🎣4🏢8♨️8⛷️461🥾103💧6🐟37🚣2🏛️17📜138🛣️1🦅16👀7
Must-See Highlights
🌲
Bitterroot National Forest
National Forests8 mi
🏕️
Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness
Wilderness4 mi
🌳
Fort Owen State Park
State Parks14 mi
🏞️
Tag Alder Lake
Lakes3 mi
🎣
Bitterroot River
Rivers10 mi
🏢
Boone and Crockett Club National HQ
National Headquarters39 mi
♨️
Sleeping Child Hot Springs
Hot Springs14 mi
⛷️
Lost Trail Powder Mountain
Ski Areas46 mi
💧
Canyon Falls
Waterfalls8 mi
🛣️
Pintler Veterans Memorial Scenic Route
Scenic Drives48 mi

Distances are straight-line estimates. Driving distances may be longer. Data: OpenStreetMap contributors & editorial research.

Pinesdale in Our Rankings & Guides

Moving Guide
Compare Pinesdale with Another Town

Map & Nearby

Loading map...

Explore Nearby Destinations

HamiltonStevensvilleDarby

Bring Montana Home

Discover authentic, locally-inspired apparel, gifts, and souvenirs at the official Treasure State Trading Post.

Shop Now