Polaris Montana
Community Overview
Located on the Pioneer Mountain Scenic Byway and virtually surrounded by the Beaverhead National Forest, Polaris, Montana provides rugged adventure and first-class luxury. Maverick Mountain Ski Area, just six miles north of Polaris, provides 255 acres of skiing for all skill levels in a local, friendly atmosphere. If you prefer your skis on the level, Polaris offers twenty kilometers of groomed and marked cross-country ski trails, and one hundred miles of snow mobile trails, or make your way via ski or snowshoe through the pristine natural beauty of the Beaverhead National Forest. The Beaverhead is equally beautiful for hiking in the summer, and nearby Crystal Park offers a unique chance to rockhound for crystal quartz, or just picnic and enjoy the view.
Whatever the season, make a stop at the Elkhorn Hot Springs for a taste of first class luxury, Montana style. The year-round Elkhorn Hot Springs provide two outdoor hot mineral pools, a Grecian sauna, a restaurant, and a bar. Hot springs are a Montana staple for locals and visitors alike, and the Elkhorn Hot Springs make the experience even more blissful. If you prefer to rough it, stay at the Grasshopper Creek Campground, but feel free to indulge a little with the great food and friendly service of the Hot Springs, or the Grasshopper Inn.
Community Info
Polaris Elevation: 6,351'
County: Beaverhead
Beaverhead Chamber of Commerce Elkhorn Hot Springs Wise River Scenic DriveIn the Polaris, MT Area:
Get Out and Explore.
Weather Forecast for Dillon MT:
54°
OvercastPolaris and the Grasshopper Creek Valley
In the southern realm of the Grasshopper Creek Valley below the Pioneer Mountains and on the Pioneer Mountain Scenic Byway, Polaris was first settled in the 1870s after precious metals were discovered in the area. One of the more prominent silver mines in the area, Polaris Mine, gave the community its name. Once the mines shut down in the 1920s, agriculture, ranching, and tourism became the primary economic drivers of the community.
During the mining era Polaris had many more residents than the 142 folks who call the town home today.
Polaris is set in a landscape that offers a wide variety of outdoor amenities. For wildlife viewers, fisherman, and hunters, the region surrounding Polaris is an ecological treasure. The rare arctic grayling can be found in the high lakes in the Eastern Pioneers. And the West Pioneers hold some of the oldest and least disturbed lodgepole pine forests in Montana as well as habitat wildlife species like wolverine, moose, and elk.
Surrounding Polaris are hundreds of hiking, cross country ski, and snowmobiling trails. Maverick Mountain Ski Area six miles north of Polaris offers skiers of all levels 255 acres of skiable terrain. North of Maverick Mountain, along the byway is Crystal Park which allows visitors to search for quartz crystals.
After a day of activities, many visitors elect to head to Elkhorn Hot Springs. Two hot mineral pools, a sauna, a bar, restaurant and cabins are available for guests to enjoy. Other overnight options include camping at one of the many nearby campsites, or the Grasshopper Inn Bed and Breakfast.
To visit Polaris via the Pioneer Mountain Scenic Byway find your way to Wise River, Montana and follow the signs from town. This passage is about 50 miles in length. Coming from the south and Interstate 15, just south of Dillon, head west towards Wisdom. You will cross Badger Pass. It is about 28 miles to the Polaris and Scenic Byway Road.
