4 Reasons to Visit This Hidden Gem Off the Beaten Path
Tucked at the base of the Pintler Mountains, Anaconda might just be one of Montana’s best-kept secrets—or its next big thing. Designated as a CDT Gateway Community in 2019, this small mountain town is making quite the impression on thru-hikers and visitors alike. Whether you’re hiking the Continental Divide Trail (CDT), road-tripping along the scenic Highway 1, or just looking for a laid-back weekend escape, this little town offers more than meets the eye.
So what makes Anaconda stand out—and why should it be on your must-visit list? Let’s dive into the top reasons this mountain town deserves a spot on your travel radar.
#1: Anaconda’s Rich History: Where Copper Built a Community
(Photo Credit: Pintler’s Portal)
Anaconda’s roots run deep—and copper-rich. Once a booming smelter town and a major player in Montana’s mining era, its industrial past helped shape the strong, resilient community you’ll find today.
Founded in the late 1800s, the town’s copper smelting operation was the primary employer for generations. But when the smelter shut down in the 1980s, Anaconda was faced with one question: What comes next?
“The smelter closed, and we had to redefine what this community is,” said Julie Kinka from Pintler’s Portal Hostel.
And that’s exactly what they did. The people of Anaconda chose to adapt, reshape, and rebuild—turning their once-industrial landscape into a place that honors the past while embracing a new, vibrant future.
Evidence of the town’s smelting legacy is everywhere. From the towering Anaconda Smoke Stack visible from I-90, to the historic downtown buildings—many listed on the National Register of Historic Places —the past is proudly on display. While some interiors have aged, the exteriors are maintained to reflect their original appearances, preserving the town’s architectural character.
Downtown Anaconda (Photo Credit: Pintler’s Portal)
The biggest celebration of Anaconda’s heritage happens each August during Smelterman’s Day. Held on the second weekend of the month, this three-day event honors former smelter workers and invites the whole community and visitors to celebrate. There’s a parade, live music, brewfests, art walks, community fun runs, and the one time each year the legendary smoke stack opens for public tours!
“We do a really good job of preserving that history…[and] making sure it’s present and felt in everything we do,” said Celina Van Hyning, Chamber Director of Discover Anaconda.
It’s this deep sense of place and pride that continues to define Anaconda. And while its history built the foundation, the cultural shift of the 1980s allowed the town to, as the owner Pintler’s Portal Steve Hill puts it, “grow into something new and better.”
The past made Anaconda what it is. But the people are what continue to shape where it’s going next.
Which brings us to yet another reason Anaconda should be on your bucket list…
#2: Community, Local Businesses & Amenities: A Hiker Haven
If there’s one thing Anaconda does well, it’s community. This town is all about local pride, and that spirit shows in the growing number of small businesses that continue to shape its charm and character.
Some of the options available for mountain bike rentals at Anaconda Bicycles (Photo Credit: Emily Adams from Anaconda Bicycles and ATS President)
Groups like Discover Anaconda work hard to draw visitors off the highway and into the heart of town—and thanks to the businesses popping up all over downtown, that job keeps getting easier.
“We have been very fortunate in the sense that we’ve had some really unique and attention grabbing businesses come to Anaconda and set up shop here,” said Van Hyning.
These local gems aren’t just places to shop or eat—they’re the heartbeat of the community. Take Pintler’s Portal Hostel, for example. Centrally located and full of personality, it’s more than a place to crash for the night.
“We’re not just running a hostel,” said Kinka. “We’re creating a place where people feel taken care of.”
More than that, Pintler’s Portal is a great place to meet people, make new friends, and attend a variety of events they host throughout the year. From home cooked meals for CDT hikers to wine-and-puzzle nights, gear swaps, and cooking classes, Pintler’s Portal invites guests to dive into the Anaconda experience and community.
Pino and Puzzles at Pintler’s Portal Hostel (Photo Credit: Pintler’s Portal)
And if you’re still looking for more to do, why not take a chill bike ride around town or an adrenaline-pumping one down a trail? Swing by Anaconda Bicycles and rent a bike for the day (don’t worry, they rent E-bikes too)!
Businesses like these are just a few places that make Anaconda, well, Anaconda! “We want our [community] members and the businesses in Anaconda to be the thing that brings people here,” said Van Hyning. And there are plenty of local spots just waiting for you to visit and experience how incredible this community really is.
And the best part? You don’t have to break the bank to enjoy it…
#3: Accessible and Affordable: A Bang for Your Buck
Front view of Pintler’s Portal Hostel (Photo Credit: Pintler’s Portal)
In a world of overpriced lodging and crowded parks, Anaconda offers a breath of fresh air—literally and financially.
“We have some of those bigger city amenities on a smaller scale,” Van Hyning said. “It’s perfect for people who enjoy the conveniences of living in a bigger city, but the way of life of a smaller city.”
Visitors can choose from a variety of restaurants, grocery stores and lodging options. By day, you can explore nearby trails and lakes, and by night, you can dive into local arts and theater—all within a walkable, friendly town.
With lodging like Pintler’s Portal Hostel—affordable, cozy, and community-oriented—meals that won’t break the bank, and activities ranging from hikes to lake paddles, you really get a big bang for your buck here!
ATS group ride with Anaconda Bicycles through one of our favorite paths, Washoe Park out to Highway 48 (Photo Credit: Emily Adams)
“It’s the right size town,” Kinka shared. “You have everything, but you can still connect with people.”
Getting here is easy too—just a scenic detour off I-90 on Montana’s Highway 1 and within reach of four international airports. It’s the perfect pit stop between Glacier and Yellowstone, but you’ll quickly realize it deserves more than just a quick stop.
Anaconda is “kind of the portal to everything around here,” explained Hill.
And once you’re here, the adventure really begins…
#4: Recreation: An Endless Playground
Smelter town turned recreation heaven, Anaconda is quickly becoming a year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. “Is there anything you can’t do within 20 minutes of Anaconda?” Hill asked. “Nope. It’s all right here.”
Surrounded by nature and nestled in the mountains, Anaconda Trail Society (ATS) president and owner of Anaconda Bicycles, Emily Adams, emphasized that recreation is “right at our fingertips.” And it’s hard to disagree when the list of activities seems endless.
Are you a water rat? Grab your swimsuit and towel and head over to Georgetown Lake for a beach day or paddle. Into fishing? There are tons of streams and creeks nearby to try your luck.
Prefer bikes? Hit one of the mountain biking trails (just please don’t crash). Not a biker? No problem!
A mountain bike adventure on the Warm Springs Loop (Photo Credit: Emily Adams)
Lace up your hiking boots and explore nearby trails. Here are some favorite spots from locals with (bonus) access to the CDT:
- Storm Lake Trail – Beautiful views of the valley and town
- Upper Seymour Lake – A scenic day hike through pine forest on the CDT, capped with a refreshing swim at the end
- Johnson Lake Trailhead –Hike to a stunning lake in the heart of the Anaconda Pintler Wilderness; also connects to Rainbow Lake and Warren Lake
Looking for more outdoor options?
- Four Mile Basin – Hike along the trail and connect to Twin Lakes (and the CDT!)
- Foster Creek – Hike to Warm Springs or Lost Creek State Park; some visitors say it feels like a mini Glacier National Park (minus the crowds!)
- Washoe Park – On the edge of town with gorgeous cottonwoods, walking paths, great birding, and a fish hatchery
But the fun doesn’t stop when the weather cools down. Ski or snowboard at Discovery just 30 minutes outside town or try cross-country skiing at Mount Haggin and Echo Lake in winter.
You can even skip the outdoor sports altogether. Check out the Old Works Golf Course or Montana Zipline Adventures, home to the longest zipline course in Montana and the Pacific Northwest!
No matter the season, Anaconda is full of activities, and its recreational opportunities just keep expanding. Adams said there’s plenty of room to grow in the world of outdoor rec, and to help with that, millions are being invested into it. ATS is currently working on a four-mile foundational trail that will serve as a connector to more trails on the A and C Hill, with plans for parking, pit toilets, and possibly a frisbee golf course and archery range. The goal is to build something right in town that locals and visitors alike can enjoy.
“[Those] attractions will make Anaconda even more of a destination,” said Hill.
Anaconda is more than a dot on the map—it’s a place of momentum, rooted in the past and surging toward a vibrant future. It’s a town with heart, history, and a whole lot of soul. Whether you’re here for a day or decide to stay a little longer, don’t be surprised if Anaconda becomes your favorite unexpected stop in Montana!