Northern Rocky Mountain peaks reaching above 10,000 feet and valley trout streams stretching over 1,500 miles define the character of west-central Montana's administrative Region 2.

Over 62% of the region is public land, offering a variety of recreational opportunities to area residents and visitors. Deer, elk, moose, sheep, black bears, and goats inhabit the region, providing a diversity of hunting opportunities. Seventy-two regional fishing access sites serve as gateways to fishing, white-water rafting, floating, and kayaking on the Blackfoot, Clark Fork, and Bitterroot Rivers, while 170 public lakes and reservoirs dot the region and offer additional fishing holes and boating spots.

Region 2 is also home to eleven unique state parks offering opportunities to view wildlife, launch a boat, cast a line, or explore the region's history. Visitors to Granite Ghost Town State Park can relive the history of a silver-mining boom town, Traveler's Rest State Park offers a glimpse into a Lewis and Clark Expedition resting spot, and Salmon Lake recreationists can watch for wildlife, fish, picnic, launch a boat, or water-ski in a woodland setting.

A large, growing urban center for Montana, Region 2 has over 18% of the state's population and only 7% of Montana's land and water area. The region's largest community,Missoula, sits on the banks of the Clark Fork River and is home to the University of Montana.