Missoula Montana US Map

Missoula, Montana, is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes and offers a variety of nature parks that highlight the region’s beauty.
These parks are ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers, providing opportunities for hiking, biking, wildlife viewing, and relaxation.

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1. Rattlesnake National Recreation Area and Wilderness

• Location: Just a few miles north of Missoula.
• Overview: Spanning over 60,000 acres, this area is a paradise for hikers, bikers, and nature lovers. It features a diverse range of ecosystems, from lush forests to alpine meadows.
• Activities: The recreation area offers miles of trails suitable for all levels, from easy walks along Rattlesnake Creek to challenging backcountry routes. The area is also popular for horseback riding, fishing, and cross-country skiing in the winter.
• Wildlife: The Rattlesnake is home to a variety of wildlife, including elk, deer, black bears, and numerous bird species.

2. Mount Sentinel

• Location: East of the University of Montana campus.
• Overview: Mount Sentinel is one of Missoula’s most iconic landmarks, rising prominently above the city. It’s best known for the large “M” near its summit, which is a popular hiking destination.
• Activities: The “M” Trail is a steep but short hike that offers panoramic views of Missoula and the surrounding valley. For those looking for a more challenging trek, the trail continues beyond the “M” to the summit of Mount Sentinel.
• Scenery: The trails offer stunning views of the city, the Clark Fork River, and the Bitterroot Mountains.

3. Greenough Park

• Location: Just north of downtown Missoula, along Rattlesnake Creek.
• Overview: Greenough Park is a 42-acre natural area that offers a peaceful retreat within the city. The park features mature cottonwood trees, riparian habitats, and meandering trails.
• Activities: It’s a favorite spot for walking, jogging, picnicking, and birdwatching. The loop trail around the park is flat and accessible, making it suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
• Natural Features: The park’s proximity to Rattlesnake Creek provides a cool, shaded environment and a chance to spot local wildlife, including birds and small mammals.

4. Pattee Canyon Recreation Area

• Location: Southeast of Missoula, off Pattee Canyon Drive.
• Overview: Pattee Canyon is a popular area for outdoor activities, offering a mix of forested trails and open meadows. It’s a great spot for year-round recreation.
• Activities: The area features trails for hiking, mountain biking, and cross-country skiing. In the summer, the canyon is a popular destination for picnicking and mushroom hunting.
• Environment: The recreation area is characterized by dense forests of pine and fir, with trails that offer both solitude and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

5. Blue Mountain Recreation Area

• Location: Southwest of Missoula, along U.S. Route 93.
• Overview: Blue Mountain Recreation Area covers over 5,500 acres and offers a mix of rugged terrain, forested trails, and open hillsides. It’s a popular destination for both motorized and non-motorized recreation.
• Activities: The area is popular for hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, and off-highway vehicle (OHV) use. In the winter, it’s a favorite spot for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
• Scenery: The trails provide excellent views of the Bitterroot River and the surrounding mountain ranges. The area is also known for its wildflower displays in the spring and early summer.

6. Fort Missoula Regional Park

• Location: South of downtown Missoula, near the Bitterroot River.
• Overview: Fort Missoula Regional Park is a large multi-use park that combines historical elements with recreational facilities. It includes preserved buildings from the original Fort Missoula, which was established in 1877.
• Activities: The park offers a variety of amenities, including sports fields, walking and biking trails, playgrounds, and picnic areas. There’s also a disc golf course and a dog park.
• Cultural Features: The park is adjacent to the Historical Museum at Fort Missoula, offering visitors a chance to learn about the area’s history while enjoying outdoor activities.

7. Kim Williams Nature Trail

• Location: Runs along the Clark Fork River, starting near the University of Montana campus.
• Overview: The Kim Williams Nature Trail is a scenic, easy trail that follows the Clark Fork River for several miles. It’s a popular spot for walking, running, and biking.
• Activities: The trail is ideal for a leisurely stroll or a bike ride, with views of the river and the surrounding mountains. It also connects to other trail systems, including the Clark Fork River Trail and the Milwaukee Trail, providing extended outdoor opportunities.
• Natural Beauty: The trail offers excellent birdwatching opportunities, with the chance to see waterfowl, raptors, and songbirds.

8. McCormick Park

• Location: West of downtown Missoula, along the Clark Fork River.
• Overview: McCormick Park is a popular urban park that offers a variety of recreational opportunities. It’s a hub of activity, especially for families and outdoor enthusiasts.
• Activities: The park includes a playground, a skate park, tennis courts, and a public swimming pool. It’s also home to Silver’s Lagoon, a small fishing pond for children.
• Connectivity: McCormick Park is connected to the Riverfront Trail System, making it easy to explore other parts of the city by foot or bike.

9. Lolo National Forest

• Location: Surrounds Missoula, extending into the surrounding mountains.
• Overview: While not a park in the traditional sense, Lolo National Forest is a vast area of public land that offers endless opportunities for outdoor recreation. It encompasses over 2 million acres of forests, rivers, and mountains.
• Activities: The forest offers a wide range of activities, including hiking, camping, fishing, and hunting. In the winter, the area is popular for snowmobiling, skiing, and snowshoeing.
• Scenic Drives: The forest features several scenic drives, including the Lolo Pass, which offers stunning views of the Bitterroot Mountains and the opportunity to explore the historic Lewis and Clark Trail.

10. Clark Fork River

• Overview: The Clark Fork River runs through Missoula, offering a natural corridor for recreation and relaxation. The river is central to life in Missoula, providing opportunities for fishing, kayaking, rafting, and paddleboarding.
• Riverfront Parks: Several parks and trails line the river, including Caras Park, McCormick Park, and the Kim Williams Nature Trail, making the river easily accessible for a variety of outdoor activities.
• Brennan’s Wave: A man-made wave in the river near Caras Park, Brennan’s Wave is a popular spot for river surfing and kayaking.

Missoula’s nature parks and outdoor spaces reflect the city’s strong connection to the natural environment. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful walk along the river, a challenging mountain hike, or a day of family fun in a city park, Missoula offers a diverse range of outdoor experiences to suit every interest.