Mountain Biking

Mountain Biking Areas

• Missoula Area

  Three recreation areas are conveniently located just outside the Missoula city limits and offer a variety of opportunities for locals and visitors including picnicking, trails for day hiking, cross-country skiing, horseback riding, and mountain biking.

• Blue Mountain Recreation Area

  This 4,900-acre recreation area includes 41 miles of system trails and is a popular spot for locals and visitors because of its proximity to the city of Missoula and the views of the Missoula valley, and the Sapphire and Rattlesnake mountains. Blue Mountain Recreation Area Special Order & Use Restrictions.

• Pattee Canyon Recreation Area

  This 3,200-acre recreation area on the east side of Missoula is a popular getaway for locals and visitors. The extensive, 27 miles of system trails is open year-round to non-motorized use and available to hikers, folfers, mountain bikers, joggers, cross-country skiers and dog walkers. These recreation area trails and roads connect the University of Montana and the Clark Fork River areas. Trail access points available at the picnic area, main trailhead, Crazy Canyon Trailhead and the Larch Camp Road; see the "Pattee Canyon Recreation Area" brochure and map for details.

• Rattlesnake National Recreation Area & Wilderness

  Established by Congress in 1980, the Rattlesnake National Recreation Area and Wilderness is located on the Missoula Ranger District, northwest of Missoula and southwest of Seeley Lake, Montana. This area is an iconic recreation destination for those visiting Missoula.

  The National Recreation Area

  The National Recreation Area (NRA) lies south and adjacent to the wilderness and receives heavy recreation use, particularly in the South Zone, within about three miles of the main trailhead. It is a popular area for hiking, biking, trail running and horseback riding.

  • Rattlesnake National Recreation Area Brochure (pdf)
  • Download a map of NRA trails (pdf).

  The Rattlesnake Wilderness

  The Rattlesnake Mountains, located four miles north of Missoula, Montana, and adjacent to the Rattlesnake National Recreation Area, form a rugged and scenic vista for the Missoula Valley. This Wilderness is characterized by scenic lakes, forested ridges, open cliff-banded slopes, and mountain peaks. Elevations in the Wilderness range from 4,200 feet at the southern boundary to 8,620 feet at McLeod Peak.

  Visit Wilderness Connect for more information about the Rattlesnake Wilderness Area.

• Rattlesnake Main Trail #515
• Ravine Creek Trail #34
• Sawmill Trail #24.0
• Sheep Mountain Trail #513
• Ninemile Area

  In addition to the campgrounds and picnic areas in the Ninemile Area, there are several unique places to visit such as the delightful Ninemile Historic Remount Depot and Ranger Station, and the fun Grand Menard Discovery Trail which is adjacent to the Grand Menard Picnic Area. This is a great place to take the family.

• Kreis Pond Campground
• Seeley Lake Area

  There's so much to like about the Seeley Lake Area all year. During the summer, the lakes are a great way to cool off. In the fall, the colorful western larch forests are quite a sight as you take a stroll on a day hike. In the winter, cross-country skiing, ice fishing, and snowmobiling are perfect ways to get off the couch and play outside.

  In the spring, migratory bird watchers can enjoy the viewing areas and those who like being on the water can take a trip on the canoe trail.

• Morrell Falls National Recreation Trail #30
• Superior Area

  On the western edge of the Lolo National Forest, this area has unique offerings such as the historic Savenac Tree Nursery and Visitor Center, access to the "Rail Trail"/Route of the Hiawatha where you can bike the path of a historic train route, a couple of lookout rentals with wonderful views, and trails to alpine lakes.

• Murphy Creek Trail Day-Use Area
• Savenac Historic Tree Nursery Area

  

  Savenac Historic Tree Nursery, eligible for the National Register of Historic Places, is one of the oldest, largest and most beautiful Forest Service tree nurseries in the West. We invite you to stop in at the visitor center, rent one of the cabins, or walk around the arboretum. Savenac was founded in 1907 as a Forest Service tree nursery. Nursery operations concluded in 1969 and now the site is used for cabin rentals and a visitor center.

  The Savenac compound includes a visitor center that is operated from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Located on the CCC-improved compound are memorials to firefighters lost in the Big Burn of 1910 and interpretive trails with plenty of room to roam. Beautiful Savenac Creek runs through the compound.

  In winter, groomed snowmobile trails are available and opportunities abound for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

  Explore our Visitor Center

  Savenac Historic Tree Nursery Visitor Center

  Savenac Historic Tree Nursery Brochure (pdf)

  Rent a Cabin or Cookhouse

  

  • Savenac Bunkhouse
  • Savenac Cookhouse
  • Savenac East Cottage
  • Savenac West Cottage

  For more information contact the Superior Ranger Station.

• Savenac Bunkhouse
• Savenac Cookhouse
• Savenac East Cottage
• Savenac West Cottage