Day Hiking

Day Hiking Areas

• Lolo Creek Area

  The corridor along U.S. Highway 12 from Lolo, Montana to Lolo Pass includes Lolo Creek and a historic trail. Camping, fishing, picnicking, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling are among the activities found in this area. Many interpretive signs address the historical significance of this area and the accounts of the Nez Perce Indians, early settlers, and the Lewis and Clark Expedition.

• Historic Lolo Trail at Howard Creek
• Lee Creek Campground
• Lolo Peak Trail #1311
• West Fork Butte Lookout
• 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.

• Maclay Flat Nature Trail
• 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.

• Boulder Lake Trail #333
• 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.

• Burdette Creek Trail #2
• Ch-paa-qn Peak from Edith Peak Road #476
• Plains/Thompson Falls Area

  This area offers several campgrounds, lots of access to the Clark Fork River for fishing and boating and several unique trails - including trails with views and a fitness trail conveniently located in the town of Thompson Falls. This area also has some wonderful cabins to rent.
   

• Bear Creek Trail #285
• Big Hole Lookout Trail #368
• Cascade Campground
• Cougar Peak Lookout
• Ferry Landing Picnic Area
• Fishtrap Lake Campground
• Fishtrap Lake Trail #1104
• Gold Rush Campground
• Iron Mtn. Trail #242/Clark Fork Valley Overlook
• Thompson Falls Fitness Trail #500
• Rock Creek Area

  

  This area is east of Missoula and offers many campgrounds, picnic areas and two particularly special and popular log cabins available for rent. Rock Creek is a blue ribbon fishing stream and the canyon is rich with geology and wildlife to appreciate.

• Babcock Mountain Trail #10
• Hogback Homestead
• Morgan-Case Homestead
• 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.

• Cliff Lake Trail #100
• Deer Creek Campground
• Little Joe Campground - Lolo NF
• Loge Day-Use Area
• Murphy Creek Trail Day-Use Area
• Savenac Bunkhouse
• Savenac Cookhouse
• Savenac West Cottage
• Up Up 40-Foot Lookout Tower