Site Open

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, disc golfers, 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.

Current Conditions

The area is generally open year-round. However, from Nov. 1 to June 14, access to the Pattee Canyon Group Picnic Area and Pattee Canyon Disc Golf Course is limited to walk-in only.

Pattee Canyon Recreation area Nordic Ski Trails.

Images of the Nordic Ski Trails at the Pattee Canyon Recreation area on the Lolo National Forest, Montana. (US Forest Service Photo by Kevin Farmer)

General Information

Please see our online brochure, "Pattee Canyon Recreation Area" for details and map.

Area closed 9 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Dogs must be kept on a leach less than 6 feet.

Photo of the Lolo National Forest Supervisor's Office.

Address: 24 Fort Missoula Road Missoula, MT 59804
Phone: 406-329-3814
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Closed on federal holidays)

Getting There

Directions

From Interstate 90 in Missoula, take the Orange Street exit #104 and travel south. Turn left onto West Front Street and go 0.2 miles to South Higgins Avenue, then turn right. Continue on South Higgins Avenue for about 2.7 miles to Pattee Canyon Road, then turn left. On Pattee Canyon Road, travel 4 miles heading (east) up the canyon. Look for the Pattee Canyon Picnic Area sign and entrance.