Maclay Flat Nature Trail

The Maclay Flat Nature Trail is a great place to birdwatch or to take a quiet walk along the Bitterroot River. Maclay Flat is located on the west edge of Missoula, making this a local favorite spot for walking and jogging.

At a Glance

Operational Hours:	This is a day use area only. Area closed 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
Usage:	Heavy
Restrictions:	Pets must be leashed. No horses. No bikes. Please view our Blue Mountain Recreation Area brochure and Lolo National Forest Visitor Guidelines.
Closest Towns:	Missoula, Montana
Water:	No drinking water available
Restroom:	Handicap accessible vault toilets
Information Center:	Missoula Ranger District, 406-329-3814

General Information

Directions: From Interstate 90, take the Highway 93, Reserve Street, exit and head south. Turn right onto Blue Mountain Road (has a light signal) and head west 2 miles to the Maclay Flat Nature Trail.
General Notes: This site is accessible and has nature trails, parking, restrooms, river access, and interpretive signs. Benches are available along the trail. The parking lot is paved and the path is gravelled. In the spring, the Bitterroot River sometimes overflows and temporarily submerges portions of the trail.

Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

River and Stream Fishing

Bank and wade fishing are available. The river is easy to reach because it is very close to the parking lot, restrooms, and nature trail.

Fish Species

brook trout, brown trout, rainbow trout, westslope cutthroat trout, mountain whitefish

Day Hiking

The Maclay Nature Trail is a great place to go birdwatching or to take a quiet walk along the Bitterroot River. This ponderosa pine/cottonwood-lined riverbottom attracts hundreds of bird species including saw-whet owls, American redstarts and wood ducks. A series of 12 trail-side signs describe the plants and animals to be found here.

Elevation desc

3200 feet

Viewing Wildlife

This unique and popular area is a great place to watch birds and maybe even glimpse a deer walking through the river.

Species

herons, various migratory and local birds, deer, muskrat

Viewing Plants

A series of 12 trail-side signs describe the plants and animals to be found here. This ponderosa pine/cottonwood-lined riverbottom attracts hundreds of bird species.

Species

Ponderosa pine, cottonwood habitats. Riparian areas and meadows with native plants.

Interpretive Areas

A series of 12 trail-side signs describe the plants and animals to be found here and their environment and role in the ecosystem. This recreation area is very popular for its value as an outdoor classroom.

Boating - Non-Motorized

Non-motorized boating is a great way to view wildlife and appreciate the riverside scenery/vegetation in the area. Carry your boat or canoe 150 yards down the trail to access the river. See our brochure, "Clark Fork River Float" for maps and details which you can request from or pick up at the front desk of the Missoula Ranger District office. The brochure also has wonderful descriptions of the wildlife and vegetation seen along the float.