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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.
At a Glance
| Operational Hours: | Blue Mountain Recreation Area East Zone is a day use area only; the area is closed 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. |
|---|---|
| Usage: | Heavy |
| Restrictions: |
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| Closest Towns: | Missoula, Montana |
| Water: | No drinking water available |
| Restroom: | Accessible vault toilet |
| Operated By: | Forest Service |
| Information Center: | Missoula Ranger District, 406-329-3814 |
General Information
Directions:From Interstate 90, take the U.S. Highway 93 exit #101 and head south through Missoula. As you leave Missoula heading south, you will see a "T" intersection(has a light signal) where U.S. Highway 93 meets the Blue Mountain Road. Turn right onto Blue Mountain Road and head west to the main trailhead. The trailhead has a large parking area just about where the road makes a 90-degree turn.
General Notes:
See our online brochure, Blue Mountain Recreation Area for details.
Activities
Mountain Biking
Recreation areas with activity Mountain Biking:This sport is very popular in this area. Mountain biking is prohibited north of Forest Service Road #365 and cyclists should stay on designated open trails; see online brochure Blue Mountain Recreation Area for map and details.
| Difficulty Level: | Intermediate |
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River and Stream Fishing
Recreation areas with activity River and Stream Fishing:Day Hiking
Recreation areas with activity Day Hiking:The 4,900-acre recreation area includes 41 miles of system trails. A 0.25-mile wheelchair accessible nature trail is located 1.7 miles up Road 365 and includes a viewpoint and numbered posts keyed to an interpretive brochure available at the the trailhead. See our online brochure Blue Mountain Recreation Area for more information and a map.
| Difficulty Level: | Intermediate |
|---|
Horse Riding
Recreation areas with activity Horse Riding:The 4,900-acre recreation area includes 41 miles of system trails. See our online brochure Blue Mountain Recreation Area for more information and a map.
| Size Restrictions | |
| Corrals | |
| Difficulty Level: | Intermediate |
|---|
Big Game Hunting
Recreation areas with activity Big Game Hunting:Hunting is regulated by Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks. Hunters need to obtain a copy of the current regulations and a state license. Rifle hunting is allowed in the Blue Mountain Recreation Area West Zone beginning 4.5 miles up the mountain west of Road #365; see map in our Blue Mountain Recreation Area brochure. Bow hunting is permitted in both the Blue Mountain Recreation Area east and west zones. Hunting is prohibited within 150 yards of an occupied area or developed recreation site.
Small Game Hunting
Recreation areas with activity Small Game Hunting:Game Bird/Waterfowl
Recreation areas with activity Game Bird/Waterfowl:Hunting is regulated by Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks. You will need to obtain a copy of the current regulations and a state license. Rifle hunting is allowed in the Blue Mountain Recreation Area West Zone beginning 4.5 miles up the mountain west of road #365; see map in our Blue Mountain Recreation Area brochure. Bowhunting is permitted in both of the Blue Mountain Recreation Area east and west zones. Hunting is prohibited within 150 yards of a occupied area or developed recreation site.
| Species | game birds |
Viewing Wildlife
Recreation areas with activity Viewing Wildlife:Viewing Plants
Recreation areas with activity Viewing Plants:OHV Road Riding
Recreation areas with activity OHV Road Riding:A motorcycle trailhead is at located at milepost 3.1 on Forest Service Road #365. Montana law requires that motorcycles and ATVs driven on public roads be street-legal and registered with the Montana Department of Motor Vehicles. View our online brochure, Blue Mountain Recreation Area for more information and a map of the area.An "Off-Road" sticker, available at the Missoula County Courthouse, is required to ride designated trails.
| Loading Ramp | yes |
OHV Trail Riding
Recreation areas with activity OHV Trail Riding:All motorized users must consult a Motor Vehicle Use Map for the designated trails open to OHV. A motorcycle trailhead is at located at milepost 3.1 on Forest Service Road #365. This area provides motorcycle trails and ATV trails. The National Recreation Trail north of Forest Service Road #365 is closed to motorized vehicles. View our online brochure, Blue Mountain Recreation Area for more information and a map of the area.
| Loading Ramp | yes |
| Difficulty Level: | Difficult |
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Disc Golf
Recreation areas with activity Disc Golf: A disc golf course is available in this area. It is closed during part of the year to protect vegetation. Baskets provided.| Difficulty Level: | Intermediate |
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Boating - Non-Motorized
Recreation areas with activity Boating - Non-Motorized:XC Skiing/Snowshoeing
Recreation areas with activity XC Skiing/Snowshoeing:Many cross-country skiing and snowshoeing opportunities area available in this area. See the Blue Mountain Recreation Area brochure for details and a map.
Snowmobiling
Recreation areas with activity Snowmobiling:A trailhead is at located at milepost 1 on Blue Mountain Road #365. When the gate is closed, Blue Mountain Road #365 is available for snowmobiling. Snowmobiling is prohibited below the gate and in the "no snowmobile area" located in the Blue Mountain Recreation Area East Zone. Get a free Over Snow Vehicle Use Map before snowmobiling in the forest.
| Difficulty Level: | Intermediate |
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Related Information
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Location