Mini Adventures Near Missoula

You don't have to travel from Missoula to find an awesome adventure in Montana. Yes, Glacier and Yellowstone National Park aren't too far, but you can save on gas with several different day or half-day trips by venturing a little closer. Whether you're looking for a day at the lake or an hour in the sky, mini-adventures near Missoula have what you need to spice up the mundane. We’ve collected some mini adventures nearby to color your weekends. Check them out and let us know what we've missed:

Hike the M

Hiking the M Trail is a quintessential Missoula experience that every Grizzly does before graduation day. This trail features thirteen switchbacks up the side of Mount Sentinel. At the top, you’ll find a gorgeous view of Missoula laid out right in front of you and a big concrete M behind you: the perfect photo op.

Read More: The Iconic "M" Trail at the University of Montana 

Paragliding Mount Sentinel 

Need a more up-close and personal view of Missoula? Take to the skies with Glide Missoula! This hang-gliding club helps keep aviation sports alive in Missoula, with their Mount Sentinel and Mount Jumbo routes. As a popular launch site, you’ll often see flyers soaring overhead, taking in Missoula from the air. 

More Information: Glide Missoula 

Explore the Clark Fork River and Blackfoot River 

The Blackfoot River and Clark Fork River are both great options for floating, rafting, fishing or just soaking in the cool waters on a hot Montana day. Blackfoot has class II-III rapids that you can raft with a guide and explore the natural surroundings from the water. You might even see some bald eagles, deer, or elk as you float down.

The Clark Fork is much calmer and a better choice for those hoping for a leisurely float. With jumping off points at Ben Hughes Park, Sha-Ron River Access Point or Milltown, you have total control over how long you’re on the river. Join the locals who float the river, listen to music and bring a cold beverage to fight off those hot Missoula summers.

Hike in Pattee Canyon National Recreation Area

Pattee Canyon Recreation Area is open year-round for hikers, bikers, disc-golfers, skiers and dog walkers, less than a five-minute drive from campus. Pattee Canyon has 27 miles of trails for you to explore, connecting to the Clark Fork River and the University of Montana areas. With these scenic trails and all-year access, it’s a great opportunity to get outside and get lost in the wilderness while still being in Missoula.

Explore Blue Mountain National Recreation Area 

Blue Mountain Recreation Area is 41 miles of trail systems that go from open hillsides to covered trails and rivers. You can do anything in this year-round mountain area: hiking, skiing, fishing, biking, boating, horse riding, camping and more. The opportunities are endless and it’s just a 15-minute drive from Missoula, offering views of the Sapphire and Rattlesnake Mountains for company.

Camp and Hike in Rattlesnake National Recreation Area

The Rattlesnake National Recreation Area and Wilderness sits just four miles from Missoula. With activities like cross-country skiing, hiking, mountain biking, trail running and horseback riding, it’s a great option for anyone hoping to get outside of Missoula proper. It has scenic lakes, forested ridges, mountain peaks and the Missoula valley to gawk at. Hike far enough into the Rattlesnake and you'll stumble upon the Rattlesnake Wilderness, filled with enough backcountry access to camp the year away. 

Drive Down the Bitterroot Valley

The Bitterroot Valley is 90 miles long and stretches between Missoula and Sula, Montana. Full of lakes and rivers and mountains, there’s nothing you can’t do with the Bitterroot in your backyard. Lake Como is one of the more popular lakes, a great spot for camping, hiking, boating and lounging on the beach.

Paddle at Seeley Lake

Seeley Lake, an hour's drive from Missoula, is a hub of adventure for anyone who likes to fish, hike, or go boating. You can hike to the popular Morrell Falls and feel the spray of a waterfall on your face, a 4.5-mile round-trip and pine-filled heaven. You can also rent a boat to explore the lake itself. The lake is also home to several popular campgrounds.

Soak in a Hot Spring

Missoula is also near a few natural hot springs. Jerry Johnson and Weir Creek Hot Springs are great options to submerge yourself in nature. About an hour outside of town, these spots offer beautiful hikes to wonderfully warm hot springs, available year-round! Winter or summer, rain or shine, these pools offer comfort and a lovely view of the forest around you.

Ski or Hike  Lolo Pass

Lolo Pass sits right between the Idaho and Montana border, ready for your recreational reverie! It has great trails for hiking and horseback riding in the summer and is equally enticing in the winter with snowshoeing or snowmobiling. Other appealing activities nearby include Lolo Hot Springs.

Meet some Mountain Goats at Jewel Basin Hiking Area 

The Jewel Basin Hiking Area, located just outside of Kalispel, is a very popular spot for hiking, backpacking, fishing and wildlife viewing. There are over 20 lakes to cast out and enjoy, either for the views or the fish. It's approximately a 90-minute drive to reach the Camp Misery trailhead, the most popular trailhead of the area, and makes for a great alternative to Glacier National Park (and way less crowded!)

Swim, Boat & Explore Flathead Lake

At almost 200 square miles, Flathead Lake is a great getaway for water lovers. Boating, fishing, sailing, swimming, and driving around the scenic loop- all these activities for you to enjoy. They even have a rollercoaster! The seven different state recreation areas will keep you coming back for more. As it’s a bit farther from Missoula, approximately a 90-minute drive, this mini adventure is a great option for a weekend trip with friends or family.

Take a Auto Tour of The CSKT Bison Range

The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribe Bison Range is a historic wildlife conservation area with about 350 bison today. You can drive the scenic loop on a self-guided tour that takes about 2 hours. The loop, on Red Sleep Drive, is only open between May and October and has a couple of walking trails for you to enjoy. The CSKT is less than a 90-minute drive north from Missoula.

Learn More: CSKT Bison Range  

Go on a Bikepacking Trip

Another common outing is to bikepack to any of these locations! Just strap on your camping gear and get pedaling toward your destination. Bikepacking is a great way to add more adventure to your journey, toughing it out on the open road or trails around Missoula and spending time outdoors.

Interested in a longer adventure? Check out these other blogs to explore our bountiful backyard and other gems of The Treasure State:

Take a Hike! Best Hiking Trails near Missoula

Epic Montana Road Trips from Missoula 

25 Summer Activities In and Around Misssoula 

Your Guide to Skiing and Snowboarding Around Missoula

Eight Walking Paths to Clear Your Mind 

Madison Knapp is a student at the University of Montana majoring in Creative Writing and minoring in French. She is an out-of-state student and is thoroughly enjoying her time at UM. She is also a DHC student and a proud member of the Grizzly Marching Band.