Outdoor Recreation

With a river running through the heart of town and miles of hiking trails surrounding the city, outdoor recreation is a big part of living in Missoula.

Avid fishing enthusiasts arrive from all over the world to experience the famed waters from Norman Maclean’s A River Runs Through It. Just to the east and north of Missoula are Rock Creek, famous for blue ribbon trout,and the Blackfoot River. The Clark Fork River runs straight through Missoula and is a favorite spot for all types of water activities including fishing and float trips and the Bitterroot River is directly south of town.

Kayaking, paddle boarding, surfing, floating, rafting- the list goes on and on. Summer brings opportunities to float through town on the Clark Fork River. For the more adventurous, the Lochsa and Selway rivers are nearby and are popular with those looking for an exciting float.

Wax up your skis or snowboard and hit the slopes! There are plenty of choices when it comes to ski areas around Missoula. From groomed easy greens to back country adventures, you"re sure to find the right slope close to Missoula.

​Missoula is surrounded by fantastic cross country skiing opportunities including many areas with groomed trails that are maintained throughout the season.

Tee it up and play 18 holes under the Big Sky! Missoula offers a wide array of golf courses suited for every kind of player. With the long daylight hours of summer you can easily fit in a round after work!

Mountain biking miles of exhilarating trails or cruising around town, you'll quickly discover why Missoula has been dubbed a gold level bike-friendly city. On any given day, you may well see more bikes parked landlocked up than cars in downtown. Missoula's bicycle system includes more than20 miles of bike lanes and routes on major streets. Head ten minutes from the heart of downtown and you can put yourself on a scenic slope surrounded by nothing but nature.

Ancient cedar forests, wildflower filled meadows,mountaintop vistas, and gin clear lakes. Whether you’re looking for an evening stroll or a full day adventure,these are just a few of the surprises that await within an hour of downtown Missoula. Discover area trails with the Montana Wilderness Association’s online hiking guide, hikewildmontana.org, or join others on one of 100+ guided Wilderness Walks.​

Western Montana has many diverse and plentiful hunting opportunities, ranging from elk and deer to upland birds and black bear. With natural habitats like the Bob Marshall Wilderness, Glacier Country has something for nearly everyone. Hunting guides and outfitters are available to help you plan your next expedition. For information on hunting regulations and licensing, visit www.fwp.mt.gov/hunting.

Missoula is home to incredible disc golf courses and has played host to the Zoo Town Open, bringing professional disc golfers to our home courses:

Blue Mountain Disc Golf Course
Pattee Canyon Disc Golf Course