Best Easy Hikes Near Missoula

Getting outside to enjoy nature before the smoke settles in is crucial for us Missoulians. Whether you venture out to walk the pups or just to get some fresh air, there are several short hikes you can take.

Why Quick Hikes Are Perfect Right Now

We are lucky in the sense that you do not have to travel far for a great hike. In fact, some of the best trails are minutes from downtown.

For example, one of my favorites is Waterworks Hill near the Rattlesnake. This 3.5-mile trail climbs gradually through blooming wildflowers in the spring. The trek is not too strenuous, and at the top, you're rewarded with panoramic views of Missoula tucked between mountain ridges and the winding Clark Fork River.

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Just across town, the famous “M Trail” rises steeply above the University of Montana campus. The zigzagged 1.2-mile climb is steep and really tests your calves, but there are several benches to stop along the way to take in the scenery. It’s a rite of passage for students, locals, and visitors alike. When you reach the top, you have to take your obligatory victory picture with the sweeping valley in the background. Back when I was younger, I would wear a weighted vest and run these switchbacks. These days I stick to walking.

Sometimes something quieter but equally iconic is nice. Mount Jumbo “L” Trail is a 1.7-mile hike with rolling hills, blooming balsamroot, and another lettered hillside to conquer. The trail winds through gentle slopes and eventually opens to a pretty awesome overlook, where the hills of the Rattlesnake stretch out to the north. What does the L stand for, you ask? Well, it is for the Loyola High School students who constructed it.

For those seeking shaded paths and less crowded conditions, Pattee Canyon offers miles of interlocking forest trails. Though some loops stretch up to 8 miles, many are perfect for a quick stroll or jog among towering pines. It’s a local favorite of mine for a reason: close to town, quiet, and filled with the scent of fir and cedar.

Then there’s one of my favorite people-watching spots; the Kim Williams Nature Trail hugs the Clark Fork River for nearly 10 miles. It’s popular with runners, bikers, dog walkers, and birdwatchers, and it’s fully paved, which is nice if you don’t want mud on your boots. I usually saunter along this trail eating Big Dipper Ice cream.

Maclay Flats, near Blue Mountain, is a gentle 1.7-mile loop hugging the Bitterroot River. It’s an easy walk, with just 9 feet of elevation gain, and offers picnic areas, river views, and that wide-open Montana sky. This is my pup’s favorite place to cool off in the summer.

My all-time quick getaway is Blue Mountain Recreation Area, where trails weave through forests and meadows and can be tailored to almost any distance or difficulty. This is my go-to when I need a quick breather, but don't want to travel too far from home.

Whether you want a heart-pumping hill climb, a meditative riverside stroll, or a shady forest loop, Missoula has plenty to offer. Be sure to let me know your favorite short hiking trail that I missed.