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There are many great hikes in and around Missoula, Montana. Some of the best include the Lolo Peak Trail, which offers stunning views of the Bitterroot Valley; the Rattlesnake Wilderness Area, which has miles of trails to explore; and Mount Sentinel, which has a short but strenuous hike to the summit.
Missoula is a nature lover’s paradise, and there are plenty of great hikes to explore. Missoula has something to offer, whether you’re looking for an easy day hike or a more extended backpacking trip. Here are some of the best hikes in Missoula:
- The Bitterroot Trail is a beautiful trail that follows the Bitterroot River through the valley. It’s about 40 miles long, so it’s perfect for a more extended backpacking trip.
- The Lolo Peak Trail is an excellent option for those looking for a challenging hike. It climbs to Lolo Peak, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
- For a more leisurely day hike, check out the Rattlesnake Recreation Area trails. Several short trails wind through forests and meadows – perfect for getting fresh air and enjoying nature close to town.
10 Great Things to do in Missoula, Montana!
How Hard is the Hike to the M in Missoula?
The M in Missoula is a popular hiking destination for locals and visitors alike. The hike to the M is considered moderate in difficulty, with an elevation gain of approximately 1,000 feet. The trail is well-marked and relatively easy to follow.
However, there are a few sections that are steep and may require some scrambling. Overall, the hike should take about 2-3 hours to complete.
Missoula Hikes With Views
If you’re looking for breathtaking views while hiking in Missoula, look no further! Here are four excellent trails that will give you some of the best vistas in town:
- The “M” Trail: This trail is one of the most popular in Missoula, and for a good reason! From the top of the “M”, you’ll have 360-degree views of the city and surrounding mountains. The hike is about 3 miles round trip and relatively easy to moderate in difficulty.
- Rattlesnake National Recreation Area: Just a short drive from downtown Missoula, Rattlesnake National Recreation Area offers over 50 miles of trails to explore. And with plenty of high points along the way, you’re sure to find some great views. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, too – this is prime grizzly bear territory!
- Lolo Peak: If you’re up for a bit more challenge, head to Lolo Peak for some serious elevation gain (over 4,000 feet!). The rewards are worth it, though – on a clear day, you can see Idaho from the summit.
- Montana Snowbowl: Last but not least, Montana Snowbowl should be on your list if you love extensive mountain views. Even in summertime, there’s still plenty of snow around here! Take the Aerial Tramway up 2,600 feet and then hike another mile to reach the summit of Mt. Jumbo – trust us, it’s worth it.
Waterfall Hikes near Missoula
Are you looking to add a little more adventure to your weekend? Why not try one of these waterfall hikes near Missoula!
- Palouse Falls: This beautiful fall is located in eastern Washington, about a 3-hour drive from Missoula. At 198 feet, it’s the state’s tallest waterfall and worth the trip! An easy 1-mile loop trail takes you to different viewpoints of the falls.
- Silver Falls: Located in the Bitterroot National Forest, Silver Falls is a series of waterfalls on Silver Creek. The trail is just over 2 miles long and takes you past all six falls – a must-see!
- Rainbow Falls: Rainbow Falls is another excellent option if you’re looking for an easy hike with stunning views. The falls are located on Rock Creek, about 30 minutes from Missoula. The 0.8-mile out-and-back trail takes you to the base of the falls – be sure to bring your camera!
North Loop Trail Missoula
The North Loop Trail is a scenic trail located in Missoula, Montana. The trailhead is located at the north end of town, near the University of Montana campus. The trail winds its way through the scenic forests and mountains surrounding Missoula.
It offers stunning views of the city and valley below and access to many of the area’s best hiking trails. The North Loop Trail is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike.
Conclusion
Assuming you would like a summary of the blog post titled “Best Hikes in Missoula”, here is a brief overview: The author lists their top five favourite hikes in Missoula, Montana. In first place is the Lolo Peak Trail, which offers stunning views of the Bitterroot Valley.
Second on the list is Rattlesnake National Recreation Area, which has over 50 miles of trails to explore. The third is Rock Creek Park, which has various tracks to suit all skill levels. Fourth is the M and M Trail, which takes you through forests and meadows with great views of Mount Jumbo.
