Things To Do
Pattee Canyon Recreation Area
This trail system is one of our favorites in Missoula. Head out from the Pattee Canyon parking area or Crazy Canyon parking area to walk around beautiful Ponderosa Pines. Most trails have a little incline, but are moderately tasking at most. For a nice loop with a good view, google the Larch Camp Loop trail, 1.5 mile loop.
Lincoln Hills Trailhead
This is one of Emma and Garbanzo's favorites for mountain biking, but it makes for a great hiking spot as well. Trails that wander around an alpine meadow with access to ascend Mt Jumbo if you're feeling spicy. The North Loop takes you up a bit for good views down into the Rattlesnake Recreation area and also down to East Missoula.
Blodgett Canyon Hike
About a 45 minute drive from Missoula sits Hamilton, MT which is a great lil town for grabbing lunch and provides many different accesses for the Bitterroot Mountains. One of our favorite hikes in that area is the Blodgett Canyon Overlook. The hike is just about 3 miles out and back for a dramatic view down into Blodgett Canyon and has some steep switchbacks to start, but is a very manageable hike for all abilities. Finish off the hard work with lunch at Bitterroot Brewing (fantastic menu overall) or Naps (succulent burgers).
Lolo Creek Steakhouse and Distillery
This is one of our go to dinner date spots. There is often a wait to sit down at the restaurant, but this provides a perfect opportunity grab a cocktail at the Lolo Creek Distillery. The distillery has DELICIOUS cocktails with liquor made on site and a patio with a great view of Lolo Peak. The restaurant is laid back as far as steakhouses go, LOTS of taxidermy, and a filling meal. That said, the menu is almost all steak so if anyone in your party is vegetarian, this may not be the best option.
Glacier National Park
The perfect opportunity for you to visit the "Crown of the Continent." As the nickname suggests, Glacier National Park hosts some of the grandest landscapes in the country, with countless hiking and recreational activities. Glacier is just about 3 hours north of Missoula near Kalispell, MT. There are great sites all over that can help you plan your trip, but here are some simple tips. It is especially important to keep an eye on the parks' websites for info on vehicle and camping reservations! These fill up quickly and Labor Day is the unofficial end of busy season so it could be tight close to the time of our reception. Bear spray is important! Glacier National Park has a sizeable grizzly bear population and bear awareness is key if you plan on visiting. We have few extra cans to share, but Costco also a good deal on a 2 pack. If you run into any questions when planning your trip, reach out to us! We may not be able to answer all questions, but hopefully we can help.
Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park's natural beauty needs no introduction. The park is very close to Bozeman, MT and about 4 hours from Missoula. Aside from the spectacular geothermal attractions and wildlife, the park has a vast amount of hiking and recreational opportunities.
River Adventures
Fishing Western Montana is home to iconic and diverse fishing opportunities. Missoula specifically is home to three rivers (Bitterroot, Blackfoot and Clark Fork) as well as numerous blue ribbon streams. If you do choose to do some casting while here, do not forget to acquire proper licenses. We can provide info regarding easy to access locations and help coordinate outfitters/guides for fly fishing. Rafting/Tubing Missoula has a great river culture with various locations to hop on a tube or a paddleboard and do a lazy float. Tubing supplies and shuttle service can be organized through the Missoula Yacht Club. Paddleboard rentals are available through The Trail Head, an outdoor shop in downtown.
Hot Springs
Western Montana is home to many natural hot springs, some commercialized and others more off the beaten path. Quinn's Hot Springs is a private/commercialized hot spring about an hour West of Missoula. It sits in a canyon along the Clark Fork River with beautiful views and a nice atmosphere. Quinn's requires a little more planning considering reservations and availability. On the more primitive (and free) side of things, there are two hot springs that are close to Missoula (90 min) within the Clearwater National Forest. Jerry Johnson and Weir Hot Springs both are along Highway 12 just across the Montana/Idaho border. These hot spring's are spectacular, but it is important to note that they are in an area that has little to no cellular coverage so plan wisely and do not hesitate to ask us for info.
Missoula Farmer's Market
Saturday morning before our festivities, the Missoula Farmer's Market will be in full swing and is a great place to walk about. Held in Caras Park, you can find farmers, bakers, florists, crafters, and food trucks all from the area while you sip a coffee and enjoy some people watching.
Missoula Restaurant suggestions at a glance
Biga Pizza: our go-to spot for great pizza and salad Zoo Thai: lightly upscale Thai cuisine with great cocktails Wally and Buck: delicious burgers The Camino: fancy, authentic Mexican with excellent cocktails Flora Bella: fancy Italian cuisine with a wide wine selection, upscale atmosphere with a nice patio 1889: fancy steakhouse in the heart of downtown with good cocktails and wine Great coffee houses/ bakeries include: Le Petit Outre, Clyde Coffee, Bernice's Bakery, Morning Bird Bakery Great breweries and cocktail spots include: Draught Works, Western Cider, Kettlehouse Bonner Taproom, Montgomery's Distillery, Plonk, Bayern Brewing, The Dram Shop