The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Missoula

This guide features nearly a dozen family-friendly hiking routes around Missoula. Most of these, specifically 7 out of 9, are rated as easy, making them perfect for families with children or those looking for a relaxed outing.

Yes, Missoula offers several easy loop trails that are great for families. For instance, the Clark Fork River – Beartracks Bridge loop from Missoula and the Clark Fork River – McCormick Park loop from Missoula are both excellent choices, offering pleasant riverside walks without significant elevation gain. The Maclay Flat Nature Trail, mentioned in regional research, is also a wide, level loop perfect for families.

Many trails in Missoula offer beautiful scenery. The Kim Williams Trail, for example, winds along the Clark Fork River and even features a small waterfall. For panoramic views of the Missoula Valley, Mount Sentinel, and the Clark River, trails on Mount Jumbo or Waterworks Hill are highly recommended, though some sections might be steeper. The Maclay Flat Nature Trail provides lovely river and mountain views, with opportunities for wildlife spotting.

The Kim Williams Nature Trail is an excellent option for strollers. It's a leisurely, mostly flat, and paved path that runs along the Clark Fork River, connecting to several downtown parks. The Maclay Flat Nature Trail is also wide, level, and surfaced, making it suitable for strollers.

Missoula's diverse natural areas offer chances to spot various wildlife. Along river trails like the Kim Williams Nature Trail and Maclay Flat Nature Trail, you might see birds, deer, and other small mammals. Pattee Canyon Recreation Area is also known for its wildlife. Spring brings vibrant wildflowers, including Montana's state flower, the bitterroot, particularly visible on Waterworks Hill.

Many trails in Missoula are dog-friendly, but it's always best to check specific trail regulations before you go. Generally, dogs are welcome on leash in most recreation areas. Trails like those in Pattee Canyon and Blue Mountain Recreation Area are popular choices for dog walkers, offering plenty of space for your furry friends to enjoy the outdoors with you.

Missoula's trails often lead to or pass by notable landmarks. The iconic The M Trail on Mount Sentinel offers stunning views. The Kim Williams Trail connects to downtown parks and features a waterfall. You can also find historical remnants in Pattee Canyon. McCormick Park is another accessible highlight along the river.

Spring, summer, and fall all offer wonderful conditions for family hikes in Missoula. Spring brings wildflowers and lush greenery. Summer is perfect for enjoying the river and shaded trails. Fall offers beautiful foliage and cooler temperatures. While some trails are accessible in winter, always check conditions for snow and ice, especially on higher elevations.

Absolutely. Many of the trails along the Clark Fork River are very flat, making them ideal for young children. The Milwaukee to Kim Williams Trail has minimal elevation gain, as do the Kim Williams Trail city park loops. These routes focus on easy walking and enjoying the riverside scenery.

The duration of family-friendly hikes in Missoula varies, but many are designed to be manageable for shorter outings. For example, the Milwaukee to Kim Williams Trail can be completed in under an hour, while the Clark Fork River – Beartracks Bridge loop takes around 45 minutes. Longer options like the Kim Williams Trail city park loops might take closer to 1.5 to 2 hours, allowing for more exploration.

The family-friendly trails in Missoula are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Reviewers often praise the easy accessibility, the beautiful riverside scenery, and the well-maintained paths that make for enjoyable outings with children. The variety of trails, from paved river walks to more natural woodland paths, is also frequently highlighted.