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Clark Fork River – Jacob's Island loop from Hellgate High School

Routes

Bike touring routes & trails

Clark Fork River – Jacob's Island loop from Hellgate High School

Hard

2.9

(18)

riders

Clark Fork River – Jacob's Island loop from Hellgate High School

02:49

34.5km

550m

Cycling

Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: May 27, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through protected areas

Please check local regulations for:

Rattlesnake National Recreation Area

Lolo National Forest

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

2.51 km

Clark Fork River

Highlight • River

The Clark Fork is the river that runs through Missoula. The Kim Williams Trail runs parallel to its course. Many parks and walking and cycling paths border the river.

Tip by

20.9 km

Trailhead - Lolo National Forest

Highlight • Trail

This is a jumping off point for a lot of trails. There's a couple of easy options that roll through the valley and some others that climb up the ridgelines and lead to some great descents.

Tip by

31.3 km

Jacob's Island

Highlight • Natural

Jacob's Island is a dog park on the banks of Clark Fork River. The park is 6 acres and the river works as a beautiful natural barrier for the dogs. …

Tip by

34.5 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

12.1 km

8.58 km

7.79 km

3.63 km

2.18 km

221 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

13.8 km

10.9 km

9.33 km

267 m

183 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (1,490 m)

Lowest point (970 m)

Weather

Sunday 5 July

32°C

10°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 25.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Comments

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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.

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Description

If you're looking for a challenging yet rewarding touring cycling route right from the heart of Missoula, the Clark Fork River – Jacob's Island loop from Hellgate High School delivers. This difficult 21.4-mile (34.5 km) route packs in 1791 feet (546 metres) of climbing, taking around 2 hours and 48 minutes to complete. It's a solid choice for experienced cyclists ready for varied terrain and stunning river views.

What to expect on Clark Fork River – Jacob's Island loop from Hellgate High School

Expect a dynamic ride as you follow the scenic Clark Fork River, transitioning between well-paved sections and unpaved dirt paths that can get narrower and bumpier, especially further east. The route offers picturesque views, including the confluence of the Clark Fork and Blackfoot Rivers, with prominent local peaks like Mount Sentinel and Mount Jumbo framing the landscape. Jacob's Island itself provides a mix of paved and unpaved trails through lush riparian zones, where you might spot wildlife like bald eagles or osprey. This loop requires good fitness, making it best suited for touring cyclists comfortable with varied surfaces and some elevation.

Planning your visit

Planning your ride is straightforward, as the loop starts conveniently from Hellgate High School. While specific parking details aren't provided, it's generally wise to arrive earlier in the day to secure a spot, especially on weekends. Given the varied terrain and potential for sun exposure along the river, always carry enough water, particularly during warmer months. This route offers a unique opportunity to experience nature close to the city, making it enjoyable throughout the cycling season.