Missoula County Parks, Trails & Open Lands

Missoula County Parks, Trails & Open Lands Our program manages 91 parks and more than 40 miles of shared use paths throughout Missoula County.

Project Update! Thanks to the hard work of our nonprofit partners, the Bitterroot Trail Preservation Alliance (BTPA), tw...
06/12/2026

Project Update!

Thanks to the hard work of our nonprofit partners, the Bitterroot Trail Preservation Alliance (BTPA), two new trailside benches have been installed along the Bitterroot Trail between Missoula and Lolo. The project was supported in part through Missoula County's Community Parks & Recreation Grants Program.

These benches provide trail users with a comfortable place to stop, rest, and enjoy views of the Bitterroot River and surrounding scenery.

We're grateful for the dedicated volunteers and community organizations that help enhance our parks, trails, and public spaces. Great work, BTPA!

We’ve updated our web map to make it easier to discover and learn about parks and trails throughout Missoula County! 🌳🗺️...
06/10/2026

We’ve updated our web map to make it easier to discover and learn about parks and trails throughout Missoula County! 🌳🗺️

The new map includes:

🏞️ Park information, including acreage, park type, development status, amenities, access information, photos, and website links (where available)

🥾 Trail information, including length, surface type, trail descriptions, accessibility details, elevation profiles, and photos

Whether you're looking for your next hiking destination, a neighborhood park, or accessible recreation opportunities, this enhanced tool provides detailed information to help you plan your visit.

🔗 Visit https://www.missoulacounty.gov/departments/parks-trails-recreation/ and click “Find a park and trail near you!” to start exploring.

The pickleball nets at O'Keefe Park are officially up and ready for play! 🏓Located at 9665 Bedstraw Loop, this community...
06/08/2026

The pickleball nets at O'Keefe Park are officially up and ready for play! 🏓

Located at 9665 Bedstraw Loop, this community park was recently completed as part of the O'Keefe Ranch Estates development. Because this is a new address, it may not appear on mapping platforms such as Google Maps yet. You can find the park off Victoria Drive in the O'Keefe Ranch Estates neighborhood in the Wye.

As a reminder, wheeled devices, including bikes, rollerblades, scooters, and skateboards are not allowed within the court area. Please help us keep the courts safe, damage-free, and enjoyable for everyone.

See you on the courts!

06/08/2026

:::REGISTER NOW FOR DOG DAYS ULTRA - AUGUST 22-23:::LINK IN COMMENTS.

Founded in 1877, the campus of Fort Missoula has long been a center for physical activity. Soldiers at the Fort performed physical training which included regular runs. In 1896, US Army Lieutenant James A. Moss formed a Bicycle Corp. from members of the 25th Infantry Buffalo Soldiers. In 1897, the Bicycle Corp. would complete an epic ride from Missoula, Montana to St. Louis, Missouri. The ride would take the soldiers 41 days to traverse 1900 unpaved miles.

The name “Dog Days” is in tribute to Fort Missoula’s unofficial mascot, Sergeant Bozo. In 1928, soldiers at the Fort adopted a three-week-old puppy found as a stray. By 1932, Bozo had won the hearts of Fort Missoula’s soldiers and was given the title of Honorary Master Sergeant. Bozo would have his run of the Fort for ten years. He would reportedly respond to bugle calls and was especially fond of mess call. Today Sergeant Bozo’s pawprints can still be found in the cement pad in front of the Fort’s Powder Magazine building.

Run Wild Missoula’s Dog Days Ultra honors Sergeant Bozo, the history of physical fitness at Fort Missoula, and the momentous achievement of the Buffalo Soldiers in 1897. The land on which the Dog Days Ultra is held (Missoula County Big Sky Park) was once part of the Fort Missoula Military Reservation which was established by an 1878 Executive Order from the desk of President Ulysses S. Grant.

A portion of the proceeds from Dog Days Ultra benefits the Friends of the Historical Museum and helps us keep Missoula County history alive for the education and enjoyment of the public.

Link to participate in Missoula's first 24-hour -closed loop race in the comments.

📣 Pavilion Volunteer Workday UpdateDue to thunderstorms and showers in the forecast, we are postponing today's planned c...
06/04/2026

📣 Pavilion Volunteer Workday Update

Due to thunderstorms and showers in the forecast, we are postponing today's planned community timber-oiling workday.

The workday has been rescheduled to Thursday, June 11, beginning at 4:30 pm at Clinton Community Park.

Thank you for your support, and we look forward to seeing you there!

📣 It’s that time of year again! Missoula County is accepting nominations for the 2026 Land Stewardship Award. Do you kno...
06/03/2026

📣 It’s that time of year again! Missoula County is accepting nominations for the 2026 Land Stewardship Award.

Do you know an outstanding landowner, volunteer, or land manager who deserves recognition for their commitment to caring for the land? Nominate them by June 15 at the following link:

https://www.missoulacounty.gov/departments/open-lands/land-stewardship-award/

Who is eligible?

Private landowners, managers or volunteers conducting outstanding stewardship practices, activities, or projects on private land within Missoula County.

We are seeking stewardship practices that provide lasting benefits to the landscape, natural resources, and community. This can include efforts that protect open space, improve water quality, enhance riparian areas and wildlife habitat, promote healthy soils, preserve historic agricultural structures, or demonstrate other creative and beneficial stewardship practices that others can learn from.

Award recipients are recognized by Missoula County Commissioners in both a special public meeting and at a celebration event that takes place in the awardee’s local community. The awardee also receives an individual plaque for their outstanding land stewardship, and a nameplate on an award plaque that lists all other past award recipients.

See past award recipients here ➡ https://storymaps.arcgis.com/collections/10728d976f504c68967a6e2031e869f3

We're excited to announce that the new picnic pavilion at Clinton Community Park is now complete! This 720-square-foot t...
06/01/2026

We're excited to announce that the new picnic pavilion at Clinton Community Park is now complete!

This 720-square-foot timber frame structure provides a beautiful new gathering space and shade for park visitors to enjoy for years to come. This project was made possible through a combination of local grants and foundation funding.

Over the coming weeks, picnic tables will be installed. The disturbed areas surrounding the pavilion will also be reseeded.

Community members are invited to join us for a volunteer timber-oiling workday on Thursday, June 4, beginning at 4:30 pm at the park. Pizza will be provided for volunteers.

Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend! We’re sharing this historic photo of a group enjoying a picnic along a stream — po...
05/30/2026

Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend!

We’re sharing this historic photo of a group enjoying a picnic along a stream — possibly Rattlesnake Creek — around 1923. More than 100 years later, parks, trails, and open spaces continue to bring people together to relax, explore, and enjoy the outdoors.

Where’s your favorite spot to spend a sunny afternoon?

Image courtesy of Montana History Portal.

River season is almost here, and our river parks are a great place to access the water! Before you head out, remember th...
05/28/2026

River season is almost here, and our river parks are a great place to access the water! Before you head out, remember that rivers are powerful, cold, and constantly changing. Help keep yourself, your family, and others safe by following a few simple water safety tips:

🌊 Always wear a life jacket
🌊 Keep a close eye on children and pets
🌊 Avoid alcohol while floating or boating
🌊 Check river conditions and weather before you go
🌊 Stay off logs, debris, and fast-moving currents
🌊 Pack out trash and help keep our parks and rivers clean

Even experienced swimmers can be caught off guard by cold water and swift currents. Make safety part of every river adventure so everyone can enjoy our parks all season long.

This Memorial Day, we remember and honor the service members who gave their lives for our country. As you enjoy time out...
05/25/2026

This Memorial Day, we remember and honor the service members who gave their lives for our country. As you enjoy time outdoors this holiday, we encourage everyone to take a moment to reflect on the meaning of the day.

If you’re heading out to our parks and trails, please recreate responsibly and help keep these spaces beautiful for all.

Address

131 East Main Street
Missoula, MT
59802

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+14062584657

Website

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