Missoula draws many visitors and residents with its unspoiled beauty and abundance of recreational activities. There are thousands of miles of trails for biking and hiking. The same trails are used for cross-country skiing and snowmobiling in the winter. Guide services are available for whitewater rafting, fishing, hunting and backpacking. Bird watching is popular, as Missoula is located on a major flyway for migrating birds.

As far as water sports are concerned, the Clark Fork River is renowned for its whitewater rafting. Hell Gate Canyon contains Class II, III and IV rapids, as well as places to swim, fish and look for wildlife such as eagles, kingfish, moose, deer and mountain lions. The Blackfoot River meets the Clark Fork east of the canyon. The Blackfoot rapids are Class II and III and the area provides breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains and verdant nearby meadows.

Two ski areas are 20 minutes away from Missoula. Blacktail Mountain is surrounded by 1000 acres of national forest and offers skiing and snowboarding on 24 uncrowded runs. Montana Snowbowl is tucked between two peaks and provides 2600 feet of vertical drop for skiers and snowboarders. The backside of Snowbowl is filled with groomed trails, open areas and challenging runs that wind through the trees. Lolo Pass and Seeley Lake Fun Center are excellent snowmobiling areas. The Pattee Canyon Complex offers groomed cross-country skiing trails and ice skiing trails. Seeley Lake Nordic Run provides the unique opportunity to ski the Olympic Cross County Team’s training trails to anyone brave enough to try.

For those who need to take a break from outdoor recreation, the Art Museum of Missoula and the Historical Museum of Fort Missoula are interesting and educational options. The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and Wildlife Visitor Center has an art gallery and mounts of local wildlife. Smokejumpers Base Aerial Fire Depot contains exhibits, artifacts and photographs showcasing U.S. Forest Service firefighters. The steeple and stained glass of the St. Francis Xavier Church are stunning against the vivid Montana sky. “A Carousel for Missoula” in Caras Park is one of the few completely hand-carved merry-go-rounds remaining in the country. It was built in 1918 by volunteers.

North of Missoula is Glacier National Park. The park covers more than 1 million acres and is home to nearly every species of large animal found in North America. Camping, hiking, horseback riding and fishing are popular activities for visitors. South of Missoula is Yellowstone National Park. Formed in 1872 and covering more than 3400 acres, Yellowstone was the first national park in America. Buffalo, bighorn sheep, elk, moose and pronghorn antelope reside in the park. As impressive as the wildlife -- and perhaps better known -- are the colorful pools, hot springs, bubbling mud pots, and majestic geysers. Walking trails lead to many of the thermal features in the park. Bring a camera!