Missoula, MT

Address:Missoula, Montana

Pack up your hiking gear and a few good books, and you're ready to visit Missoula, Montana. Missoula is called the Garden City because of its mild winters, with beautiful weather year-round. There are plenty of outdoor activities to choose from during every season, including hiking, skiing, fishing, and biking. The town is also known for its literature, as many authors happen to reside in the area, as do many students from the University of Montana. Missoula is particularly popular for young travelers and students who enjoy a Bohemian-type atmosphere in the middle of the wilderness.

Missoula was originally home to the Salish, Pend d'Oreille, and Kootenai Native American tribes until Lewis and Clark came through the Missoula Valley in 1805. In 1860 the area was settled by the Europeans. The settlers opened a successful trading market called the Hellgate Village, which is now known as Wordens Market on Higgins Street downtown. The name "Missoula" came from a mispronunciation of the Salish name for the area "Nemissoolatakoo." Today the town's economy relies on the University of Montana and the Forest Service.

Fishermen, and especially fly fishermen, will want to take advantage of the superb fishing opportunities at Rock Creek, a blue ribbon trout stream, as well as visit several other fisheries surrounding the Missoula area. Visiting hunters may also enjoy hunting elk, deer, antelope, moose, big horn sheep, and more, along with the locals who'll be able to show them the best spots. Inexperienced visitors can hire a hunting guide to help navigate the area, or get more information on what game is available from the helpful Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks.

The wilderness surrounding Missoula is the perfect spot for a getaway from city life. In fact, hikers may not encounter other people on the trails for several days. The Rattlesnake Wilderness Area, The Selway Bitterroot Wilderness, The Pintler, Mission Mountain and Welcome Creek Wilderness Area are all great suggestions for an extended hike. The Lolo National Forest surrounds Missoula, with 1,800 miles of hiking trails.

Winter skiers will enjoy cross country, telemark and alpine skiing throughout Missoula's wilderness. The Rattlesnake Recreation Area and the Pattee Canyon Recreation area, both on the edge of town, have miles of snow-packed trails.

Whitewater rafting is also a popular activity, with rentals available. Several guide companies are available to help you navigate through the Missoula whitewater and wilderness, including 10,000 Waves-Raft & Kayak Adventures, Lewis & Clark Trail Adventures, Montana Backcountry & River Guides, Western Waters & Woods, Wild Rockies Tours, and Pangaea Expedition. You're in for a treat on these raging rapids!

For a quick bite to eat after your adventures in Missoula, visit Hoagieville for a satisfying sandwich. For a family dinner, check out Arriba Fresh Mexican Grill in the Southgate Mall—try the pumpkin soup! The best-kept secret in Missoula is the Iron Horse Brew Pub, Inc., which is frequented by young locals looking for good food and beer.

Missoula has plenty of accommodations to choose from, including many motels, hotels, and inns. Some favorites include the Bel Aire Motel, the Foxglove Cottage Bed & Breakfast, Goldsmith's Inn Bed & Breakfast, Hubbard's Ponderosa Lodge, Orange Street Inn, Ruby's Reserve Street Inn, and the Village Red Lion Inn. For traveling students, stop by the Birchwood Youth Hostel, or the Canyon Motel with very cheap rates. Most accommodations are generally very affordable. For the best ambiance, we recommend the Blue Mountain Bed & Breakfast, located halfway between Missoula and Lolo.

Missoula is located in an old, glacial lakebed by the Clark Fork River. Missoula is three hours south of Glacier National Park and 3.5 hours west of Yellowstone National Park. Missoula can be found off of Interstate 90 or Highway 93 in Montana. Plan to stay for a few days in order to enjoy all that Missoula has to offer, and you might even finish those books you've been reading!