Overview
Marshall Mountain sits east of Missoula and its ski area terrain provides a unique summer hiking experience in the Lolo National Forest, combining open ski-run views with forested ridge travel in a moderately challenging 7.6-mile round trip. The ski area is not operational in summer, so the open runs function as grassy meadows with broad sight lines across Montana's Clark Fork Valley.
The trail climbs from Marshall Canyon through lower forest, ascends through the ski area terrain with expanding views, and continues to the upper ridge above the ski area's highest lift. The summit area looks north to the Mission Mountains and south to the Bitterroot Range on clear days.
The Route
Marshall Canyon Approach (0 to 1.5 miles)
The lower canyon section follows a forested drainage through ponderosa and Douglas fir. The grade is moderate and the trail is well-maintained. A small seasonal stream in the lower canyon provides a water source for filtering. The forest canopy provides morning shade through this section.
Ski Area Terrain (1.5 to 3.0 miles)
The trail exits the canyon and enters the open terrain of the ski runs. In summer this appears as broad grassy slopes with wildflowers and the occasional remnant of ski infrastructure. The views open dramatically in this section, with Missoula visible below and the Clark Fork Valley spreading to the west. The exposure is significant on hot days.
Upper Ridge (3.0 to 3.8 miles)
Above the ski area the trail re-enters forest on the upper ridge and the character shifts back to a wooded mountain route. The elevation gain moderates slightly and the trail terminates at the ridge high point with views in all directions. Return via the same route.
When to Hike
May through October is the accessible season, with the lower canyon trail clear from mid-April in most years. The ski area terrain is most pleasant in June and September when temperatures moderate.
Summer afternoons can be hot on the exposed ski run sections. Morning starts keep the climbing in shadow during the lower canyon and hit the ski terrain in moderate mid-morning temperatures.
October offers excellent fall light and color in the aspens visible from the ski run sections. Conditions are stable and crowd pressure is minimal.
What to Bring
Many hikers carry 2 to 3 liters of water for this outing, given the long exposed section on the ski runs. Sun protection is particularly important in the open terrain. Trekking poles help on the steeper canyon sections.
The ski runs are grass in summer but can be dewy and slick early in the morning. Trail shoes with grip perform better than road shoes in these conditions.
Trailhead Access
Marshall Canyon Trailhead is on Marshall Canyon Road, accessed from Highway 200 northeast of Missoula. The road is paved to near the trailhead. No fee or permit is required (as of 2026). A vault restroom is present. Parking accommodates approximately 15 vehicles.
Dogs are permitted and the open ski terrain is popular with off-leash dogs when conditions allow.
Nearby
Marshall Mountain complements the Missoula front-range trail network. Pattee Canyon Trail is the city's most-used loop trail. Rattlesnake Creek Trail provides the urban wilderness experience. For a more demanding summit, Stuart Peak Trail is the area's hardest front-range hike.
Review conditions before visiting using the USFS guide. The ski area terrain can be muddy and trail conditions on the runs vary with precipitation. Follow Leave No Trace principles throughout.