Overview
Pattee Canyon Recreation Area sits in the first fold of mountains east of Missoula, so close to the city that the Lolo National Forest boundary begins within a mile of the University of Montana campus. The 5.2-mile main loop through Pattee Canyon is the most-used trail in this section of the forest, serving as a daily training ground for the university's outdoor community, local trail runners, and mountain bikers who treat it as a doorstep playground.
The canyon itself is pleasant Montana ponderosa-fir country: not dramatic in the way of the Bitterroot or Rattlesnake wilderness trails, but consistently enjoyable and well-suited to a morning run or an after-work hike when the longer drives to wilderness trailheads are not an option. In winter, the canyon hosts groomed cross-country ski trails maintained by a local ski club.
The Route
Trailhead and Canyon Entry (0 to 0.8 miles)
The main loop begins at the Pattee Canyon Recreation Area parking lot and follows a well-maintained trail into the canyon. The initial section is wide and gently graded, passing through open ponderosa woodland. Several trail junctions in the first mile offer options for longer or shorter circuits depending on the day's goals. Follow the main loop markers for the 5.2-mile route.
Canyon Climb (0.8 to 2.5 miles)
The trail climbs steadily through the canyon's mid-section on a series of long switchbacks through denser Douglas fir. The elevation gain is moderate and consistent. Views from the upper switchbacks look back toward Missoula and the Clark Fork Valley. Trail runners often pick up speed here on maintained trail surface.
Upper Loop and Ridge (2.5 to 4.0 miles)
The trail crests the upper ridge section and follows gentler terrain along the ridge top with filtered views through the trees. Several spur trails branch off from this section toward other destinations in the recreation area. The upper ridge section connects to extended trail options for those who want to add mileage.
Return Canyon Section (4.0 to 5.2 miles)
The trail descends back into the canyon on a different route from the climb, completing the loop at the trailhead parking area. The lower canyon section in late afternoon catches good light through the ponderosa canopy.
When to Hike
April through November is the full accessible season. The low-elevation canyon trail is one of the first to clear snow in spring and one of the last to accumulate significant snowpack in fall.
Winter brings groomed cross-country ski conditions when snow is sufficient. The recreation area is a community asset in multiple seasons.
Summer mornings see the most trail runner traffic. Hikers who prefer quieter conditions may find mid-week afternoons or early mornings on weekends most pleasant.
What to Bring
The short distance and consistent terrain mean water demands are modest. Many hikers carry a liter for the 5.2-mile loop. No water source is on the trail, so carry what you need from the parking area. The canyon stays cooler than the surrounding valley floor even on hot days.
Multi-use trail etiquette: hikers yield to horses, cyclists yield to hikers, and everyone uses audible signals when overtaking from behind. This trail sees enough combined use that trail manners matter.
Trailhead Access
Pattee Canyon Recreation Area is at the end of Pattee Canyon Drive, accessed from South Higgins Avenue east of Missoula. The road is paved and the parking lot is large with flush restrooms. No fee or permit is required (as of 2026). The trailhead is bikeable from much of Missoula via the city's trail network.
Dogs are welcome and common. A water bowl at the trailhead is sometimes present courtesy of trail volunteers, but don't count on it.
Nearby
Pattee Canyon is the quick local option for Missoula hikers. Rattlesnake Creek Trail to the north is the city's other frontcountry standard, with more creek character and wilderness access. Sheriffs Flat Loop offers a bench-top alternative with valley views. For a full-day outing, Stuart Peak Trail is the area's summit challenge.
Practice Leave No Trace principles on this high-traffic trail, where compaction and social trails are ongoing concerns near the trailhead. Check trail conditions in shoulder season when the trail surface can be muddy after wet weather.