Pattee Canyon Picnic Area

PATTEE CANYON PICNIC AREA

Overview

The Pattee Canyon Picnic Area offers family picnic sites available for free, along with three group picnic sites available by reservation. The picnic area is open July 1 through Labor Day.

Facilities

The picnic area offers several individual- and group-sized picnic sites. The roads are paved and the group sites have trash collection receptacles and accessible vault toilets. Drinking water is not available at the picnic area. A host may be on-site during summer months.

Natural Features

Set in a wooded canyon east of Missoula, at 4,100 feet, the picnic site is pleasantly shaded by large ponderosa pine trees.

Recreation

The Pattee Canyon Recreation Area is a popular spot for day hikes, mountain biking, horseback riding and picnicking. There are several trailheads in the area. Cross-country skiing is popular in the area during winter months.

Nearby Attractions

Pattee Canyon Picnic Area is located four miles southeast of Missoula.

Important Notices

From April 1 to December 1, all food and attractants must be secured from bears and other wildlife
Drinking water is not provided at the picnic area
The area is for day use only; no overnight camping allowed
Click here for more information on the Lolo National Forest
Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.

Available Activities

WILDLIFE VIEWING - Wildlife Viewing
WINTER SPORTS - Cross Country Skiing
HIKING - Hiking
CAMPING - Camping
BIKING - Mountain Biking

Directions

From I-90 in Missoula, take the Orange Street exit #104 and travel south. Turn left onto West Front Street and go 0.2 miles to South Higgins Avenue, then turn right. Continue on South Higgins Avenue for about 2.7 miles to Pattee Canyon Road, then turn left. On Pattee Canyon Road, travel 4 miles heading (east) up the canyon. Look for the Pattee Canyon Picnic Area sign and entrance.

Contact Information

Phone: 406-329-3814

24 FORT MISSOULA ROAD
MISSOULA, MT 59804

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip

Available Campsites

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