Biking

With trails for little ones getting on the bike for the first time, adaptive riders who are looking for an accessible adrenaline rush and experienced bikers who enjoy sending it among beautiful scenery, there’s a ride for you here. From getting around town on Missoula’s accessible, well-connected trails within city limits to riding a downhill trail in the backcountry, you can get there by bike. In this community of riders, you can be sure your day of riding—whether it be between the pines or in the bike lane—will be met with the Missoula charm that brought you here in the first place.

Where can I ride my E-bike in Missoula?

E-bike rules depend on what class of e-bike you’re riding. Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes are allowed on shared-use paths like the Milwaukee Trail and Bitterroot Trail. Class 3 e-bikes, which can provide motor assistance up to 28 mph, are only allowed on streets and are not permitted on primary commuter trails.

Why the difference? Shared-use paths have a 10 mph speed limit, making Class 3 e-bikes too fast for these trails. City Ordinance 12.40.020 prohibits Class 3 e-bikes on primary commuter trails. And if your ride has motor assistance above 28 mph, it doesn’t fall under the standard e-bike classifications and may be categorized differently, such as a moped or electric motorcycle.

So, know your class, know the rules and then get out and explore Missoula on two wheels.

E-bikes are not allowed on dirt singletrack trails on city lands, at Marshall Mountain or on non-motorized trails in US Forest Service lands. This includes the Rattlesnake National Recreation Area, most of Pattee Canyon Recreation Area and the non-motorized trails at Blue Mountain Recreation Area. E-bikes are welcome on the 14 miles of motorized trails at Blue Mountain.

Class 1
How does it work? Motor assist only while pedaling
What type of motor assist? Pedal-assist only
What is the max-assisted speed? 20 MPH max
Where are they allowed? Multi-use paths Streets Bike lanes
Class 2
How does it work? Motor can assist without pedaling
What type of motor assist? Throttle and pedal assist
What is the max-assisted speed? 20 MPH max
Where are they allowed? Multi-use paths Streets Bike lanes
Class 3
How does it work? Motor assist only while pedaling
What type of motor assist? Pedal-assist only
What is the max-assisted speed? 28 MPH max
Where are they allowed? Streets Bike lanes

	Class 1	Class 2	Class 3
How does it work?	Motor assist only while pedaling	Motor can assist without pedaling	Motor assist only while pedaling
What type of motor assist?	Pedal-assist only	Throttle and pedal assist	Pedal-assist only
What is the max-assisted speed?	20 MPH max	20 MPH max	28 MPH max
Where are they allowed?	Multi-use paths Streets Bike lanes	Multi-use paths Streets Bike lanes	Streets Bike lanes

Biking Areas in Missoula

Blue Mountain National Recreation Area

At the Blue Mountain Recreation Area you'll find breathtaking views and a forest-fire lookout at road's end. The 4,900-acre area also features off-road trails for hikers, equestrians, bicyclists, people in wheelchairs and ATV enthusiasts.

Note: E-bikes are welcome on the 14 miles of motorized trails at Blue Mountain. Blue National Recreation Trail #3.01 is accessible with an adaptive bike, not a wheelchair.

Kim Williams Nature Trail

Branching off of the Southside of the riverfront walking trail, the Kim Williams Nature Trail is a great place to walk, run, bicycle or horseback ride. Named in honor of Missoula naturalist Kim Williams, the trail takes you through a 134-acre natural area of the Hellgate Canyon. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife along the river.

Pattee Canyon Recreation Area

The Pattee Canyon Recreation Area has been a favorite Missoula recreation area for years. The 3,200-acre area has an abundance of ponderosa pines and a network of scenic foot, horse, bicycle and cross-country ski trails.

Rattlesnake National Recreation Area and Wilderness

The Rattlesnake National Recreation Area and Wilderness is a 60,000-acre wilderness complex to Missoula's north. The developed trails welcomes a variety of hiking, backpacking, horseback riding and bicycling opportunities.

Note: The Rattlesnake main trail #515 is accessible with an adaptive bike, not a wheelchair.

Marshall Mountain

Marshall Mountain is a mountain biker’s dream featuring the area’s only purpose-built, directional mountain bike trails, including the adaptive-friendly downhill trail “Mission to MARS” and the Missoula Valley’s first sanctioned double-black diamond trail, “Marshall Arts.”

Note: These trails are accessible with an adaptive bike, not a wheelchair.

The Bitterroot Trail

The Bitterroot Trail is a 50-mile paved journey through the Bitterroot and Sapphire Mountains connecting Missoula, Hamilton and all the small towns in between.

To find more information and trail recommendations check out our Peak to Paddle page here. Remember to recreate responsibly as you visit Missoula and explore our many options for outdoor recreation.