June was the ideal time to visit Missoula, Montana. The weather was beautiful, with extended daylight hours - chilly in the mornings and warm by afternoon. During our stay, we hiked scenic trails, enjoyed river rafting, browsed charming local boutiques, attended an energetic baseball game, and witnessed a magical butterfly release.
We flew nonstop from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Missoula Montana airport (MSO) in just a few hours – it was quick, smooth, and incredibly convenient! Picking up a rental car at the small airport was effortless. We checked in at the Holiday Inn Missoula Downtown, just 15 minutes away. Our accessible, spacious suite featured visual doorbell lights and a fire alarm with strobe lights. The hotel underwent renovation in 2024, so everything felt fresh and contemporary. Plus, the downtown location was perfect for exploring the city by foot.
To start our adventure, we visited two local favorites: Rockin’ Rudy’s and Caras Nursery. Rockin’ Rudy’s is an iconic Missoula institution – part record store, part quirky gift shop – offering everything from vinyl records and local art to greeting cards and unique novelties. It’s the kind of place where you discover unexpected treasures. Caras Nursery, on the other hand, was filled with gorgeous plants and garden inspiration. I found myself wishing I could take a few home!
For dinner, we headed to Michi Ramen, a cozy spot celebrated for its flavorful broth and perfectly cooked noodles. The ramen was absolute delicious – comforting, rich and satisfying.
Afterwards, we enjoyed a peaceful evening walk through Caras Park, watched people ride the Carousel, and watched kayak paddlers and river surfers take on Brennan’s Wave. The nearby accessible trail had recently been renovated, making it easy for us to get close to the action. Although it was a bit crowded, the atmosphere was lively, and many people sat along the edge enjoying the views. We continued along the scenic Riverfront trail, which winds beside the beautiful Clark Fork River.
Another highlight was hiking the iconic M Trail, which begins at the University of Missoula campus and climbs up to the top of the Mount Sentinel. The panoramic views of Missoula from the summit were absolutely breathtaking! We appreciated the benches placed along the trail – perfect for taking breaks during the steep climb. It was a challenging but rewarding hike and we were especially impressed when someone ran past us back and forth. So inspiring!
The next day, we started with breakfast at Basecamp, then drove out to meet our guides at Montana River Guides for a half-day float on the Clark Fork River (Alberton Gorge). Our guides - Jack Dirk, Sujatha Bay, and Abby Frank, were friendly, knowledgeable, and made sure we had everything we needed. We rented full wetsuits and waterproof shoes, which I highly recommend because they kept us warm and comfortable as we got splashed by the cold water!
Jack paddled from the back using two paddles while Sujatha and Abby led from the front. Daniel and I sat in the middle, following their rhythm. The river featured Class I to III rapids – perfect for beginners especially since it was Daniel’s first rafting experience. It was an enjoyable, easygoing ride, shared with a few other groups. We even spotted eagles soaring overhead!
We paused for a short break on a small beach to admire the canyon views. Our guide pointed out argillite, a mineral formed over a billion years ago deep underground. The entire channel was carved out when Glacial Lake Missoula melted – so fascinating! The trip was a wonderful blend of adrenaline and relaxation. A professional photographer captured action shots at a stop, which you could order online the same day.
After our river adventure, we returned to our hotel to freshen up, then headed to Tagliare Delicatessen, an Italian-style deli and import market for a late lunch. Their creative, oversized sandwiches were bursting with bold flavor and hit the spot! For dessert, we treated ourselves to handcrafted ice cream at Sweet Peaks. Creamy, rich, and totally worth it. Daniel ordered a huckleberry milkshake, while I went with cupcake-flavored ice cream in a sugar cone. So good! In case you didn’t know, Montana is famous for its wild huckleberries—which are also the state’s official fruit. So when you’re here, savoring something huckleberry-flavored isn’t just a treat—it’s a taste of local tradition!
We explored some of downtown Missoula’s best shops including Missoula Makers collective, The General Public, Olive + Iron, Import Market, and Fact and Fiction. Each one offered unique finds, from handmade crafts to regional literature.
That evening, we dined at Plonk, an elegant mid-century-modern wine bar and restaurant. The mussels and house salad was delicious. We ended the night at a Missoula PaddleHeads baseball game, the local Pioneer League team. It was such a fun, community-filled experience and I even got a picture with their adorable moose mascot, Paxson the PaddleHead!
On our last day, we had breakfast at The Old Post, a charming downtown pub and restaurant known for its cozy atmosphere, exposed brick walls, excellent cocktails, local beers on tap, and popular live music nights. Next, we visited the Missoula Butterfly House & Insectarium, where we witnessed a magical butterfly release and learned about a fascinating variety of insect species.
We wrapped up our trip with lunch at GILD, a locally-owned brewpub on the vibrant Hip Strip, featuring a rotating menu of Mexican-inspired small plates. Afterward, we stopped by a few more local shops - Betty’s Divine and Upcycled to browse their creative and unique selections.
We absolutely loved our first trip to Missoula. This beautiful, welcoming town is full of charm, character, and endless outdoor adventures. We’re already looking forward to coming back and discovering even more of what Montana has to offer. Missoula captures the essence of small-town warmth, breathtaking nature, and some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet. Follow Deaf Journey on social media for more travel inspiration and insider tips!
