Fall in Missoula is a season worth slowing down for. Golds, oranges and reds brighten the riverbanks, neighborhood streets and surrounding mountains, turning everyday outings into something spectacular. Whether your perfect autumn adventure involves a scenic drive, a leisurely stroll or a challenging hike with a view, there are plenty of ways to soak up the colors of the changing season. So grab your favorite hot beverage of choice, pack an extra layer, bring your camera and find your favorite way to enjoy the show this fall in Missoula.
One of the most popular ways to take in the colors of fall and soak up the beauty of the season is by hitting the trails. From mountain passes to riverfront strolls, Missoula has options to suit any type of adventure.
Hop on a bike and follow Missoula’s Riverfront Trail, where the changing leaves add a splash of color to a ride through town. Take your time, pause for a photo and enjoy the freedom of seeing where the path leads.
Fall colors take on a different kind of beauty when you’re looking at them from the water! A boating or fishing outing offers a chance to enjoy colorful riverbanks and watch the season’s palette shimmer in the reflections. A clear autumn day on the water is a peaceful and scenic way to take in the fall in Missoula.
Sometimes, chasing fall colors is as simple as taking the scenic route. Head south towards the Bitterroot, west towards the Blackfoot or north towards the Mission valleys, where changing trees and mountain views give you plenty of reasons to pull over and linger (and to snap that perfect pic). With a warm drink in the cup holder and your favorite playlist along for the ride, the drive becomes the reason for the fall getaway.
For gorgeous panoramic views of fall in Missoula, head uphill! From Mount Sentinel to Mount Jumbo and Blue Mountain peaks, the trees below become a patchwork of color stretching through town as far as the eye can see. From this vantage point, you can really see the vastness and beauty of autumn in Montana.
You don’t have to venture far or wide to find autumn magic in Missoula— a simple walk through town brings the season into vibrant focus. Leaves crunching underfoot, colorful branches overhead and a crisp breeze makes the season inviting and magical. Whether you are walking to your favorite shop or wandering the side streets taking the scenic route, every road leads to new discoveries.
For a classic Missoula fall photo, make your way to the grizzly statue on the University of Montana’s Oval. Colorful trees frame the beloved and iconic bear, with Mount Sentinel and the “M” rising in the background. It’s a scene that captures the beauty of the season and the spirit of Missoula in one frame. Campus itself is a gorgeous fall walk, so be sure to snap your own iconic photo during your visit to Missoula this fall.
