Land Agency
City of Missoula
406.552.6000
Located just north of downtown Missoula, Waterworks Hill is a popular, 470-acre open space that offers panoramic views of the city, Lolo Peak and the surrounding mountains. Wide gravel trails wind through rolling grassy hills dotted with colorful wildflowers each spring, making it a favorite destination for hikers, runners and dog walkers. The south face of the hill is home to the Missoula Peace Park, featuring benches, a bell, small amphitheater and a peace sign visible from downtown. With its open terrain, stunning sunset views and easy access from town, this area is a great place to enjoy a quick outdoor escape. Keep in mind that there is very little shade and the area can get windy, especially on exposed ridgelines.
Trail Tip: Be sure to explore this area to see Montana’s state flower, the Bitterroot, which blooms in late spring. Learn more about the Bitterroot flower on page 64 in the guide.
Walk from downtown to the Moon-Randolph Homestead to experience one of the oldest intact ranch homesteads in Western Montana. Start from the Orange Street trailhead and climb the Froelich Trail to the Homestead Trail. A short connection on the historic Moon-Randolph Road trail will bring you to the homestead, which is open on Saturdays from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., May – Oct.
Length: 3.24 round trip
Elevation: 532 ft. elevation gain
Time: 1-1.5 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Enjoy an introduction to Missoula’s North Hills on the iconic Waterworks Loop. Start from Waterworks main trailhead and follow the City View Trail to the North Hills Ridge Trail. Once you reach the summit, loop back around on the Homestead Trail and follow the City View Trail back to the main trailhead.
Length: 4 miles round trip
Elevation: 550 ft. of elevation gain
Time: 1.5-2 hours
Difficulty: Easy
An easy entry to the North Hills offering one of the best views of Missoula. The City View Trail travels along the south face of Waterworks Hill. This out-and-back journey is accessible from the Orange Street trailhead or Waterworks main trailhead, or walk from downtown to make it a loop.
Length: 2 miles round trip
Elevation: 282 ft. elevation gain
Time: 45 minutes-1 hour
Difficulty: Easy
This 1-mile, round-trip, packed-gravel trail leads to a beautiful overlook of Missoula and the Missoula Valley. This trail is located at the main Waterworks trailhead and it is ADA-accessible, with parking spots dedicated to handicapped spaces.
Note: Dogs must be leashed for the first 300 yards from any Waterworks Hill trailhead and anywhere posted. In all other areas of the North Hills, dogs must remain under voice control. Be aware of seasonal on-leash requirements on the Ridge Trail in late spring, which help protect fragile cushion plants like Missoula phlox and bitterroots.
Length: 1 mile round trip
Elevation: 50 ft. elevation gain
Time: 30 minutes-1 hour
Difficulty: Easy
Situated in the heart of five mountain valleys and at the confluence of three rivers, Missoula, Montana, is a haven for outdoor recreation and nature enthusiasts, as well as an important habitat and migration corridor for many animal species critical to the intermountain west’s vibrant wilderness. Whether you are just passing through or if you call Missoula home, here are some ways you can do your part to keep Missoula beautiful from peak to paddle.
