An easy hike follows the Kim Williams Trail, along either side of the Clark Fork River through downtown. The trail is named for a deceased, much-beloved newspaper columnist. Just outside of town is the Rattlesnake National Recreational Area and Wilderness. To get there, drive northeast on Van Buren to Rattlesnake Drive. The Rattlesnake covers 59,000 acres, 33,000 of which are congressionally designated wilderness. Camping is prohibited within 3 miles of the road because of the heavy use the area receives. Drive northeast on Van Buren to Rattlesnake Drive.
There are two state parks in the Missoula area: Beavertail Hill (tel. 406/542-5500) is located on the Clark Fork and is open May through September, with excellent river access and shady cottonwood trees lining the riverbanks. There is a day-use charge of $5; campers pay $15 per night. Council Grove State Park (tel. 406/542-5200) is where the Hellgate Treaty establishing the Flathead Indian Reservation was signed. Open for day use only (free), the park has interpretive displays and picnic facilities. Take the Reserve Street exit from I-90 and drive 2 miles south, then 10 miles west on Mullan Road.
The Lolo Trail is an interesting hike. This trail was created by the constant use of the Nez Perce, Salish, and other tribes who lived in the area and moved back and forth across Lolo Pass.
You can explore a half-mile section of the original trail at Howard Creek, 18 miles west of the intersection of U.S. 93 and U.S. 12 in Lolo. Or hike a 5-mile section of the trail from Lee Creek Campground to the Idaho border. The campground is about 26 miles west of the highway intersection in Lolo.
