Trail · River access

Maclay Flat Nature Trail

The Maclay Flat Nature Trail is a great place to birdwatch or to take a quiet walk along the Bitterroot River. Maclay Flat is located on the west edge of Missoula, making this a local favorite spot for walking and jogging.

Listed under Hiking trails · River access & fishing · Boating & floating · Cross-country skiing & snowshoeing · Wildlife & bird watching · Nature centers & history sites

Open official page

A sign for a river access and trail area stands in a grassy clearing with a parking area visible in the background. — Photo from fs.usda.gov

About this place

This site is accessible and has nature trails, parking, restrooms, river access, and interpretive signs. The parking lot is paved and the path is gravelled. In the spring, the Bitterroot River sometimes overflows and temporarily submerges portions of the trail. No drinking water available.

Practical information

Town: Missoula
Arrival: From Interstate 90, take the Highway 93, Reserve Street, exit and head south. Turn right onto Blue Mountain Road (has a light signal) and head west 2 miles to the Maclay Flat Nature Trail.
Parking: The parking lot is paved.
Route surface: Gravelled path
Dogs: Pets must be leashed.
Use rules: Please visit the Forest's Alerts page for information on restrictions, in particular please review the Food/Wildlife Attractant Storage Order to help reduce the likelihood of human-to-bear conflicts. Pets must be leashed. No horses. No bikes.
Managed by: Federal agency
Phone: 406-329-3814