Recreation area

Pattee Canyon Group Picnic Area

Listed under Picnic spots · Disc golf · Hiking trails · Bike trails · Paved & step-free paths · Cross-country skiing & snowshoeing · Wildlife & bird watching · Recreation areas

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Image of the Pattee Canyon Pavillion and Picnic Area, Lolo National Forest, Montana. — Photo from fs.usda.gov

About this place

Set in a wooded canyon east of Missoula at 4,100 feet, the Pattee Canyon Picnic Area is a popular spot for family picnics. Because this picnic area is in the Pattee Canyon Recreation Area, there's plenty to do before enjoying a relaxing lunch. Knock yourself out hiking or biking a trail then have a picnic lunch and rest under the shade of the forest...pure bliss!

Practical information

Address: 24 FORT MISSOULA ROAD MISSOULA, MT 59804
Arrival: From Interstate 90 in Missoula, take the Orange Street exit #104 and travel south. Turn left onto West Front Street and go 0.2 miles to South Higgins Avenue, then turn right. Continue on South Higgins Avenue for about 2.7 miles to Pattee Canyon Road, then turn left. On Pattee Canyon Road, travel 4 miles heading (east) up the canyon. Look for the Pattee Canyon Picnic Area sign and entrance.
Parking: This area shares a parking lot for the Pattee Canyon Disc Golf Course. Please use designated parking spots for picnic sites.
Fees: Day Use: Group Picnic Area Site A: $100 per day Group Picnic Area Sites B,C: $50 per day
Hours: June 15 - October 31. From Nov. 1 to June 14, access to the Pattee Canyon Group Picnic Area is limited to walk-in only and the group use picnic sites are available first-come, first-serve. Operational Hours Day use only, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Area closed 9 p.m. to 6 a.m.
Dogs: Must be physically restrained on a 6 foot leash.
Use rules: Use of group picnic sites are available by reservation only from June 15-October 31; fee required. Visit Recreation.gov to make reservations. General Information The loop roads are paved and the group sites have garbage receptacles and accessible toilets. This area has picnic tables, fire rings, and grills. No overnight camping is permitted.
Managed by: Federal agency
Phone: 406-329-3814