About Pattee Canyon Picnic Area
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
Picnic Table
Restrooms
Water and Hygiene
- Restrooms
Cooking and Fire
- Picnic Table
On Site Services
- Pavilion
Reviews (15)
What Guests Are Saying
Pattee Canyon Picnic Area boasts a great location near town and is well-maintained, with clean facilities and a tidy pavilion. However, some visitors were disappointed by the lack of grills and the refund policy concerning burn restrictions. Overall, it provides a memorable experience, as highlighted by a couple who celebrated their wedding there.
What Guests Are Saying
Pattee Canyon Picnic Area boasts a great location near town and is well-maintained, with clean facilities and a tidy pavilion. However, some visitors were disappointed by the lack of grills and the refund policy concerning burn restrictions. Overall, it provides a memorable experience, as highlighted by a couple who celebrated their wedding there.
Review Summary
Marie Green Acres
December 30, 2017
Parking for x-c skiing was terrible. Parking areas not plowed. Vehicles getting stuck. But the ski trails on the northside were groomed and fun.
Keli
July 20, 2020
Picnic spots are spread out enough to allow privacy but not so far that you couldn't have a couple for a big family lunch. Nice drive just minutes from Missoula.
Troy Barney
February 4, 2021
I love this area, im on my way to hike all of pattee canyon and then some!
Michael W
September 4, 2021
The picnic site was in great shape.
David Wall
March 29, 2022
As of today, 29 March 2022, this picnic area and folf course entrance is still closed. I don’t see any signs stating when they’ll get around to unlocking the gate.
Gayle W
July 23, 2022
Campground was clean and well laid out, but toilet was disgusting
James Stephens
June 25, 2023
Nice walking trails here, can be a bit busy at times but overall a good close to Missoula dose of nature when you need it.
Zoe B
July 9, 2024
Beautiful new pavilion was perfect for our event. Bathrooms were clean.
Dalton D
June 24, 2025
Very clean! Had a wonderful day as my husband and I got married! Very memorable, and a beautiful venue.
Riley S
August 25, 2025
Clean and ready to use when we arrived. Bathrooms were in great shape and the pavilion was clean other than a couple of pine needles.
Location & Directions for Pattee Canyon Picnic Area
24 Fort Missoula Road, Missoula, MT 59804 United States
Elevation: 977 ft
Getting There
From I-90 in Missoula, take the Orange Street exit #104 and travel south. Turn left onto West Front Street and go 0.2 mi to South Higgins Avenue, then turn right. Continue on South Higgins Avenue for about 2.7 mi to Pattee Canyon Road, then turn l...
From I-90 in Missoula, take the Orange Street exit #104 and travel south. Turn left onto West Front Street and go 0.2 mi to South Higgins Avenue, then turn right. Continue on South Higgins Avenue for about 2.7 mi to Pattee Canyon Road, then turn left. On Pattee Canyon Road, travel 4 mi heading (east) up the canyon. Look for the Pattee Canyon Picnic Area sign and entrance.
Highway access
Pattee Canyon Picnic Area is accessible via US Highway 93 approximately 6 miles to the west in Missoula.
Policies & Rules
General
- From April 1 to December 1, all food and attractants must be secured from bears and other wildlife
- Drinking water is not provided at the picnic area
- The area is for day use only; no overnight camping allowed
- Click here for more information on the Lolo National Forest
- Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.
Nearby Campgrounds
Last updated: October 7, 2026
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