A Fall Guide to Missoula, Montana

Written by Madison Dapcevich

Grab a Hot Cup of Tea at Butterfly Herbs and Get Comfortable

Located in the middle of Missoula’s historic downtown, Butterfly Herbs is the perfect local apothecary to grab a cozy mug of tea and caffeinate. Missoula’s oldest espresso bar and cafe is also an adorable apothecary, stocked with floor-to-ceiling shelves of bulk herbs, spices, gourmet roasted coffee beans, teas, and an assortment of hand-made jewelry and brewing accessories. Butterfly Herb’s former owner Bruce Lee created Evening in Missoula, a namesake tea blend dubbed an “elegant fixture of Missoula’s arts and cultural life.”

While you’re here, you’ll undoubtedly find yourself seated next to a handful of the city’s some 10,000 college students. So, grab your favorite book and snuggle inside a booth for an afternoon of leisure.

Ride a Bike Through the University District and Along the River Trail

Snaking alongside the Clark Fork River, Missoula’s Riverfront Trail runs about 3.5 miles north and south through the center of town. This wide-length dirt path is perfect for leisurely walking, running the dog, or taking a scenic waterfront bike ride through town. Along the way you’ll find several riverfront parks, playgrounds, sports fields, and a number of Missoulians enjoying their time outside.

Continue to follow the trail north and you will eventually wind up on the University of Montana (UM) campus. Missoula’s public research university is one of the oldest in the state and has been in operation since Montana was a territory in 1881. Today, the Oval is the centerpiece of the campus and is often riddled with college students playing frisbee, slacklining, reading, and studying. Take a stroll through the 220-acre campus before sauntering through the University District. This gridlock neighborhood is one of the oldest in the city and features a variety of historic homes true to their original splendor. In the fall, trees along both the UM campus and through the University District change to vibrant hues of orange, yellow, and brown

Hike Up Mt. Sentinel to Catch a Sunset City View

Mount Sentinel borders the university to the north and offers a quick, yet steep hike with sweeping views of the cityscape. More than a century ago, the university Forestry Club carved out the three-quarter mile long zigzag trail up the mountain, carrying stones to shape a giant “M” at the top. Nicknamed “The M” by locals, the landmark letter has been replaced over the years with wood, larger stone, and ultimately concrete.

This hike is a favorite for Missoulians looking to get a quick bit of exercise or to catch a birds’-eye view of the entire Missoula Valley, its winding rivers, and distant mountains.

Catch a Buzz and Kickoff at the University of Montana Football Games

One need not travel far through the city of Missoula before coming across a few hardy UM grizzly college football fans. Missoulians take the game seriously, and it’s no more evident than when watching waves of maroon-clad football fans mob through the city on game day.

Rain, sleet, or snow, UM “Griz” fanatics crowd Washington Stadium every Saturday home game until mid-November. Be sure to get to the game early – Missoulians know how to party and are sure to invite you to join in on their tailgate shenanigans before kickoff.

Soak it All Up at the Hot Springs

Just outside of the Missoula city limits are several natural hot springs offering the perfect refreshing outdoor getaway on a cool fall day. Commercially-run locations with man-made pools include Quinn’s Hot Springs, Lost Trail Hot Springs Resort, and Lolo Hot Springs. Here, expect to pay a few dollars and wait awhile if it is a busy day.

If you’re looking for something a bit more off the beaten path, Jerry Johnson  and Weir Creek hot springs are located just under two hours from the city. Both of these naturally-formed hot spring pools are just across the border in Idaho and require a bit of a hike to access. Located in the remote Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest, cell phone service is spotty out here so be sure to make any arrangements for directions or other needs beforehand.

Freshen Up at the Farmer’s Market with Fresh Grown Greens and Live Music

With a bustling agricultural community, the Missoula Farmers’ Market features a wide collection of locally grown produce, grass-fed meat, artisanal cheese, wild honey, baked goods, vibrant flowers, and pasture-raised eggs. The market runs every Saturday from 8am to 12:30pm in October and features live performers from 9am to 12pm.