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Taking Missoula  eld trips

Missoula has prominent hillside symbols: an “M” for the University of Montana and an “L” for Missoula Loyola Sacred Heart High School.  e letters are often decorated on special occasions and to make political statements.  e “M,” located on Mount Sentinel, is easily accessible via a trail from the UM campus.  e “L,” located on Mount Jumbo, is accessible via its own series of trails. TOMMY MARTINO, Missoulian  le photo

Missoulian Staff

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A fi eld trip in Missoula

Consider Montana your playground while you’re here — and Missoula itself a gateway to even small adventures.

Here are some favorite outings of Missoulian staff and interns:

In Missoula

If you hike to the L in early- to mid-October during sunset, you’re sure to catch some of Missoula’s best fall foliage. From Mount Jumbo, the setting sun illuminates the reds, yellows and oranges that  ow down the Rattlesnake and into the Missoula Valley, where the autumn leaves abound. – Laura Scheer

When you’re tired of computer screens, maybe you’re missing your furry friends back home, take an hour to refresh at Jacobs Island Bark Park. An easy walk or bike ride past the Washington Grizzly Stadium takes you to the riverside dog park where pups have free reign to chase sticks and the Clark Fork River  ows unperturbed. During warmer months, you can take a dip in the water, or you can sit at a bench and take time to soak in the wonders of nature. - Mazana Boerboom

Don’t let familiarity breed contempt when it comes to the river trail. Walk (or run or bike) it daily — or at least on a regular basis — and you’ll see great blue herons, osprey, bald eagles, the occasional raccoon and maybe even a beaver, in addition to the unending variety of your fellow humans. Each change in season brings a new kind of beauty, and winter, when the ice piles up in fantastical sculptures, is possibly the most spectacular. - Gwen Florio

Late spring, walk up Waterworks and the North Hills to look for bitterroots,  owers that bloom close to the ground in hot pink, champagne, and every shade in between. It’s a short steep hike to the top, where you’ll have a lovely view of the city. If you’re lucky, you might see a fox or a bluebird along the way. - Keila Szpaller

When you’re ready for a little break from the hustle and bustle of downtown Missoula, catch a show at the Roxy Theater across from Hip Strip. With local owners and a community feel, this theater is perfect for date night or a friendly outing. The Roxy always has fun showings and events going on, and offers them at half the cost of a chain theater. The popcorn alone is worth the ticket price! - Addie Slanger

The Bitterroot

There are plenty of memorable day hikes a quick drive outside of Missoula, particularly south in the Bitterroot Valley. Grab a can of bear spray and consult a good hiking guide or a reputable source like AllTrails.com or the REI Hiking Project app to get directions for established and well-maintained trails like Blodgett Canyon and Bass Creek. They show off the most beautiful parts of the area, particularly when the leaves turn in the fall, without requiring any taxing elevation gain or fancy gear. - Cory Walsh

If you enjoy long, challenging day hikes, head to Lolo Peak (west of Lolo) or Trapper Peak (near Darby). In town, attend minor league baseball games in Missoula. In the winter, ski at small mom-and-pop venues like Discovery (near Philipsburg) and Lost Trail (south of Darby). - Bill Speltz

Blackfoot and the Seeley-Swan

The Clearwater River Canoe Trail is a lazy ride for any  oater with time to hang back and take in the views of the Swan Mountains. The slow and meandering river trail covers about 3.5 miles and ends at the Seeley Lake Ranger District on the lake shore, where  oaters can jump in a second vehicle or take the 1.5-mile trail back to the put-in. - Seaborn Larson

There are those who say there’s nothing better for the soul than the Blackfoot River. Spring, summer, autumn, maybe especially winter, the corridor northeast of Missoula to Bonner and beyond begs exploration by auto, bike, boots, skis, snowshoes or river craft. Easy trail bike tip: the abandoned bed of the old Big Blackfoot Railway Co. either direction from Whitaker Bridge is a bucketlister. To get to the bridge, turn off Highway 200 just past milepost 11 at Johnsrud Park and go six miles (most of which don’t get plowed in the winter). - Kim Briggeman

Up Highway 200, take a bike ride up or down the Trail of the Buffalo along the Blackfoot River. It’s either two miles from Nine Mile Prairie to Belmont Creek, or six miles from Whitaker Bridge to Belmont Creek, with a broken bridge making the complete route a little frustrating. A mountain bike or a crossbike will do on the rail-grade path. - Rob Chaney

Alberton Gorge

Escape the sweltering summer heat with a day trip down the rapids of the Alberton Gorge on the Clark Fork River. Beginners can choose from numerous rafting guides to pilot them through rapids, and those with a little more experience can take their own vessels or rent from local out tters. - Cameron Evans

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