Pattee Canyon Picnic Area
The Pattee Canyon Picnic Area offers family picnic sites available for free, along with three group picnic sites available by reservation. The picnic area is open July 1 through Labor Day.
The picnic area offers several individual- and group-sized picnic sites. The roads are paved and the group sites have trash collection receptacles and accessible vault toilets. Drinking water is not available at the picnic area. A host may be on-site during summer months.
Need to Know
- 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.
Natural Features
Set in a wooded canyon east of Missoula, at 4,100 feet, the picnic site is pleasantly shaded by large ponderosa pine trees.
Nearby Attractions
Pattee Canyon Picnic Area is located four miles southeast of Missoula.
Recreation
The Pattee Canyon Recreation Area is a popular spot for day hikes, mountain biking, horseback riding and picnicking. There are several trailheads in the area. Cross-country skiing is popular in the area during winter months.
Contact Information
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24 FORT MISSOULA ROAD MISSOULA MT 59804
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 406-329-3814
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
From I-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.
Available Campsites
- Site 03C, Loop C, Type Group Picnic Area
- Site 01A, Loop A, Type Group Picnic Area
- Site 02B, Loop B, Type Group Picnic Area
