Top 10 Things to Do Near Missoula This Summer
A Guide for Chronically Ill & Disabled Folks
Summer 2022 has finally arrived here in western Montana, which means many people will be traveling, road tripping, and vacationing to enjoy the summer sun. With gas prices and COVID numbers on the rise, however, many of us chronically ill and disabled folks will be staying close to home this summer, which makes it— well, probably not much different from every other summer. Fortunately, living in a place like Missoula means we can find gorgeous getaways right in our backyard. I have put together a list of the best nearby outdoor spaces based on accessibility, views, and activities, to help my fellow chronically ill and disabled Missoulians find their perfect day trip close to home.
Here are my top ten memorable day trip ideas for all abilities that are budget friendly, COVID friendly, and less than 2 hours from Missoula!
1. Lay on the beach at Lake Como
One of the most magical places to visit in Montana is Lake Como, located in the Bitterroot Valley just 90 minutes from Missoula. This breathtaking site features a large sandy beach, a swimming area, and accessible picnic areas. The water's edge is about 200 feet from the disabled parking spaces, depending on how full the reservoir is. The mountain views here are so spectacular it's hard to believe they're real! Of course, that also means this site is very popular, so make sure to get there earlier in the day in order to find parking, especially if you’re visiting on a weekend in the summer. The day use fee at Lake Como is $5.
For more information on Lake Como and its accessibility, go to: www.disabledinthewild.com/reviews/lake-como
2. Swim at Holland Lake
Another great place for swimming with unforgettable mountain views is the Holland Lake Picnic Site, located in the Swan Valley. This day use area has a small gravel beach, swimming area, and picnic tables. Bring barbecue supplies to cook hot dogs and hamburgers on the provided barbecues! The lake is about 400 feet from the parking lot, and offers some of the best mountain views in Montana. Unfortunately, there are no disabled parking spaces and this is another popular location in the summer months. Arrive as early as you can to make sure you can find parking. The day use fee is $5.
For more information on Holland Lake, go to:
www.disabledinthewild.com/reviews/holland-lake
3. Birdwatch at Lee Metcalf Wildlife Refuge
Looking for a fun activity rather than relaxation? Try birdwatching at Lee Metcalf Wildlife Refuge! Bring your own binoculars or borrow a pair from the visitor center to see some of the 235 species of birds that have been documented here, as well as many species of mammals and reptiles. There are also trails for all ability levels. The Kenai Trail at the visitor center is an accessible, paved looped trail with benches through the grasslands, or check out the several (less accessible) Wildlife Viewing Area trails through the riparian forest. The Refuge offers unobstructed views of the beautiful Bitterroot Mountains and great opportunities for wildlife viewing in diverse habitats. It is also free to visit!
For additional details on Lee Metcalf Wildlife Refuge, go to:
www.disabledinthewild.com/reviews/lee-metcalf-wildlife-refuge
4. Stroll through Hieronymus Park
For another accessible trail with incredible views, head to Hieronymus Park, located on the north end of Hamilton in the Bitterroot Valley. This nature trail is flat, wide, and made of finely crushed gravel with benches along the way. What begins as a trail behind a bunch of buildings ends with a feeling of being immersed in nature. You'd never know you were only a quarter mile away from town! Stroll this accessible trail along the creek until the landscape opens up to reveal beautiful meadows and mountain views. From there, you have the option of taking the undeveloped natural trails to visit a fishing pond with picnic tables or head to the river through the large grassy fields. This is a free public park, but note that parking here is limited.
For more information on Hieronymus Park, go to:
www.disabledinthewild.com/reviews/hieronymus-park
5. Drive through the National Bison Range
Not up for walking? No problem! Take a drive through the National Bison Range to see bison, elk, and other wildlife and enjoy the scenery from the comfort of your vehicle. Even if you don't see any animals, the views of the Mission Mountains from Red Sleep Mountain Drive are breathtaking and make the whole trip worth it. If heights are not your thing, you may consider driving the flat Prairie Drive route instead, which still offers opportunities for wildlife viewing. There are also several short trail options for a variety of ability levels, plus picnic sites at the Day Use Area. The fee is $10 per vehicle, but this mini national park is well worth the money and goes toward a good cause.
For more information on the National Bison Range, go to:
www.disabledinthewild.com/reviews/national-bison-range
6. Walk the Redsun Labyrinth
A true hidden gem tucked away in the Bitterroot Valley, the Redsun Labyrinth is located on private property and open to the public from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Walk through the secret garden and past the tree branch gates, and find your way to this 108 foot labyrinth made of fieldstones. Lush gardens surround the labyrinth, and the gorgeous views of the Bitterroot Mountains are an added bonus to this unique location. You can choose to walk the path of the labyrinth or sit on one of the stone benches to take in the view. There is no entry fee, but a $3 donation is suggested. Note that there are only two or three parking spaces, and the path is short but uphill and over various trail types.
For a complete site description of Redsun Labyrinth, go to:
www.disabledinthewild.com/reviews/redsun-labyrinth
7. Explore an outdoor art park at Blackfoot Pathways: Sculpture in the Wild
For a more accessible path leading to artistic structures, head to Lincoln to visit an outdoor art park! A dozen larger-than-life sculptures are on display throughout the woods, created by artists from around the world. Some structures are over 20 feet tall, and all are made from natural and industrial materials to reflect the community's heritage. Most of the trails here are flat and graveled, and there are benches spread throughout the park. Make sure to pay close attention to the trail signs to follow the accessible trails, as they can get somewhat confusing toward the middle of the property. There is no entry fee, but donations are accepted.
For more information on Blackfoot Pathways, go to:
www.disabledinthewild.com/reviews/blackfoot-pathways-sculpture-in-the-wild
8. Sit on a bench at River Park
If you’re low on spoons but want to spend time outdoors, River Park is a great option for you! This beautiful public park is wheelchair accessible and only a .1 mile walk to lovely views of the river and mountains. The path is wide and paved, and there are benches along the trail that runs beside the Bitterroot River. There's also a playground and several picnic tables off the trail in the manicured grass. If you're feeling adventurous, you can hike south on one of the flat natural trails to meet up with the north side of Skalkaho Bend Park, another beautiful location less than a mile away! Use caution and be on the lookout for mountain lions, bears, and moose, which are occasionally seen here.
To read more about River Park, go to:
www.disabledinthewild.com/reviews/river-park
9. Quietly reflect at Garden of One Thousand Buddhas
Another unique spot is the Garden of One Thousand Buddhas, located in the Jocko Valley north of Missoula. The Buddha Garden features hundreds of small Buddha statues lined up along the "spokes" of a Dharma wheel, with a large, colorful Buddha statue at the center. Walk the outer circle to see additional statues, or to the far side of the property to visit a small pond. This location is very quiet, and a perfect place for those in need of a peaceful escape. Note that the gravel used in the paths here is a little tough to traverse in a manual wheelchair, some paths are narrow, and there are no benches.
For more accessibility information on the Garden of One Thousand Buddhas, go to:
www.disabledinthewild.com/reviews/the-garden-of-one-thousand-buddhas
10. Have a picnic at Salmon Lake
A great wheelchair accessible picnic site can be found at Salmon Lake State Park in the Swan Valley. There is a sidewalk from the disabled parking spot to the accessible covered picnic shelter, as well as a wheelchair accessible viewing platform that overlooks the beautiful lake and small green mountains. The fishing docks will be accessible for some as well, and there are quite a few other picnic tables and covered picnic shelters, though not as accessible as the first site. You may need to arrive early or on a less busy day to get the one wheelchair accessible site, as non-disabled folks often try to use this site as well. The day use fee is $8 per vehicle, except for Montana residents who pay the state parks fee with their vehicle registration.
For more information on Salmon Lake State Park, go to:
www.disabledinthewild.com/reviews/salmon-lake-state-park
I hope this list gives chronically ill and disabled Missoulians some ideas for day trips this summer! If you didn't see the perfect spot for you on this list, check out all 23 outdoor spaces I have reviewed on the Reviews page to find more ideas, including outdoor spaces closer to town.
Happy adventuring! Have fun and take good care of you.
