Greenough Park
A mile of paved and natural trails along Rattlesnake Creek in Missoula
Greenough Park is a large forested public park in Missoula, featuring a mile of paved and natural trails along Rattlesnake Creek and opportunities for birdwatching.
Features: Nature trails, a paved path, playground, picnic shelter, two benches along the creek, and seven interpretive signs describing a few of the 120 bird species that have been spotted here.
Accessibility info and site description: There are two parking areas at Greenough Park. One is on the east side of the park along Monroe Street, where the playground and large picnic shelter are located, and the other is a small parking lot on the southeast side of the park, where the paved path begins. There are two small porta-potties in the southeast lot, and no accessible parking at either location.
At the southeast lot is a large sign detailing the "birdwatching challenge" and a map of the seven interpretive signs. Follow the trail to the left of this sign and over the first bridge. There are two route options from here. To follow the natural trail, turn right after this first bridge. To continue on the paved path, cross the second bridge. Just past this second bridge there is a picnic table in the grass to the left, and two benches beside the creek to the right. Continue ahead and turn right to stay on the paved path. This path is very wide and the majority of it is in good condition, but there are a few rough and bumpy spots. After around 1000 feet, there's an option to follow a dirt nature trail along the west side of the creek (marked with a no bicycle sign), or stay on the paved path.
The paved path then goes gradually up a hill before turning east, running alongside a residential area, and rejoining with the west side nature trail. Cross the large bridge over the creek and turn right onto the nature trail to follow the east side of the creek, or continue straight and take Monroe Street back to the southeast lot. The dirt nature trail varies in width, at times becoming very narrow from lush, overgrown vegetation. Rocks and tree roots are scattered throughout the trail, and there are several small bridges with rough transitions (see photos). After about 800 feet, this trail passes the Monroe Street parking, playground, and picnic shelter. Continue heading south until you reach the original two bridges, turn left, and head back to the parking lot. The total distance of the loop following the paved path along the west side of the creek and the unpaved trail on the east side of the creek is about a mile.
My experience: I had expected this trail to be a little more accessible due to its popularity and proximity to town, so I was a bit disappointed to see there's no accessible parking, no accessible restrooms, and no benches along the trail. I do like that there are options for different routes. Even though the west side is generally thought of as the paved section and the east side is the unpaved section, there are still options for both paved and unpaved paths on both sides of the creek. I drew a map to help others have a clearer picture of this trail before their visit, which can be found in the slideshow. I love that this spot is right in town and follows along the creek. It really is a lovely spot for a walk. However, it's also very popular, so you'll be sharing the narrow dirt trails with people jogging and walking their dogs, and sharing the paved path with cyclists.
Overall, Greenough Park offers a public outdoor space right in town with opportunities for hiking and wildlife viewing. Stroll with your dog or a friend, take the "birdwatching challenge", or sit on a bench beside the creek!
For more information, visit https://www.ci.missoula.mt.us/Facilities/Facility/Details/14
