Fall Color in Missoula

Montana isn’t celebrated for its fall foliage the way New England is, but that doesn’t mean there’s no color here. Our peak season is hard to predict thanks to our unpredictable weather, and some years are definitely more colorful than others, but our huckleberry bushes turn a lovely shade of red, and the larch and aspen leaves a cheerful yellow.

We suspect this year will be a good year to enjoy fall colors while hiking, biking, and generally enjoying the outdoors close to our Missoula, Montana Bed and Breakfast. Read on for a few best bets to see pretty leaves:

  • Trails traverse the Rattlesnake National Recreation Area, a 60,000-acre expanse of wilderness located just north of Missoula. The long trail to Sheep Mountain (11 miles) offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, and is beautiful even without fall color.
  • The Bass Creek Trail runs parallel to Bass Creek and a series of small waterfalls, whitewater cascades, and calm pools. Hike an easy 1.5 miles to an old log dam, or continue 5.5 miles (and 3,000 feet higher) to Bass Lake.
  • Blodgett Canyon in the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness Area has spectacular scenery. See Hikes Near Missoula for more details.

The view from our Missoula Bed and Breakfast is pretty nice, too, and you don’t have to hike to appreciate it. If you yearn to absorb the beauty of a Montana autumn while relaxing with a cup of tea or glass of wine, you’ll be happy at Blue Mountain Bed and Breakfast.

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