Jeff Schmerker
Year-round playground
Pattee Canyon has been Missoula’s de facto backyard playground practically since the town was settled, and thanks to snow grooming and volunteer labor, that playground is open all year. The Missoula Nordic Ski Club grooms several loops at the head of the canyon, partly around what is a summer picnic area. Trails are groomed for both skate and traditional and generally follow summer roads, though one more ambitious loops climbs a few hundred feet up University Mountain. There are picnic tables and pit toilets. Use of the trails is free.
