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Maclay Flat Nature Trail
4.7 ★★★★★ 377 Google reviews · Running trail in Missoula, Montana · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Loop distance
- 6 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Maclay Flat Nature Trail's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
What runners say about Maclay Flat Nature Trail
“Maclay Flat Nature Trail is both a beautiful and easy walk to take, with well maintained trails.”
“It’s a peaceful, 5-star spot to observe the seasonal changes in Western Montana's river bottomlands.”
“Maclay Flat Nature Trail is both a beautiful and easy walk to take, with well maintained trails.”
Well maintained trails and parking lot. It wasn't too busy around mid-morning when I went. It was pretty buggy though so be sure to bring insect repellent
Great place for a leisurely stroll with Smittle bit of everything. Walking through the trees, then out in a meadow and along the Bitterroot river I all under 2 miles. Lots of parking and people of all ages abilities.
Though 2019 is not over, it was another good year for finding wildlife at Maclay Flat here in Missoula, Montana. Maclay Flat (U.S. Forest Service property) is one of the best all-around wildlife watching places for birds, butterflies, dragonflies, lichen, mushrooms and wildflowers in western Montana.
Excellent nature trail. Nice river access and a great flat walking trail. Beautiful at all times of the year. Great place to come with the dogs too.
Trail conditions & character
“Maclay Flat Nature Trail is both a beautiful and easy walk to take, with well maintained trails.”
“Though 2019 is not over, it was another good year for finding wildlife at Maclay Flat here in Missoula, Montana.”
“Otherwise, the short loop from the parking lot is always an option.”
“8 miles of gravel, soil over level terrain.”
“Otherwise, the short loop from the parking lot is always an option.”
“Great place for an easy fun walk with a 14 year old dog and my son.”
“8 miles of gravel, soil over level terrain.”
Plan your run at Maclay Flat Nature Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- Loop distance6 mi back to where you parked. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitefs.usda.gov
- Phone(406) 329-3814
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Tuesday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Wednesday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Thursday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Friday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Saturday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Sunday | 6 AM–10 PM |
Running trails near Missoula
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
