Mutt Companions Meandering in Missoula County, Montana
- rjahner5395
- 1 day ago
- 13 min read
This travel spot is featured in our sixth blog series, Mutts Mingle.
Missoula, Montana, takes its love of dogs seriously—but not too seriously. The city is home to one of its quirkiest local celebrities, the legendary "Bag Man," who patrols popular trails armed with rolls of dog waste bags for anyone caught unprepared. Equal parts neighborhood hero and gentle reminder that every dog owner has a duty to scoop the poop, he's become a beloved fixture among hikers and pet owners alike. His good-natured mission has even earned magazine coverage, proving that in Missoula, even cleaning up after your dog can become local legend. It's just one more reason this mountain town stands out as a fun and welcoming destination for travelers with four-legged companions.
The "Bag Man" is just one example of why Missoula County, Montana, is one of America's best dog-friendly destinations. Surrounded by mountains, rivers, forests, and open trails, the county combines outdoor recreation with a relaxed, pet-friendly culture that makes visitors and their dogs feel welcome almost everywhere they go. From scenic hikes and dog parks to brewery patios and cozy lodges, Missoula County offers the perfect balance of nature, comfort, and small-town charm for a memorable vacation with your four-legged companion.
The city of Missoula serves as the heart of the county and is an ideal home base for exploring the region.
Located along the Clark Fork River, Missoula is known for its outdoor lifestyle and dog-loving community. One of the most popular spots for visitors with pets is Jacob’s Island Bark Park, where dogs can run off leash, socialize, and cool off in the river during warmer months. The city also features scenic walking paths like the Kim Williams Trail and numerous hiking areas including Blue Mountain Recreation Area and Waterworks Hill, where leashed dogs are welcome on many trails. Downtown Missoula is especially enjoyable for dog owners because many local shops, provide water bowls for pets. Dining in Missoula is equally dog friendly, especially during the warmer months when patios are open. Popular pet-friendly restaurants include The Notorious P.I.G. BBQ. The Notorious P.I.G. is a counter-serve BBQ joint with daily specials. The menu features barbecue staples like ribs, pulled pork and brisket in addition to beer and wine offerings. Dogs are welcome at picnic tables on the covered, pet-friendly patio, but Fido must stay outside while you go in to order.
Just east of Missoula, Bonner-West Riverside offers a peaceful riverside retreat that is especially perfect for travelers exploring with their dogs. Surrounded by the beautiful Blackfoot and Clark Fork Rivers, the area gives pups plenty of opportunities to sniff, stroll, and splash while enjoying Montana’s scenic outdoors. Wide open spaces, forest trails, and riverside walking paths make it easy for dogs to stay active and enjoy every moment of the adventure alongside their humans. Nearby outdoor areas, including Milltown State Park, provide dog-friendly walking paths, scenic river views, and relaxing places to unwind after a day of exploring. The surrounding mountains and forests also offer excellent hiking opportunities for active dogs and their owners looking to spend more time in nature. Many nearby cafés and casual dining spots welcome dogs on outdoor patios during the warmer months, making it easy for travelers to enjoy meals without leaving their furry companions behind.
About an hour northeast of Missoula, Seeley Lake provides a quieter and more nature-focused escape for travelers looking to slow down and enjoy Montana’s wilderness. Surrounded by forests and sparkling alpine lakes, Seeley Lake is ideal for dogs that love open space and outdoor recreation. Visitors can spend their days hiking scenic trails, paddleboarding on the lake, or relaxing at pet-friendly cabins near the water. Morrell Falls National Recreation Trail is a popular hike in the area, offering beautiful scenery and a peaceful environment for both dogs and their owners.The community is especially popular during the summer months, when visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, and lakeside picnics with their pets. Many of the surrounding forest roads and trails provide opportunities to explore Montana’s natural beauty away from crowded tourist areas. With its calm atmosphere, scenic mountain views, and easy access to outdoor adventure, Seeley Lake offers a relaxing destination for travelers seeking a peaceful getaway with their dogs.
South of Missoula, the community of Lolo offers another excellent stop for travelers vacationing with dogs. Located near the Bitterroot Mountains and Bitterroot National Forest, Lolo serves as a gateway to countless hiking trails, rivers, and scenic drives. Outdoor enthusiasts often use the area as a base for exploring mountain wilderness with their pets. Dogs can accompany their owners on forest hikes, riverside walks, and camping trips while enjoying the fresh mountain air and wide-open spaces.
The area’s peaceful setting and easy access to outdoor recreation make it especially appealing for pet owners traveling through western Montana. Visitors can enjoy everything from relaxing nature walks to longer mountain adventures, with many trails and campgrounds welcoming dogs. Lolo also provides a convenient stop for road-trippers looking to experience Montana’s scenic beauty while traveling comfortably with their pets.
One of the reasons Missoula County stands out as a dog-friendly destination is the overall attitude of the community. Dogs are treated as part of everyday life, and it is common to see them accompanying their owners on patios, trails, river walks, and outdoor events. The region’s combination of natural beauty and welcoming local culture creates an atmosphere where pets are not only accepted but genuinely included in the experience. Whether travelers want an active outdoor vacation filled with hiking and exploration or a laid-back getaway with scenic drives and relaxing evenings, Missoula County offers countless ways to enjoy Montana alongside a beloved dog companion.
Paws Rest Here
Luie Boone had paw-selected this perfect vacation rental for your stay in Missoula County, Montana. Check it out below!
Rental Name: Grant Creek Lodge
This rental has 4 bedrooms with 6 beds and 2 baths.
Photos by Airbnb.com
It features the following amenities:
Home is on 8 acres up Grant Creek only 4 +/-miles north of Missoula
Grant Creek frontage with a bridge for crossing
Soak in the hot tub
BBQ grill
Fire pit for roasting s’more
Backyard creek for fishing (about 150 yards from the house-outside the fenced backyard
Trail to walk with your dog very near the home
What would Luie Boone have thought of this rental? He would have woofed:
My humans kept talking about our trip to Grant Creek Lodge in Missoula County, Montana, and I was very excited about the adventure. From what I overheard, the cozy Montana-style lodge sat on eight private acres with Grant Creek flowing right through the property. I imagined exploring the creek, crossing the little bridge, and spending hours in the huge fenced yard made for endless zoomies. My humans talked about relaxing under the stars in the hot tub, roasting s’mores around the fire pit, and listening to the creek after a day of exploring. Apparently hummingbirds visited the patio every day and deer wandered nearby, which meant I would have had plenty of important wildlife supervision duties. They also said the stars were so bright that you could see the Milky Way stretching across the sky. I was never quite sure what a Milky Way was, but it sounded delicious and definitely worth investigating. They told me about nearby trails and all the new sights and smells waiting to be discovered. Sadly, I never got to make the trip myself, but it sounded like the kind of place I would have loved. I like to think that if my family goes to Grant Creek Lodge, a little part of me will be there with them, enjoying the adventure too.
Paws Venture Here
Luie Boone had sniffed out and dug up these local gems for you to check out while vacationing in Missoula County, Montana!
Jacobs Island Bark Park
Jacobs Island Bark Park is a 6-acre off-leash dog park located at the east end of Jacobs Island Park in Missoula.
Easily reached via the Riverfront Trail, it’s a popular spot where dogs can run free, socialize, and enjoy the outdoors in a safe, open environment.
The park is partially fenced and includes a double-gated entry system, helping create a secure space for off-leash play.
Inside, there’s plenty of room for dogs to roam, chase, and meet new friends, making it a favorite gathering place for local pet owners.
One of its biggest highlights is its location along the Clark Fork River. On warm days, dogs can cool off with river access and enjoy splashing in the water while owners take in the scenic views. Because the riverbank itself is not fenced, visitors should keep an eye on dogs near the shoreline.
Beyond playtime, the park offers a relaxed, scenic setting with lush surroundings and nearby picnic areas. It’s as much a place for people to unwind as it is for dogs to exercise and explore.
Whether you’re a local or just passing through Missoula, Jacobs Island Bark Park offers a refreshing mix of nature, community, and off-leash fun for you and your pup.
Morrell Falls
Nestled in the forests of western Montana near Seeley Lake, Morrell Falls is a peaceful waterfall destination that’s perfect for dog lovers looking to enjoy nature together.
Located within the scenic Lolo National Forest and reached by the Morrell Falls National Recreation Trail, the waterfall drops nearly 90 feet down a rocky cliffside, creating a stunning backdrop of rushing water, cool mist, and mountain scenery.
The area around the falls is surrounded by towering evergreens and a refreshing creek where dogs can splash, cool off, and explore. Many pups love the fresh water and open space near the falls, while owners appreciate the quiet atmosphere and scenic views.
Whether you’re stopping for photos, relaxing beside the rushing water, or letting your dog dip their paws in the creek, Morrell Falls offers a beautiful and memorable Montana outdoor experience for both people and their four-legged companions.
Waterworks Hill
Waterworks Hill in Missoula is one of those rare hikes that feels big and scenic without requiring a long drive or a tough climb.
Just a short distance from town, this 3.6-mile out-and-back trail offers a steady, moderate ascent with about 715 feet of elevation gain, making it a great option for hikers and their dogs.
The trail is wide with open hillsides that give you sweeping views almost right away. As you climb, the scenery opens up even more, revealing panoramic sights of Missoula, Rattlesnake Valley, and Hellgate Canyon.
It’s the kind of place where you’ll probably stop often—not because it’s difficult, but because the views keep pulling your attention away from the trail.
For dog owners, Waterworks Hill is especially appealing. The route is generally dog-friendly and gives plenty of space for leashed pups to explore at a comfortable pace. There isn’t much shade, though, so it’s important to bring water and plan for warmer conditions, especially in the middle of the day. Early mornings or evenings tend to be the most enjoyable, both for temperature and for a quieter experience.
One important note: you’re on public land when you’re hiking Waterworks Hill, but you should still stay on the established trail and respect any posted private property boundaries around it.
One of the highlights of this hike is sunset. As the sun drops, the entire landscape shifts into warm tones, and the city lights begin to glow below. It’s a peaceful, unhurried way to end the day—simple, scenic, and easy to share with your dog.
Waterworks Hill is the kind of trail that doesn’t try too hard. It just offers a solid climb, open air, and some of the best views in Missoula, all within easy reach.
The "M"
If you’re searching for one of the best dog-friendly adventures in Missoula, the famous “M” Trail on Mount Sentinel deserves a spot at the top of your list.
Overlooking the city from the west face of the mountain, the giant “M” has been a beloved Missoula landmark since 1908.
Originally created by Forestry Club members and University of Montana students who hauled stones up the mountain by hand, the iconic letter has become more than just a campus symbol — it’s now a favorite hiking destination for locals, visitors, and plenty of four-legged explorers.
Over the years, the “M” has gone through several transformations. In 1912, the original stone letter was replaced with a wooden version, but strong winds eventually blew it off the mountainside in 1915. A larger and sturdier stone “M” soon took its place, standing proudly for decades before being replaced in 1968 by the concrete version hikers see today.
For dog owners, the “M” Trail offers the perfect mix of exercise, scenery, and outdoor adventure. The hike may be less than a mile long, but don’t let the short distance fool you — this trail packs a workout. Dogs and their humans climb a steep zigzag path featuring 11 switchbacks and more than 600 feet of elevation gain. Energetic pups usually love the challenge, especially with so many new sights and smells along the way.
One of the best parts of the hike is how quickly the views open up. Just minutes after starting the trail, you’ll get sweeping views of the University of Montana campus. As you continue climbing, the scenery expands to include all of Missoula, the Clark Fork River, the surrounding valley, and the distant mountain ranges. It’s the kind of hike where you’ll want to pause often — partly to catch your breath and partly to let your dog soak in the adventure.
The “M” Trail has become a favorite fitness route for local runners, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts, many of whom bring their dogs along for the climb. Whether your pup is an experienced trail dog or simply enjoys getting outside, this iconic Missoula hike offers an unforgettable outing for both humans and their canine companions.
Council Grove State Park
Located seven miles west of Missoula on Mullan Road, Council Grove State Park is a dog-friendly day-use park set within an old-growth ponderosa pine forest along the Clark Fork River.
With shaded walking paths, open natural areas, and easy access to the water, the park is a favorite spot for visitors exploring the outdoors with their dogs.
The park is also the site of the 1855 Hellgate Treaty between the Salish, Kalispel, and Kootenai Tribes and the U.S. government. Under the treaty, tribal leaders ceded more than 20 million acres of their aboriginal homelands to the United States while reserving the perpetual right to use ceded lands for traditional cultural and subsistence purposes. The treaty remains an important foundation for relations between the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes and the U.S. government today.
Visitors can enjoy peaceful forest walks, wildlife viewing, fishing access, and excellent birdwatching opportunities within the greater Clark Fork River–Grass Valley Important Bird Area (IBA), recognized by the Audubon Society for bird conservation.
Dogs especially enjoy the park’s nearly mile-and-a-half of river frontage, including walk-in access to the Clark Fork River and a popular summer beach area formed by a naturally eroded riverbank.
The quiet setting and scenic shoreline make the park a relaxing destination for both people and pets.
Rattlesnake National Recreation Area
Just north of Missoula, the Rattlesnake Mountains rise into a wild, beautiful landscape that’s perfect for exploring with your dog on a leash.
The area is named after Rattlesnake Creek, which begins high in these mountains and also supplies water to the City of Missoula. It’s a place where forest, water, and wildlife all connect.
To the south, the Rattlesnake National Recreation Area offers rolling hills and easy-to-moderate trails, while the northern edges blend into more remote, rugged terrain near the South Fork Jocko Tribal Primitive Area.
This wilderness is full of variety: quiet alpine lakes, shaded forested ridges, sunny open slopes, rocky cliffs, and high mountain peaks. It’s the kind of place where every turn feels different.
Elevations range from about 4,200 feet at the lower southern edge up to 8,620 feet at McLeod Peak, so your dog will experience everything from gentle woodland walks to more challenging uphill hikes.
Depending on where you go, you’ll see different trees like ponderosa pine, lodgepole pine, larch, fir, and spruce—great for shade and sniffing along the trail.
Beaver dams can often be seen in Rattlesnake Creek.
Wildlife is abundant, including deer, elk, coyotes, wolves, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, black bears, grizzly bears, moose, and mountain lions. Because of this, keeping dogs on a leash is important for both safety and respect for wildlife.
With roughly 33 miles of trails and vast untouched areas beyond them, it’s a rewarding place to explore—just make sure to bring water, stay alert, and keep your dog close as you take in the scenery together.
Maclay Flat Nature Trail
Maclay Flat Nature Trail is a peaceful and dog-friendly destination near Missoula that’s perfect for a relaxing outdoor adventure with your pup.
Located along the scenic Bitterroot River, the trail offers beautiful mountain views, open meadows, and plenty of fresh air for both you and your dog to enjoy.
The trail is wide, flat, and easy to walk, making it a great option for dogs of all ages and energy levels. Since bicycles and horses aren’t allowed, the atmosphere stays calm and enjoyable for walkers and their pets. Along the way, you’ll pass towering cottonwood and ponderosa pine trees while enjoying views of the river and surrounding landscape.
Maclay Flat is also a great spot for wildlife watching. Visitors often see bald eagles, osprey, blue herons, deer, and other local wildlife throughout the area. Seasonal wildflowers and interpretive signs along the trail add even more to the experience.
About a third of a mile into the walk, there’s a grassy riverside area with a picnic table that makes a perfect place to relax with your dog. The trail offers loop options around 1.25 or 1.8 miles, so you can choose the distance that works best for your outing.
Dogs are welcome as long as they stay on a leash, helping protect the wildlife and preserve the peaceful setting.
If you’re looking for an easy, scenic trail where you and your dog can unwind together, Maclay Flat Nature Trail is definitely worth a visit
Sweet Peaks Ice Cream
Sweet Peaks Ice Cream is a Montana-based ice cream company serving handcrafted, small-batch flavors in scoop shops across Montana since 2010.
Their original Missoula shop opened in Spring of 2014 on North Higgins. The store was on a cute corner next to Adventure Cycling until Spring of 2018 when it moved to 223 West Front and closer to the carousel, park, and river.
The store now sits amongst restaurants and businesses that represent the independent and lively nature of Missoula.
Sweet Peaks Ice Cream has dog-friendly outdoor benches. They might even have some special chicken and beef-flavored ice cream just for Fido!
Their classic artisan flavors range from Chocolate Love and Huckleberry to Grasshopper Mint and Wustner Brother's Honey Cinnamon. The shop also serves seasonal selections like pumpkin cookie or strawberry sorbet. You can also find milkshakes, specialty drinks, and small snacks.
Please note that table service isn't available, so Fido will need to wait outside while you go in to order.
Luie Boone's Pet Peeve about
Missoula County, Montana
There's just so much to love about this vacation destination, but there's one thing that would have put Luie Boone's leash in a twist and he would have woofed:
I never made it to Missoula County, Montana, but my humans had been planning a big adventure there. They spent weeks talking about hiking trails, outdoor activities, and all the places we would explore together. Then they discovered something important: sheep. Not just any sheep, but working sheep grazing on public lands. To me, sheep sounded like moving fluffy puzzles that would have appeared in all the places I wanted to investigate. My humans, however, seemed much more focused on avoiding "sheep situations." They also mentioned guardian dogs whose job was to take everything very seriously. I wasn't sure I wanted to meet a dog professionally assigned to stop dogs like me from making questionable decisions.
So even before the trip began, I knew it would have been shaped by two things: my humans' love of adventure and my curiosity about sheep.
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