10 Easy Road Trips from Missoula, Montana: Fun Day & Weekend Getaways
If you love living in or visiting
Missoula, Montana but you’re itching to get out of town for a bit, you’re in luck. Within just a few hours’ drive, you’ll find lakes, hot springs, ghost towns, waterfalls, and some of the best small–town vibes in the Northwest.
This guide focuses on
short road trips outside Missoula County, exploring nearby spots in:
- Clearwater County, Idaho
- Idaho County, Idaho
- Flathead County, Montana
- Granite County, Montana
- Lake County, Montana
- Mineral County, Montana
- Powell County, Montana
- Ravalli County, Montana
- Sanders County, Montana
All of these destinations are perfect for
day trips or easy weekend getaways from Missoula. Gas up, pack some snacks, and let’s hit the road.
1. Flathead Lake & Bigfork – Lake County, MT
If you only have time for one road trip from Missoula, make it
Flathead Lake. It’s one of the largest natural freshwater lakes west of the Mississippi, and it feels almost like the ocean on a clear day.
From Missoula, head north toward Lake County and the tiny artsy town of
Bigfork on the northeast side of the lake.
Why go:
- Stroll Bigfork’s charming downtown with galleries, shops, and cafes.
- Swim, paddleboard, or kayak in the clear, cold water of Flathead Lake.
- Stop at roadside cherry stands in late summer for local Flathead cherries.
On my last trip, I grabbed a coffee in Bigfork, walked along the Swan River Nature Trail, and then ended the day watching the sunset from a small beach. It felt like a mini-vacation, and I was back in Missoula the same night.
Road trip tip: Bring layers. The breeze off the lake can feel a bit chilly, even on warm days.
2. Glacier National Park (West Side) – Flathead County, MT
When you’re in western Montana,
Glacier National Park is always worth the drive. From Missoula, head toward the west side of Glacier in
Flathead County. It’s about a 2.5–3 hour drive depending on stops, but the scenery along the way makes it fly by.
Highlights near the west entrance:
- Lake McDonald – Colorful rocks, calm water, and easy lakeshore walks.
- Apgar area – Visitor services, rentals, and short family-friendly trails.
- Access to the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road when it’s open in summer.
If you’ve never driven the Going-to-the-Sun Road, imagine a cliff-hugging highway with jaw-dropping mountain views around every corner. It’s the kind of place where you keep pulling over to take “just one more picture.”
Road trip tip: Check road conditions and reservation requirements before you go—Glacier often uses a timed entry system in peak season.
3. Hot Springs & Lakes Around Polson – Lake County, MT
For a more relaxed day trip, head to the south end of
Flathead Lake near
Polson in Lake County. This area offers a nice mix of small-town charm, lake views, and nearby hot springs.
Things to do near Polson:
- Walk Polson’s lakeshore parks for big-sky views over the water.
- Take a boat tour when they’re running in summer.
- Visit nearby hot springs resorts (perfect on a chilly Montana day).
There’s something about soaking in hot mineral water while looking at snow-covered peaks that just recharges your batteries. If you’re planning a winter road trip from Missoula, this route is a solid pick.
Road trip tip: Check in advance if the hot springs you’re heading to require reservations, especially on weekends.
4. Philipsburg & Georgetown Lake – Granite County, MT
East of Missoula,
PhilipsburgGranite County is one of those classic Montana towns that looks like a movie set. Colorful storefronts, old brick buildings, and a main street that feels frozen in time.
Pair it with nearby
Georgetown Lake and you’ve got a wonderful day trip.
In Philipsburg:
- Browse the old-fashioned candy store and local shops.
- Walk the historic downtown and grab a bite at a local café or brewery.
- Try your hand at sapphire hunting at one of the local gem shops.
At Georgetown Lake:
- Fish from shore or by boat.
- Enjoy an easy lakeside stroll or picnic with mountain views.
- In winter, check out ice fishing and snowy scenery.
Road trip tip: Philipsburg makes a fun holiday season visit—lights, snow, and that small-town Christmas feel.
5. Seeley Lake & Clearwater Country Lakes – Clearwater County, ID (and nearby)
North of Missoula, the corridor of lakes and forests around
Seeley Lake is a playground for outdoor lovers. While Seeley itself sits in another county, the broader region ties into nearby
Clearwater County, Idaho, giving you the chance to turn this into a loop trip that dips into Idaho and back.
Along this route you can:
- Paddle or swim in mountain lakes with easy access from the highway.
- Hike short trails leading to viewpoints and forest clearings.
- Continue west and south to cross into Idaho and explore more forested backroads.
On warm summer days, this is one of my favorite escapes from Missoula. It doesn’t require a lot of planning—throw a cooler in the car, bring a camp chair, and you’re set.
Road trip tip: Mosquitoes can be intense around lakes at dusk. A small bottle of bug spray can save your evening.
6. Orofino & the Clearwater River – Clearwater County, ID
Ready to actually cross the state line? Head into
Clearwater County, Idaho and follow the winding roads along the
Clearwater River toward towns like
Orofino.
Why it’s worth the drive:
- Lovely river views almost the entire way.
- Great fishing opportunities for serious anglers.
- Chill small-town Idaho vibe with diners and family-run motels.
The Clearwater River corridor is perfect if you like to drive without a fixed plan. You can pull over at riverside access points, toss in a line, or just sit on the bank and listen to the water.
Road trip tip: Idaho uses Mountain and Pacific Time in different areas; double-check if you’re on a tight schedule, especially in border regions.
7. Riggins & the Salmon River – Idaho County, ID
In
Idaho County, the town of
Riggins is known as the “Whitewater Capital of Idaho.” From Missoula, you’ll wind through forests and river canyons to reach this rugged little town perched between steep hillsides and the
Salmon River.
What to do in and around Riggins:
- Book a whitewater rafting trip in summer for a full-day adventure.
- Try fishing along the Salmon River.
- Explore nearby hot springs and scenic pullouts.
Even if you don’t hop in a raft, the drive into this part of Idaho is an adventure on its own. The canyons feel huge, and the river often runs right beside the road.
Road trip tip: Bring a change of clothes if you’re rafting; you will get wet, and the drive back to Missoula is a lot nicer when you’re dry.
8. Lolo–Darby–Hamilton Corridor – Ravalli County, MT
South of Missoula,
Ravalli County is packed with easy road trip stops. Towns like
Lolo, Stevensville, Hamilton, and Darby line the Bitterroot Valley, with mountain ranges on both sides and the Bitterroot River weaving through the middle.
Along this valley you can:
- Walk small-town main streets with local shops and cafes.
- Fish, float, or simply sit along the Bitterroot River.
- Hike trailheads that head straight into the Bitterroot Mountains.
If you want a low-stress road trip from Missoula, this is it. You can drive as far as you feel like, stop when a trail or river access catches your eye, and head back whenever you’re ready.
Road trip tip: Fall is stunning here. The cottonwoods and willows along the river turn bright yellow and gold.
9. Thompson Falls & Clark Fork River Views – Sanders County, MT
Drive northwest into
Sanders County and you’ll find
Thompson Falls, a quiet town along the
Clark Fork River that feels like a step back in time.
Why visit Thompson Falls:
- Walk the riverside trails and check out viewpoints above the water.
- Look for wildlife—eagles, deer, and sometimes even bighorn sheep.
- Slow down and enjoy the relaxed pace of a true Montana small town.
I like to think of this drive as a “reset button.” It’s the kind of place where you lose track of what day it is and start paying more attention to clouds and water instead of your phone.
Road trip tip: Cell service can be spotty in pockets. Download maps ahead of time if you rely on GPS.
10. Lookout Pass & St. Regis Area – Mineral County, MT
Head west on I-90 and you’ll cross into
Mineral County, home to mountain passes, river valleys, and classic roadside stops. The area around
Lookout Pass (on the Montana–Idaho border) and the town of
St. Regis makes for an easy half- or full-day trip.
Things to do around here:
- In winter, ski or snowboard at the local ski area near the pass.
- In summer, explore nearby trails or forest service roads.
- Stop in St. Regis for food, coffee, and a break from the interstate.
This route is especially good when you want mountain scenery without complicated backroads. It’s mostly interstate, but the views are still classic Montana.
Road trip tip: Weather over the pass can change fast, especially in winter—check road conditions before you go.
Bonus: Powell County Backroads & Big-Sky Views – Powell County, MT
Northeast of Missoula,
Powell County offers wide-open landscapes, forested hills, and that big-sky feeling Montana is famous for.
On a casual drive through Powell County, you can:
- Explore scenic backroads (when dry) for photography and wildlife spotting.
- Visit quiet small towns for a slice of everyday Montana life.
- Enjoy long-range mountain views with far fewer crowds than the big parks.
This is a great “no schedule” day: just drive, stop when something looks interesting, and let the road decide the plan.
Road trip tip: Many smaller roads are gravel. A full tank of gas and a good spare tire are always smart when you wander off the highway.
Planning Your Missoula Road Trips: Quick Tips
To make the most of these
short road trips from Missoula:
- Check the season: Some roads, especially in mountain areas, are closed or tricky in winter.
- Pack smart: Water, snacks, a warm layer, and a basic first-aid kit go a long way.
- Fuel up early: Smaller towns may have limited gas station hours.
- Download offline maps: Rural Montana and Idaho are beautiful—but not always strong on cell service.
Whether you want lakes, hot springs, ghost towns, whitewater, or just a quiet place to sit by a river, there’s a
road trip near Missoula with your name on it.
Share Your Favorite Missoula-Area Road Trip
Have you taken any of these drives from Missoula? Or do you have a hidden-gem spot in Clearwater, Idaho, Flathead, Granite, Lake, Mineral, Powell, Ravalli, or Sanders County that you love?
- Drop a comment with your favorite stop, hike, or small town.
- Share this post with a friend who’s planning a Montana road trip.
The more we share our experiences, the easier it is for others to discover new places and support these small communities along the way.
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