Greenough Park — Attraction in Missoula

Greenough Park is a large forested public park with a mile of paved and natural trails along Rattlesnake Creek.

Accessibility info and site description: There are two parking areas at Greenough Park. One is on the east side of the park along Monroe Street, where the playground and large picnic shelter are located, and the other is a small parking lot on the southeast side of the park, where the paved path begins. There are two small porta-potties in the southeast lot and no disabled parking at either location. At the southeast lot is a large sign detailing the "birdwatching challenge" and a map of the seven interpretive signs. Follow the trail to the left of this sign and over the first bridge. There are two route options from here. To follow the natural trail, turn right after this first bridge. To continue on the paved path, cross the second bridge. Just past this second bridge there is a picnic table in the grass to the left and two benches beside the creek to the right. Continue ahead and turn right to stay on the paved path. This path is very wide and the majority of it is in good condition, but there are a few rough and bumpy spots. After about .2 mile, there is an option to follow a dirt nature trail along the west side of the creek, or you can stay on the paved path. The paved path then goes gradually up a hill before turning east, running alongside a residential area, and rejoining with the west side nature trail. Cross the large bridge over the creek and turn right onto the nature trail to follow the east side of the creek, or continue straight and take Monroe Street back to the southeast lot. The dirt nature trail varies in width, at times becoming very narrow from lush, overgrown vegetation. Rocks and tree roots are scattered throughout the trail and there are several small bridges with rough transitions. After .15 mile, this trail passes the Monroe Street parking, playground, and picnic shelter. Continue heading south until you reach the first two bridges, turn left, and head back to the parking lot. The total distance of this loop is about one mile.

I had expected this trail to be more accessible due to its popularity and proximity to town, so I was disappointed to see there is no disabled parking, no accessible restrooms, and no benches along the trail. I do like that there are options for different routes. Even though the west side is generally thought of as the paved section and the east side is the unpaved section, there are still options for paved and unpaved paths on both sides of the creek. I drew a map to help others have a clearer picture of the trail before their visit, which I included in the photos. I love that this spot is right in town and goes along the creek. It really is a lovely spot for a walk! However, it's also very popular, so you'll be sharing the narrow dirt trails with people jogging and walking their dogs, and sharing the paved path...

Was an excellent trail to venture on with friends and pets. Had a great time letting my puppers chalantly walking around in the creek. Wouldve walked in the water myself but didn't have suitable footwear to do so. Maybe for another time. Would definitely recommend taking the trails off the paved area, definitely worth it. The sights and greenery are endlessly beautiful. You can definitely get lost in the beauty. Make sure you're careful with your footing when you get in the water or in the dense weeds. Also just want to point out to all in case you enter to be careful of these little guys crawling on the ground. Do not pick them up with your hands nor let them touch you or anyone else, especially pets. The hairs can cause serious hives and anaphylaxis. So please be careful if you see one...

This used to be one of my favorite places to go when I would be back in Montana visiting family. I remember playing in the park as a small child and the last thing we feared was being attacked by HUMANS. Bears, maybe... but never people. But now, women can't even walk in the park alone. There are so many assaults that go on there, it's ridiculous. Not to mention the drug folk, who seem to have made the park their second home. You have to watch where you walk... or you'll step on a needle. It's such a shame, really. It used to be such a beautiful and peaceful place. It's too bad the police won't do more to ensure the safety of its 'respectful' visitors. More foot patrols of the trails would deter the...