13 fun things to do in Missoula this fall
In this blog post we share 13 fun things to do in Missoula this fall.
Fall is one of the most beautiful times of year to visit Missoula, Montana! Today we’re sharing 13 fun things to do in Missoula this fall. From golden larch hikes to pumpkin patches, seasonal treats, and football games, there’s something for everyone! If you’re visiting from out of town, we also share where to stay in Missoula, plus where to go in town for the best vegetarian food in Missoula.
This blog post is in partnership with Visit Missoula, but all thoughts, words, and recommendations are our own.
Welcome!
We’re Gwyn and Ami. Based in Spokane, Washington, we’re your guides to the Pacific Northwest and beyond!
We’re adventure travel experts, and our blog is all about helping you find the best hikes, weekend getaways, and national park adventures in the United States and abroad. You can find more on Instagram @gwynandami.
13 things to do in Missoula this fall
Visit Gus, the largest larch in the world
Did you know the largest western larch tree on earth is located about an hour northwest of Missoula? Take a day trip out to Seeley Lake where you can visit the Jim Girard Memorial Grove, where “Gus” the larch lives. We enjoyed a one mile hike around the area. In 2026 Gus was in full yellow color in mid October. Please protect the old growth trees here by staying on trail.
Spend an afternoon at a pumpkin patch in Missoula
Pumpkin patch visits are a quintessential way to celebrate the season! We spent an afternoon at Turner Farms, which has farm animals, a corn maze, and TONS of pumpkins– plus seasonal treats and live music. The farm is free to visit.
Go birding along the McClay Flat Nature Trail
The McClay Flat Nature Trail is a 2 mile stroll that’s perfect for birding in fall! There’s plenty of parking, and also a toilet at the trailhead. The trail itself is flat and easy to follow, and parallels the river for a portion of the hike. Bring binoculars!
Attend a Grizzly football game!
Nothing says fall like a football game! Going to a game to watch the University of Montana grizzlies is a great way to spend a Saturday in fall. Enjoy an intimate stadium with sweeping views of the mountains, great football, plus great halftime entertainment by the marching band.
See golden larches near Missoula by hiking the Larch Camp Trail
The 1.6 mile Larch Camp Trail is just 15 minutes from downtown Missoula and lives up to its name! This easy walk will take you through a huge grove of larches that turn bright yellow in fall. We even saw a TINY northern pygmy-owl when we did this hike!
Enjoy seasonal fall treats around Missoula
One of the best things about fall are all the fall goodies! Missoula has a ton of great seasonal treat options you don’t want to miss for fall.
A few of our favorites… Floreo Coffee Co is serving up classic pumpkin spice lattes alongside carrot cake lattes. Great Burn Brewing has a delicious pumpkin ale, and Veera Donuts has a number of seasonal donuts, including pumpkin and apple cider flavors. Sweet Peaks Ice Cream has a seasonal pumpkin pie flavor, and Bigfoot Cookies is serving a number of seasonal flavors and shapes.
Enjoy seasonal produce and crafts at the Clark Fork River Market
The Clark Fork River Market is held outdoors on the riverfront May – October, and then transitions to an indoor market for the remainder of the season. This quintessential Missoula experience is a perfect way to enjoy a fall morning. You’ll find plenty of breakfast options, as well as crafts and produce.
Ride your bike along the Riverfront Walking Trail
Taking a casual bike ride along the Riverfront Walking Trail is a beautiful way to spend a fall morning. The trail is fairly flat, and parallels the river. There are also several parks along the way.
Take a fall color stroll along the Greenough Park Path
Located in downtown Missoula, the Greenough Park Path is a 1 mile loop with fantastic fall colors. Parking is limited in the lot, but you can also park on the street nearby.
Catch a show at the Wilma Theater
The Wilma Theater in downtown Missoula attracts world-class acts from around the country, and the world. We saw the Fruit Bats play in October 2026. The venue has great acoustics, and both standing and seating.
Go shopping along the hip strip and in downtown Missoula
Downtown Missoula is packed with cute independent shops, including art galleries and a fantastic outdoor store. But my favorite spot to shop is the Hip Strip. Be sure to check out Betty’s Divine, which has funky, casual clothing and tons of vintage items! Rockin’ Rudy’s is a must-visit for quirky gifts and local goods, and the Missoula Makers Collective carries goods from a wide variety of Montana artists.
See the fall colors from the M hike in Missoula
The “M hike” in Missoula is a classic trail that leaves from the university campus and takes you up to a large “M” statue on the hillside. You’ll get fantastic views of town and the fall colors from the top. It’s almost 2 miles and over 600 feet of elevation gain, so be sure to pack some water!
Take a hike along the Blue Mountain Corridor and GI Joe Loop
Looking for more fall colors and larches near Missoula, Montana? The 2.6 mile Blue Mountain Corridor and GI Joe Loop is a great option! This relatively easy 500 foot elevation gain hike is located just 10-15 minutes from downtown Missoula.
Where to stay in Missoula, Montana
If you want cute, cozy, and comfortable lodging in Missoula, I highly recommend the Wren Hotel in downtown. We’ve also stayed at their sister property in downtown Walla Walla, Washington and we absolutely loved it! The Wren is located close to the river and all the downtown shops, and it has a hip outdoorsy vibe. They provide excellent free coffee in the mornings, as well as clean and modern rooms. Dogs are welcome.
Where to eat in Missoula Montana
Missoula has TONS of amazing food options. Below are some of our favorite spots to eat in Missoula, which are all vegetarian friendly!
- FINN – fine dining on the waterfront, with fresh flavors and an extensive menu
- Sumac Cafe – Phenomenal Mediterranean food that goes beyond just hummus. I highly recommend the memonia (semolina porridge)!
- Suzettes Organics – A Filipino eatery that prioritizes fresh, locally grown organic ingredients.
- Michi Ramen Bar – A cozy ramen spot in downtown Missoula with generous portions.
- Zoo Thai – So good we went twice in three days! They serve fantastic authentic Thai food, with generous portions.
- Green Source – a local favorite for healthy smoothies, juices, and salads
- Floreo Coffee Co – a hip coffee shop that shares a space with a plant store. They roast their own beans, and also have a stand at the farmers market along the river.
- Great Burn Brewing – a local craft brewery with a fantastic rotating selection
- Veera Donuts – you’d never guess these amazing donuts are all vegan! They also have gluten free donuts.
- Sweet Peaks Ice Cream – delicious homemade ice cream that features the flavors of Montana and the mountain west. Don’t miss their seasonal flavors!
Looking for more adventures in Montana? Find all of our Montana travel guides here. You can also find more Missoula, Montana recommendations here on our Missoula, Montana two-day itinerary: hikes, hot springs, and more!
