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Little St. Joseph Peak - This is a fairly demanding yet short day hike that takes you to a great mountain top overlooking the northern Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness Area. The elevation gain is 3000 feet in 2.5 miles, so bring plenty of water and a snack for the top. Drive south from Missoula on Highway 93, turn west at the Bass Creek Campground turnout (between Stevensville and Florence), continue driving, take a right at the trailhead where the road continues, and a left at the fork about a mile later. From the fork it is approximately 7 miles to the trailhead. For the adventurous, continue following the ridgeline at the top of Little St. Joseph Peak onto St. Joseph Peak itself. Get an early start and bring plenty of water to tackle this behemoth of the Northern Bitterroots.

Kootenai Canyon - This popular canyon is great for all abilities. Take a stroll and enjoy the rumbling creek and cliff-side climber views, or venture up ten miles to the beautiful Kootenai Lakes. Kootenai Canyon is one drainage south of Bass Creek, located between Stevensville and Florence. Turn right on Highway 93 at the marked road and continue for two miles to the trailhead.

Trapper Peak - If you want to gain elevation and enjoy high altitudes, this is it. Trapper Peak is the highest peak in the Bitterroots, at over 10,000 feet. This 4 mile hike gains 4200ft, so be prepared for plenty of uphill and a hungry belly at the top. Go south on Highway 93 past Darby to the intersection with Montana Highway 473, following the signs to Trapper Job Corps. Continue on that road for approximately 10 miles until the signs point you to the right towards Trapper Peak (not Trapper Creek) trailhead. The stunning views of the rugged Southern Bitterroots make this hike well worth it.

Bear Mountain Lookout - While this recently active forest service lookout lays at only 7400 feet, the views from the top and the historic 40-ft lookout tower make this hike unique. Take a right on Highway 12 in Lolo as if you are heading to Lolo Pass or Lolo Hotsprings, continue over the pass, into Idaho, until you reach the Warm Springs (Jerry Johnson Hotsprings) parking area. There is parking for a dozen cars on the right side of the highway, and a massive wooden bridge spans the Lochsa River. Go over the bridge, hike approximately 2 miles until you reach a fork, and take the right, going over another bridge, and follow this trail for approximately 6 miles up plenty of switchbacks and through a 1994 burn until you reach the top. Approximately 8 miles and 4000 vertical feet total. A tough hike, but well worth it.

Boulder Mountain - This mountain directly south of Trapper Peak offers the views of Trapper, minus the crowds. An abandoned forest service lookout sits at Boulder Point, about 2 miles from the trailhead and 3 miles from Boulder Mountain. The trail also stops at Boulder Point, so bring your map and compass to find your way up the mountain. Plenty of different routes exist. It is approximately 8 miles to Boulder Mountain, with 4500ft of elevation gain. Water is scarce on this hike, so bring plenty. Spending the night at the abandoned lookout is an option as well. Take Highway 93 south past Darby until the turnout to the Trapper Peak Job Corps (Montana Highway 473).  Continue on this road for 13 miles until Barn Draw Road. Take a right, continue for 2 miles until you reach the trailhead. A wonderful, scarcely hiked trail.

Stuart Peak - A popular Missoula mountain in the Rattlesnake Wilderness Area, this hike is strenuous. Great views of Missoula and the Rattlesnake Wilderness area await you at the top. Take Van Buren (which turns into Rattlesnake) north until you reach the main Rattlesnake Trailhead, which is obviously marked. Hike on the main trail for about a mile until you reach a sign telling you that Stuart Peak is approximately 7 miles away and to the left. Another option is to bike for the first 5 or 6 miles until the wilderness area begins, and hike the last mile or so.

Heavenly Twins - This seldom visited pair of peaks is off trail and requires at minimum a solid 12-hours of hiking. Not for the faint of heart. The shortest route (and only route feasible as a day hike) is to ascend St. Mary's Peak, then continue west, following the ridge in the direction of the twins, which are ever present. When just east of the mountains, drop down off the ridge, and pass south of the mountains. Continue until reaching the south-west ridge, which can be scrambled up to the summit of the east Heavenly Twin. A rewarding backcountry experience, this hike is approximately 18 miles round trip with around 6500 feet of elevation gain and loss. Bring plenty of water, food, and endurance. Go south of Highway 93 to the St. Mary's Peak trailhead turnoff, between Stevensville and Florence, south of Kootenai Canyon. Follow directions from there to St. Mary's Peak trailhead.

Lolo Peak - Continually in view from all areas of Missoula, this popular destination is a great day hike or short backpacking trip, depending on your taste. Carlton Lake is a beautiful place to camp, and an ideal basecamp for those wishing to spend more time venturing up the 9,000ft Lolo Peak. The hike to Lolo Peak itself is about 4.5 miles with 3750ft elevation gain, and Carlton Lake is about 3.5 miles from the trailhead with around 2500ft elevation gain. Take Highway 12 west from Lolo, continue about 4 miles until you reach Mormon Peak Road. Cross the bridge and continue up for about 9 miles to the trailhead.