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Lolo Pass - This popular area offers something for everyone. Whether it be backcountry skiing, snowshoeing, snowcaving, or cross country skiing on the groomed trails, Lolo Pass has it. A variety of trails exist at all difficulties. The only detractor of this excellent area is the steady buzz of snowmobiles in the background, but they are isolated in their own area, so you will probably not encounter one other than in the parking lot. Take Highway 12 at Lolo towards Idaho. Lolo Pass is on the Montana/Idaho border.
Pattee Canyon - Pattee Canyon is a great place to get out after work or on the weekend and just get into the wilderness. Located up Pattee Canyon Road (as the name implies), just south of Mount Sentinel, this area is quite accessible to most of Missoula. A variety of trails, along with a folf course for the change in season. Head south on Higgins until you reach a hard right. Take a left there onto the Pattee Canyon Road, and continue for a few miles until you reach the recreation area.
Rattlesnake - The Rattlesnake National Recreation Area is an amazing jewel sitting in our backyard. The area offers mountain biking, hiking, backpacking, and skiing opportunities. It needs to dump on Missoula pretty hard before the Rattlesnake Wilderness Area becomes skiable, but once it is, the area a great getaway close by. Head north on Van Buren (which turns into Rattlesnake Drive) until the signs indicate the recreation area, about four miles up.
Mt. Haggin Ski Area - Featuring over 25 kilometers of groomed ski trails in the vicinity of Anaconda, many call Mt. Haggin the best nordic skiing in the state. The Mile High Nordic Ski Club worked with state agencies to secure this area for recreational enjoyment. About half the trails are packed and tracked for both skating and classic skiing, and the other half remain classic only. Mt. Haggin is located on Highway 274, 15 miles south of Anaconda.
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