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Print Friendly MapRon's River Trail follows both the north and south sides of the Clark Fork River through city parks downtown and near the university campus. The trail is part of a larger city-wide system that links the east side of the valley at the University of Montana to west-side neighborhoods. The pathway provides beautiful river views and easy, non-motorized access to the campus, neighborhoods, parks, shopping, restaurants, and a host of other attractions in Missoula.
Ron's River Trail follows the former right-of-way along the old Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul, and Pacific railroad, commonly known as the Milwaukee Road. The portions in Montana were built between 1906 and 1909, serving as both a freight and passenger line. With more than 656 miles of electrified track, the Milwaukee Road was ground-breaking in long-distance electrification. Though extant tracks on the north side of the river still carry freight, passenger service to Missoula ended in the 1970s.
On the trail's east end, you can connect to the Kim Williams Trail. About 2 blocks west of McCormick Park, you can also pick up two other trails: the Milwaukee Trail, which heads another 1.8 miles farther west, and the Bitterroot Trail, which goes south more than 50 miles all the way to Hamilton.
Parking is available on city streets and in public lots in downtown Missoula and at McCormick Park (Cregg Lane and Cottonwood Street). You can also park on the University Campus, but heed parking restrictions to avoid being ticketed.
We walked the north side of the river and it was clean and nice. We are cyclists and considered riding but lots of stops/starts and little mileage. Highly recommend to walk, grab a coffee, and enjoy the view. Cycling if you can figure out connecting trails.
Nice trail to cruise around on skates ¿
This is a nice paved path, which can help you get around town. It extends to both sides of the river, and there are more paths than are shown on the map. It will get you to the University and connects up to other trails as well.
Lots of activity, “A Carousel for Missoula”, Dragon Hollow Play Lot, Fishing, Kayaks, Picnic, Reading, and dogs walking people, on these scenic trails. A Footbridge to U of Montana, and one under the Madison St Bridge, extend the ride to the trails on the South side of the Clark Fork River where you find the best parking in McCormick Park, N46.87245 W114.00314 Suspension Bridge N46.87616 W114.01347 goes to streets on southside, trails not complete. Trails locally known as the Ron Mac Donald Riverfront Trail System. Noel Keller 17 Apr 09
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