The City of Missoula Parks & Recreation Department has completed upgrades at the Duncan Drive Trailhead parking lot, and the area is once again open to the public. The improvements mark another step forward in expanding safe, accessible recreation opportunities in the Rattlesnake corridor, with even more enhancements planned over the coming year.
During the winter months, snowplowing at the trailhead will be limited and dependent on staff availability and weather conditions. Because Parks & Recreation prioritizes high-traffic public facilities—such as Currents Aquatics Center, downtown sidewalks, and major commuter trails—the Duncan Drive lot may not always be cleared immediately after a storm. When snow remains, visitors are encouraged to use the overflow parking area along Duncan Drive.
To help protect the newly restored landscape, users are asked to remain on paved or gravel surfaces only. Surrounding areas were recently seeded, and the topsoil can be extremely soft during warm, wet, or thawing conditions. Staying on finished surfaces will help the site stabilize and prevent damage during the establishment period.
Trail users should also stick to the official public route. NorthWestern Energy’s nearby maintenance access road is not open for recreation, and visitors should watch for on-site signage directing them to the open, accessible trail.
Even more improvements are on the way. Interpretive kiosk panels are scheduled for installation between late 2025 and early 2026, and additional trail construction planned for next spring will complete a fully accessible one-mile loop leading to the former Rattlesnake Dam site. Once finished, the project will enhance outdoor learning opportunities, expand mobility access, and create a continuous, inclusive recreation experience for residents and visitors alike.
For more information about this project and other trail updates, visit the City of Missoula Parks & Recreation page: https://www.ci.missoula.mt.us/173/Parks-and-Trails.
