Outdoor Resources & Opportunities Around Missoula, MT

Discover Western Montana’s Outdoors

From serene birding trails to hands-on conservation projects, Western Montana offers endless opportunities to engage with its stunning wilderness. Dive into local organizations, volunteer programs, and educational initiatives designed to inspire and empower you to make a difference.

Get To Know Montana Up Close

Western Montana Nature, Outdoor Resources, & Opportunities

Western Montana is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, conservationists, and anyone looking to experience the breathtaking beauty of the Northern Rockies. Beyond recreation, the region offers a wealth of opportunities to connect with nature through education, volunteering, and conservation efforts. Here’s a guide to the key organizations and resources that make exploring and preserving Montana’s natural beauty a fulfilling experience.

Girl in beanie looking at mountain river in Montana
Deer in Montana grassy field

Follow Larry Weeks & Montana Bird Tours on Social Media

For photos and information about Montana’s beautiful birds, bird-watching spots around Missoula, migration insights, trips and events, and Larry’s bird outings.

Trees in fall near Missoula, MT

Western Montana

Volunteer & Education Opportunities

Western Montana is rich in natural beauty and community spirit, offering hands-on ways to give back while learning about the environment.

Clark Fork Coalition Cleanups

Join regular events to remove debris and help restore the Clark Fork River’s health and beauty.

Watershed Education Network (WEN)

Focuses on water education through hands-on science activities and volunteer opportunities in stream monitoring and restoration.

Missoula Urban Demonstration Project (MUD)

Learn sustainable living practices through workshops and community events. Opportunities include gardening and eco-friendly building projects.

Five Valleys Land Trust Stewardship Events

Help maintain trails, remove invasive species, and plant native vegetation while learning about land preservation.

Herd of Antelope grazing in Western Montana

Western Montana

Outdoor Recreation Resources

Experience the best of Western Montana’s landscapes with outdoor adventures that cater to birders, hikers, and explorers of all skill levels.

Montana Birding and Nature Trail

A network of birding trails highlighting spots like Kelly Island and the Bitterroot Valley. Provides maps and guides for all skill levels with a focus on ethical wildlife viewing.

Missoula Outdoor Gear Library

Affordable rentals for hiking, birding, and camping gear. Hosts workshops on outdoor safety and offers resources for individuals and families.

Adventure Cycling Association

Based in Missoula, this nonprofit supports bike-friendly travel with maps, routes, and educational programs. Perfect for exploring Montana on two wheels.

Pattee Canyon Recreation Area

A quiet retreat near Missoula with hiking, mountain biking, and cross-country skiing. Ideal for nature photography and birdwatching.

Create Your Custom Birding Adventure In Montana

Ready to experience the beauty of Western Montana’s birdlife your way? Fill out our Custom Birding Tour Application to design a personalized itinerary tailored to your interests and schedule. Let’s craft an unforgettable birding journey just for you!

PEXELS: Sunset, River and mountains in Glacier National Park in Western Montana

Western Montana

Local Parks & Land Management Programs

Immerse yourself in the wild beauty of Montana through local parks and conservation initiatives that blend recreation and education.

Missoula Parks & Recreation – Conservation Lands Program

Manages 5,000+ acres of natural lands, providing trails, guided hikes, and workshops. Volunteers can assist with habitat preservation and invasive species removal.

Rattlesnake National Recreation Area

Located minutes from Missoula, this wilderness area boasts diverse trails, alpine lakes, and prime birdwatching spots. Features educational programs about ecosystems.

Montana State Parks

Explore parks like Placid Lake or Traveler’s Rest, offering camping, wildlife viewing, and guided historical tours. Great for families and outdoor enthusiasts.

Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge

A sanctuary for birds and wildlife, offering trails and viewing platforms. Provides education on habitat preservation and opportunities for birdwatching.

Clark Fork River outside of Missoula, MT

Western Montana

Nonprofits & Conservation Organizations

Western Montana is home to organizations dedicated to protecting its unique landscapes and ecosystems. Get involved with their conservation efforts and educational programs.

Protects over 80,000 acres of open spaces, wildlife habitats, and working lands in western Montana. Offers volunteer opportunities in trail maintenance and habitat restoration, along with guided tours and workshops on conservation.

Montana Natural History Center

Connects the community with Montana’s ecosystems through interactive exhibits, seasonal camps, and volunteer programs. Inspires a deeper understanding of nature through educational outreach and youth programs.

Montana Audubon

Advocates for wildlife conservation with birding trails, workshops, and citizen science projects. Works on policy changes and provides resources for ethical wildlife observation.

Clark Fork Coalition

Focuses on protecting the Clark Fork River watershed through advocacy, river cleanups, and water quality monitoring. Hosts educational events and paddling tours to engage the community.

DISCOVER MONTANA’S ICONIC BIRDS

Red-breasted Nuthatch in Western Montana

Birding Tours & Packages

Learn about upcoming bird tours and birding packages with Larry Weeks and Montana Bird Tours, from Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge to Mission Valley trips.

Custom Montana Bird Tours

Request a personalized birding trip with Larry Weeks. Let’s create a custom birding tour in Western Montana that’s perfect for your group.

Learn About Montana Birds

Explore Montana’s birds, locations, and ecology, as well as organizations, resources, and conservation opportunities. Discover birding for yourself.

Larry Weeks leading a birding tour in Glacier National Park, in Montana

TRUSTED BIRD EXPERTISE

Why Choose Montana Bird Tours?

Decades of Birding Expertise

Larry Weeks has been a passionate birder with decades of experience in Western Montana’s unique ecosystems.

Tailored Experience

Whether you’re here for a weekend or a week, we create our tours to provide you with the best birdwatching experience.

Learn about Western Montana

From Flathead Lake to the valleys surrounding Missoula, Larry Weeks’s lifetime of citizen science, volunteering, and advocacy brings a wealth of information and insight.

Contacting
Montana Bird Tours

Whether you’re curious about birding tours, Montana wildlife, a Missoula vacation renting, or connecting with Larry Weeks, we look forward to hearing from you.

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