Kim Williams Nature Trail - Missoula

The Kim Williams Nature Trail is named in remembrance of Missoula's naturalist Kim Williams. This is a good example of a 'Rails to Trails' project. The trail uses the old Milwaukee Railroad grade which is 2.5 miles long and goes through a 134-acre natural area. Having a wide flat pathway the trail has a variety of uses and can accommodate people with small children. Without any elevation gain this a great trail for those with health problems.

The river is on your left as you head east from town. The steep slopes of Mount Sentinel tower above you to the right. Diverse riparian plant communities in this corridor provide valuable wildlife habitat just a stone's throw from town.

Along the green-way, you can see an abundance of birds: great blue herons, bald eagles, osprey, kingfisher, song sparrows and dippers to name a few. White-tailed deer, mountain lion and black bear use the trail as a travel corridor. Watch for chipmunks on talus slopes. If you're quiet, you may see a fawn and doe drinking at the river's edge.

There are two other trails that can be accessed from this trail, the 'M' trailhead and the Hellgate Canyon Trail. Both trails go up to Mount Sentinel and on into Pattee Canyon.