Overview

This day-use-only park gives you a chance to relax in a beautiful, natural setting while you leave the chaos of the city behind.

Historically, Council Grove State Park marks the spot of the 1855 council where the Indian tribes of the region, Flathead, Kootenai, and Pend d'Oreille, signed the Hellgate Treaty, thus accepting the Mission Valley reservation while relinquishing their ancestral hunting grounds.

Today, grassy fields dotted with picnic tables and old-growth ponderosa pine set the tranquil environment here. The kiosks will give you a quick history lesson or enjoy some fishing under the cottonwoods at the confluence of the Lower Clark Fork, Swan, and Flathead Rivers.

Location/Information

Just under 10 minutes from Missoula, Council Grove State Park could hardly be more conveniently located. From Missoula, take I-90 west to the Reserve Street Exit. Head south on Reserve, turn right on Mullen Road. 10 miles down the road you will see signs for Council Grove State Park.

This day-use-only, 165 acre park sits at 3,064 ft and offers a wonderful picnic area, grills, fire rings, vault toilets, drinking water, and handicap accessible facilities.

Before starting a fire check the fire hazard for the day, especially in summer when conditions can be extremely dry. Passenger cars only, no RV's please. For questions, maps, and general information contact the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks.

Montana Department of Fish Wildlife and Parks
Council Grove State Park
3201 Spurgin Road
Missoula, MT 59804
Phone: 406-542-5500
Fax: 406-542-5529
http://fwp.mt.gov/
Email: fwprg22@mt.gov  

Activities

Pack a picnic lunch, stroll along some of the trails, do a bit of fishing, or see what wildlife makes an appearance as you pass the day away at historical Council Grove State Park. Designated a 'primitive' are the use of pack in/pack out, aka take your trash with you, practices must be used in the park.

Hiking/Biking
Trails roll across Council Groves State Park. The hikes aren't strenuous rather sticking to more scenic and leisurely meandering. Same can be said for the biking, but all trails lead you through a scenic, peaceful landscape, leaving you refreshed and relaxed.

Picnicking
Grab a group of friends, less then 30 though or you will need a permit, and have a great day relaxing and picnicking. Grills and fire-rings are available for use. Please pack out what ever you bring in; keep it scenic, keep it clean.

Fishing
The west is streaked with rivers bountiful and ripe for the fishing. The Lower Clark Fork river that runs through Council Grove State Park is no exception. Spend the day leisurely fishing and picnicking. Grab a fishing permit before you start casting or you may land yourself a fine. Permits are available with the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks, at any of the fly shops or outdoor gear stores in Missoula.

Wildlife Viewing
An open Aspen Grove lures in a variety of birds including the beautiful great blue heron and the blue winged teal and provides habitat for frogs and salamanders. White tailed deer are often sighted in the park as well as the occasional black bear.