Overview

Frenchtown Pond State Park, located in western Montana, with its spring-fed pond is a great place to cool off and enjoy some outdoor fun. Up to 10 feet at its deepest point, the 5-acre pond, some call it a lake, is perfect for swimming, fishing, sunbathing, boating, picnicking, or relaxing with a good book.

Pick a day and come out to play. In addition to the pond, there is a playground for those that tire of the water. Sorry, this day-use-only park doesn't allow pets.

Location/Information

Frenchtown Pond State Park, is just west of Missoula in western Montana. From Missoula, take I-90 west to the Frenchtown exit. The lake is one mile up the frontage road.

This day-use-only park offers a playground, picnic tables, grills/fire-rings, group shelters, drinking water, trash cans, RV dump station, both flush and vault toilets. There are also interpretive and educational programs offered. The on site ranger can help answer any questions.

For more information, contact the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks.

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

Season/Hours

• Summer
  Open May 1st thru September 30th
  9am to 9pm
• Winter
  Note: Some facilities are closed during this time.
  Open October 1st thru April 30th
  6am to 7pm

Fees

Fees apply to non-residents only.

• Vehicle $6.00/vehicle
• Walk or Bike in $4.00/per person

Activities

The 41-acres of Frenchtown Pond State Park provide the perfect place to beat the heat and the chaos of the city. Swimming, fishing, picnicking, sunbathing, and water sports make this park appealing to all that visit. The kiddies may also like to play on the playground.

Swimming
The spring-fed waters of Frenchtown pond are a great place to cool down during summers fury. A short swim from north beach you will find a swimming and diving platform.

Fishing/ Ice Fishing
Test your luck at hooking a big one at Frenchtown pond. No trout are found in these warm waters but there is an abundance of sunfish, large mouth bass, black bullheads and yellow perch. Don't forget your fishing license, for purchase at any local fly shop or gear store in Missoula or from the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks. With no where to go, the fish will still be here in the winter. Just bundle up, drill your hole and start fishing. Take precaution to ensure that the ice is properly frozen before walking on it or trying to fish.

Boating
Blow up your inflatable raft or paddle away in your kayak or canoe as non-motorized boating is the only form of boating allowed here. This 5-acre pond is the perfect place for the beginner kayak looking to practice some rolls.

Picnicking
Whether you pack a picnic or plan to grill, the picnic area is ready for you. Grab a group and spend the day at Frenchtown Pond State Park under one of the group shelters. They are perfect for birthday parties and holidays.

Hiking
Need to stretch your legs? Check out the mile loop that circles the pond.

Ice Skating
What could be more beautiful then ice skating on an open pond in the middle of a beautiful wilderness, not much. Frenchtown pond does freeze enough in the winter for ice skating but make sure it is thoroughly frozen before walking or skating on the ice.