MISSOULA, Mont. — The city of Missoula is opening a brand new trail and park preserve along Rattlesnake Creek on August 18, and the public is invited to celebrate.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony begins at 2:00 p.m. at the North Duncan Trailhead, 4820 Duncan Drive, and includes a guided tour of the new one-mile loop trail, the former Rattlesnake Dam site, and interpretive kiosks.
The site includes more than one mile of new trail, 16 parking spaces and two van-accessible ADA spaces. New panels along the route have been added to explain the history of the area.
“Opening this site to the public marks the completion of a seven-year project to transition a defunct industrial site into a functioning public natural area,” said Morgan Valliant, associate director of the city's Ecosystem Services Division. “So many partners and community volunteers came together to make this project possible. I’m just so thankful and proud of the work we’ve been able to accomplish together.”
The city explained the work followed its 2017 purchase of Mountain Water, which had owned and operated the dam and reservoir on Rattlesnake Creek. Staff then planned to remove the dam, restore the creek and connect the property to the chain of public parks along the Rattlesnake Greenbelt.
Because parking will be limited, the city asks people attending to carpool, walk or roll, or bike to the trailhead. The city also asks visitors to wear clothing and shoes that fit the weather and trail conditions.