Kootenai Canyon  Photos:  Recent | Best | Popular Elevation:  3,500' Lat, Long:  46.5379, -114.1508 Map Page Views:  20,811. Good page? (1 like)    Administrators:  grk10vq, Tom Erickson Submitted By:  ConorD on Sep 16, 2009 Make this area a Favorite What's New  Printer View Add Area  Add Photo  Add Comment  Add Event  Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun 64° | 36° 61° | 36° 59° | 36° 64° | 41° 68° | 41°

Private Property 1st half mile MORE INFO >>> Stick to the trail for the first half mile, and use approach trails to get up to the crags This information is a public crowdsourcing effort between the Access Fund, and Mountain Project. You should confirm closures, restrictions, and/or related dates. Keeping climbing areas open and conserving the climbing environment

The late Galen Rowell at Kootenai Canyon.

Description 

Granite sport and trad climbing, mostly single pitch but some multipitch too. Routes range from 5.6 to 5.13, and everything from crack climbing to steep roofs.This is the closest crag to Missoula and has very short approaches, nothing over 15 mins. The south side of the canyon is shady in the summer, the north side can get very hot. Something climbable in most seasons.

Getting There 

Take highway 93 south out of Missoula for about 25. Just before entering Stevensville take a right on Kootenai creek road. Follow this for a few miles to the trailhead parking lot. The main trail is located on the north side of the canyon. Most crags are on the north side, except outermost limits and booty buttress. Find the trails heading up from the main trail to get to the climbs.

The Classics

Featured Route For Kootenai Canyon

Pleasant Surprise 5.8  MT : Kootenai Canyon : Second Buttress

The most popular climb on the Second Buttress, and a good one to start or end the day, or take some friends up. Starts up a face to a small stance, then up a straight in crack to pull two roofs. Look out for the pleasant surprises!...[more]   Browse More Classics in MT