Ten important skateboard spots in Missoula, Montana
1. Mobash Skatepark
Mobash Skatepark is the crown jewel of Missoula’s skateboarding scene. Located in McCormick Park, this large concrete skatepark was built in 2006 and funded by the Tony Hawk Foundation, making it a significant milestone for the local skating community. The park offers a diverse array of features, including bowls, banks, ledges, rails, and transitions, catering to both beginners and seasoned skaters. It is a hub for the Missoula skate scene and a place where skaters of all ages and skill levels gather, making it an essential location for anyone interested in skating in Missoula. The quality design, smooth concrete, and challenging obstacles make Mobash an ideal spot for perfecting tricks, practicing flow, and meeting other skaters.
2. Downtown Parking Garages
Downtown Missoula has several multi-level parking garages that serve as unofficial skate spots. These garages are especially popular during the rainy or windy seasons, as they provide shelter from the elements. With multiple floors and various stair sets, ledges, and inclines, these parking structures offer ample opportunity for creative street skating. Although skating in parking garages comes with certain risks and restrictions, skaters enjoy the variety of obstacles and the fact that the garages remain mostly empty during off-peak hours. The smooth surfaces and stair rails make downtown parking garages an exciting choice for skaters looking to practice technical tricks in a sheltered environment.
3. University of Montana Campus
The University of Montana campus is home to several popular skateboarding spots. Known for its skate-friendly architecture, the campus features handrails, stairs, and ledges that have become prime skating territory. Despite campus restrictions in certain areas, skaters are drawn to the diverse architectural features and smooth surfaces. Skating at the university offers both urban and scenic appeal, with the mountainous backdrop adding to the experience. Skaters should be mindful of students and campus policies, as skating may be restricted in certain zones. However, the campus remains one of the best spots in Missoula for street skating, particularly for those seeking challenging stair sets and ledges.
4. Caras Park
Located along the picturesque Clark Fork River, Caras Park is known for its open spaces and smooth concrete surfaces, making it a popular spot for flatground tricks. Though primarily a recreational area, the park's spacious plazas and pathways have drawn skaters looking for a relaxed, scenic environment to practice. Caras Park is also home to the annual River City Roots Festival, where skaters often gather to celebrate Missoula’s community spirit. The park’s location near downtown Missoula and the river offers beautiful views, and the flat ground is perfect for beginners or those looking to work on basic tricks. Caras Park’s natural beauty combined with its skate-friendly layout make it a unique spot for skaters.
5. Pattee Canyon Recreation Area
Pattee Canyon offers a skateboarding experience distinct from the urban spots in Missoula. Located just outside the city, this recreation area provides downhill trails and winding roads that are perfect for cruising and downhill skating. The roads in Pattee Canyon are relatively smooth, with sweeping turns and plenty of natural scenery, making it a favorite among skaters who enjoy a mix of skating and nature. In the fall, the changing colors of the foliage enhance the experience, creating a scenic backdrop for skaters. However, skaters should be cautious of other recreational users, as Pattee Canyon is also popular with hikers and cyclists.
6. Sentinel High School
Like many high schools across the country, Sentinel High School has become a prime skate spot thanks to its stair sets, handrails, and ledges. The school’s architecture offers a variety of obstacles for street skaters, including long handrails and benches. Outside of school hours, Sentinel High School becomes a quieter spot where skaters can practice without much interference. While skaters should be mindful of school property and respectful of boundaries, Sentinel High School remains a classic choice for those looking to work on technical tricks in a relatively low-traffic area.
7. Missoula Art Park
The Missoula Art Park is a unique fusion of art and skateboarding. Located in downtown Missoula, this park offers flat concrete areas, curbs, and sculptures that add to the skating experience. Although not designed specifically for skateboarding, the smooth surfaces and creative urban environment make it an attractive spot for those seeking a more artistic setting. The art installations provide interesting visual elements that enhance the atmosphere, making it an enjoyable spot for casual skating. The Missoula Art Park is ideal for flatground tricks and for skaters looking to experience an urban space infused with culture.
8. Rocky Mountain Museum of Military History
Situated near the historic Fort Missoula, this museum area has become an unconventional skate spot, with small sets of stairs and ledges that appeal to street skaters. The quiet surroundings and interesting obstacles make it a favorite for local skaters looking for a change from traditional skate spots. Although skaters should be respectful of the museum and its property, the area’s stair sets and ledges provide a challenging setting for street skating. The historical aspect of the museum, combined with its secluded location, adds a unique flavor to the skating experience here.
9. North Reserve Street
North Reserve Street is a business district that features several hidden skate spots, particularly around office plazas and shopping centers. The area has a variety of ledges, curbs, and handrails, making it a low-key yet engaging place for street skaters. While not as officially recognized as other spots, North Reserve Street offers a more private and creative environment, especially during evenings or weekends when traffic is minimal. Skaters who prefer street obstacles will find this area appealing due to its diverse features and the relative lack of crowds.
10. Clark Fork Riverfront Trail
The Clark Fork Riverfront Trail is a scenic path that runs along the Clark Fork River, providing a smooth, long stretch of concrete perfect for cruising. This trail allows skaters to enjoy a relaxed, scenic ride with views of the river, trees, and mountains. While the trail doesn’t offer the technical obstacles found at skateparks or urban spots, it’s ideal for skaters who enjoy longboarding or simply cruising through a beautiful environment. Benches, rails, and small ledges along the way can provide opportunities for tricks, adding a bit of variety to the ride.
Skateboarding is tribal and most locals are welcoming, but if you're new to a spot, or just passing through, have respect for the locals. Listen. Be smart. Have fun.
A human being
Art can change the world – and everybody is an artist. Those who scribble stickmen. Those who paint chapel ceilings. Those who tattoo biceps. Those who are careful with pigment on canvas. Those who create fantasy characters. Those who paint pet portraits. Those who yarn bomb. Those who write poems on crappy old cardboard.
My art lives on the bottom of skateboard decks. It's designed for you to destroy. For you, the rider, my art may come second to the deck’s ability to perform – and that’s awesome. To me, art comes first. Always.
It’s how I think. It’s who I am. It’s what I am.
A machine
This article has been created with the help of artificial intelligence platforms ChatGPT and Bard. If there are inaccuracies or there are opportunities for improvement, please let me know.
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