Missoula County

Missoula County is an administrative county in western Montana featuring mountainous terrain with five large valleys and two major rivers running through it. The landscape supports diverse ecosystems of the northern Rocky Mountains across its varied terrain.

The county was established in 1864 and initially covered a much larger area than today, including what are now separate counties. Hell Gate served as its first county seat before Missoula became the regional center.

The University of Montana shapes the county's character and brings students from across the region to its campus. This educational institution influences how the community develops and what activities are available.

Missoula in the county center connects well to major routes and serves as a base for exploring the region. You can navigate easily from this town to reach different areas and attractions throughout the county.

The county experiences colder winters than many other Montana regions because of its western location in the mountains. This geographic feature shapes the plants, animals, and seasonal patterns that visitors encounter throughout the year.

Location: Montana

Inception: 1864

Capital city: Missoula

Shares border with: Lake County, Granite County, Ravalli County, Mineral County, Sanders County, Flathead County, Powell County, Idaho County, Clearwater County

Website: https://missoulacounty.us

GPS coordinates: 47.04000,-113.93000

Latest update: December 14, 2025 20:27