The discovery of gold in western Montana brought a rush of prospectors and spurred development of the area. The logging and forest-products industry generated even more growth and remains a mainstay in western Montana's economy. Missoula's Labor Force Area includes Missoula and three other counties. Thirty-three percent of the economic base involves trade center activities that include medical services, wholesale and retail trade, and insurance and finance. The Clark Fork River flows through Missoula, and within 50 miles of the city are many rivers, streams, creeks and scores of lakes.
Fishing is an appreciated pastime.
The Riverfront Trail runs along the Clark Fork River and provides opportunities to be near nature and wildlife while inside city limits. The surrounding mountains provide opportunities for viewing or hunting elk, moose, deer, and black bear. Downhill and cross-country skiing areas are available within minutes. Billings was added as a study site for the project in October 1999. It is a clinical site only, where local nurses do the home visits for treatment subjects.