Located northwest of Missoula and just a bit southwest of Seeley Lake, the Rattlesnake National Recreation Area is one of the most popular recreation areas in Montana, especially for those who are visiting the Missoula area.
One of the more recently established areas, Rattlesnake National Recreation Area was approved by Congress in 1980.
The area, along with the Rattlesnake Mountains is located just a short 4-miles from Missoula, MT.
The Rattlesnake Mountains and surrounding Wilderness area are known for their rugged mountain peaks, densely forested slopes, and beautiful mountain lakes.
The tallest peak in the Rattlesnake Mountains is McLeod Peak which rises 8,620 feet above sea level.
The Rattlesnake National Recreation Area is separated into two areas, the recreation area, and the wilderness area.
The total area in the u-shaped Rattlesnake basin is fed by more than 50 small creeks that come from snowmelt, groundwater seeps, and natural springs. The Wilderness portion is home to pristine mountain lakes with crystal clear water.
The Rattlesnake National Recreation area is an ideal place for wildlife viewing, exploring lush meadows and forests filled with Douglas and alpine fir, lodgepole pine, ponderosa pine, and numerous other plant and wildflower species.
Rattlesnake National Recreation Area Stats
- Size – 28,000 acres
- Season – All year
- Largest Lake/Forest – Rattlesnake Creek
- Number of campsites – 0 designated sites
Main Attractions
The main attractions in Rattlesnake National Recreation Area include:
Rattlesnake Mountains
The Rattlesnake Mountains rise up from the Missoula Valley and are home to some of the most impressive summits in Montana. Iconic peaks in this range include Stuart Peak, Sheep Mountain, and Mineral Peak.
McLeod Peak is the highest peak in the range at 8,620 feet, though it’s Stewart Peak that is most impressive.
At just under 8,000 feet above sea level, Stewart Peak is an easy spot from the valley and for the adventurous, offers amazing views of the Missoula valley.
Rattlesnake Creek
A fairly large tributary to the Clark Fork River, the perennial Rattlesnake Creek is an important recreational and ecological resource in the Rattlesnake National Recreation Area.
Flowing for about 23 miles, before it joins with the Clark Fork River, Rattlesnake Creek is popular for anglers but is also critical as a water source for wildlife.
It is also one of only four Clark Fork River tributaries that supports the spawning activities for the Bull Trout, which makes it a critical protected habitat as well.
Rattlesnake Trail
Following the valley along Rattlesnake Creek, the Rattlesnake trail is one of the most popular hiking, mountain biking, and backpacking trails in the area.
Starting close to Missoula, the trail offers great views along its wide path with minimal elevation gain.
For the observant, look for evidence of old homesites that were constructed in the area during the 1930s. The trail runs for about 8-miles through the valley, where it ends at the Franklin Bridge.
You can travel further along the Upper Corridor Rattlesnake trail or take one of the many trails that branch off of the main Rattlesnake Trail.
Recreational Activities
Rattlesnake National Recreation Area provides plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation. It is quite popular with locals, and you’ll find that it has plenty of things to do for the whole family.
Fishing
Anglers love to come to Rattlesnake National Recreation Area for the amazing lake fishing.
Most of the mountain lakes are stocked annually, or have great natural populations of fish, making for a nearly perfect day for fishing. Popular fish species in the area include cutthroat trout and mountain whitefish.
Rattlesnake Creek is also a popular place for fishing, but you’ll need to make sure you know where fishing on this creek is legal. As a spawning creek for the Bull Trout, a threatened species, fishing is not allowed in the spawning areas of the Bull Trout.
You can catch and release fish above the mouth of the Beeskove Creek, and you’ll find that this area is quite popular for anglers both local and visiting.
Wildlife Viewing
Like many other places in Montana, Rattlesnake National Recreation Area is a great place to see some iconic North American Wildlife.
The Rattlesnake Mountains are home to grizzly bears, wolves, bighorn sheep, black bears, moose, mountain lions, coyotes, deer, and elk.
Hiking
Hiking is the most popular activity in the Rattlesnake National Recreation Area. With over 73 miles of trails in the recreation area, you can hike for days and still not see every trail in the area.
Trails range from short easy hikes that are perfect for hiking beginners or families with small children to difficult hikes that will challenge even experienced hikers and backpackers.
Mountain Biking
Mountain biking is allowed on trails within the National Recreation Area. Most of the hiking trails also support mountain biking, as well.
However, do make sure you are aware of your surroundings, and you don’t cross into the Wilderness Area. This area does not allow for biking or motorized vehicles. The only way to access the wilderness area is on foot.
Horseback Riding
On the east side of the Rattlesnake Creek and just above the Stewart Peak/Spring Gulch Trail is the only equestrian-friendly trailhead in the National Recreation Area. The bridge over the creek in this area is even made just for horses.
One of the easiest rides and one that will allow you to get the feel for the area is Rattlesnake Horse Trail 517A. This is an easy relaxed ride that eventually joins with the main Rattlesnake Trail.
A word of caution, the main trailhead for Rattlesnake Trail does not allow horses.
Trail Routes
Rattlesnake Trail
Length: 33.9 mi Rattlesnake Trail is an epic trail, but offers plenty of opportunity for simple day hikes. The total trail length is 33.9 miles and will take around 14-hours to complete the total out and back distance.
Sections of the trail can be quite challenging, but that doesn’t stop visitors from making the trek. This trail is quite popular with locals, and you’ll find that it is pretty busy during weekends, especially in the summer months.
This tr