Rattlesnake National Recreation Area
Rattlesnake National Recreation Area
5
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
About
An all-season recreation area, this wilderness region is designated to promote the watershed, recreational, wildlife and educational values of the land.
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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5.0
111 reviews
Excellent
91
Very good
20
Average
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Terrible
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crutt13
Pottstown, PA650 contributions
Jun 2020 • Family
We made a last minute audible to come here and I'm glad we did. This is a short drive from missoula. The parking lot is small, but there was lots of cars parked on the shoulder. At the trailhead there is a box with maps. I recommend getting one.
We hiked trail 515 to junction B and took trail 517 to junction I. We reversed course on 517.1 to Junction B again. We then crossed the creek and took 515.2 back to our car.
The trails were pretty well maintained and marked. There were some beautiful landscape and meadows with wild flowers. There were lots of hikers, bikes and runners and were able to share the smaller trails with everyone. There were lots of horses, but we didn't encounter any on the trail.
I highly recommend visiting this trail system.
We hiked trail 515 to junction B and took trail 517 to junction I. We reversed course on 517.1 to Junction B again. We then crossed the creek and took 515.2 back to our car.
The trails were pretty well maintained and marked. There were some beautiful landscape and meadows with wild flowers. There were lots of hikers, bikes and runners and were able to share the smaller trails with everyone. There were lots of horses, but we didn't encounter any on the trail.
I highly recommend visiting this trail system.
Written 27 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sara T
Ellicott City, MD994 contributions
Jul 2023 • Solo
This trail was great!!! Mostly shaded and by the river. Little places you can wade into the water if you want. My dogs loved it! Weekend is crowded and parking is challenging. Weekday is less crowded. We went a couple of times.
Written 30 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WorldloverSantaFe
Santa Fe68 contributions
Sept 2020
This has a little bit (or a lot) for everyone. There are miles and miles of trails. Some are shared with cyclists. With only time for a late afternoon hike, I did one that mostly went through valley. It was lovely, but there were a lot of cyclists - most gave warning and let us know how many were behind them. When there was more time, we did the Spring Gulch Trail to Curry Loop - maybe 9-10 miles. It's a bit steeper and not as many cyclists.
Written 2 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sharon B
Enfield, NH170 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
Easy access to beautiful, fairly level river walk hike. Beginning of trail used by joggers, hikers, and trail bikes. Keep right to follow and access beautiful Rattlesnake "cric" (creek). Otherwise, follow trail as far as you want into the wilderness if you have proper gear and bear spray. Wonderfully tall trees interspersed with meadows and mountain views.
Written 14 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
montanapescado
Albuquerque, NM1,574 contributions
Aug 2022 • Solo
The Rattlesnake is a large natural area loaded with an excellent variety of trails for either foot or pedal. Scenery is good, but not particularly impressive by Montana standards. This is a great day trip activity from Missoula.
Written 22 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
April H
Helena, MT12 contributions
Jun 2014 • Family
My husband and our daughters (ages 18 & 16) were hiking the Stuart Peak trail. We were coming down at about 8pm, parallel to Spring Creek, and ran straight into a black bear crossing the trail. She had been at the water, and we were within 10-12 feet of her. We froze. She hesitated, and took a good long look at us. Then she looked up the mountain and back at us before deciding we weren't a threat. She continued up the mountain. We turned around and went about 30 yards back up the trail to compose ourselves before continuing back down toward the main trail head. A few minutes later, we continued down the trail again, and ran straight into one of her cubs in the exact same spot. Then we could hear what we thought was a second cub below, coming back up from the creek. They aren't as quiet when they're walking as you'd think.... We heard branches breaking and heavy footsteps. At that point, we hightailed it out of there. Maybe dusk isn't a good hiking time. Thank goodness those weren't this years cubs, or Mama Bear would've been hostile. They were last years cubs, which was obvious by their larger size, so Mama wasn't threatened by us and didn't react to our presence.
These trails are beautiful, and the further back & higher up in elevation you go, the more breathtaking it is. Just be aware that there are bears in this area, even though the trails are pretty heavily traveled. Yes, I know it's obvious..... We live in Montana...there are bears here. I just hadn't expected to run into two less than a mile from the trailhead. My advice is to go enjoy these beautiful trails, and carry bear spray.
These trails are beautiful, and the further back & higher up in elevation you go, the more breathtaking it is. Just be aware that there are bears in this area, even though the trails are pretty heavily traveled. Yes, I know it's obvious..... We live in Montana...there are bears here. I just hadn't expected to run into two less than a mile from the trailhead. My advice is to go enjoy these beautiful trails, and carry bear spray.
Written 25 August 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JESSE J P
Missoula, MT36 contributions
Nov 2013 • Family
The Rattlesnake Wilderness (our local name is The Snake) is really a misnomer. None or few rattlesnakes (I have never seen one there & I live at it's edge). Breathtaking. Closest Wilderness area to a major city anywhere in the world. Elk, Big Horn sheep, Whitetail &/or Mule Deer on almost every trip. Higher up, even see Goats. Great trails. Busy, at times, but we usually never see anyone on the trail during the week. Can easily overnight, but because of it's closeness & easy access, it is very easy to day hike. Actually, every canyon around Missoula looks similar to the Rattlesnake. That is one of the reasons why it is so lightly used. This is a great hiking area for families with children. Our grandchildren are with us on almost every trip. The oldest is almost 4, but they ARE Montana tough. Grizzlies are very rare except at the extreme north end and are so close to humans here that they are more afraid of us than we of them. I live 1/2 mile outside the Snake on a mountain side, so I feel that these observations are accurate and representative of what you will find.
Written 25 November 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TartanCat57
Appin, United Kingdom747 contributions
Mar 2018 • Family
I have always loved it that you can drive 4 miles north out of Missoula and in 10-15 minutes be in the Rattlesnake Wilderness. There is lots of parking and bathrooms at the trailhead. From here you can explore over 73 miles of trails, many of which are multi-use and open to horses, mountain bikers, cross country skiers and hikers. Elevations range from 4200-8600 at the summit of McLeod Peak, but there are trails suitable for all ages and abilities from flat walking along the creek to climbing high up into the mountain lakes and peak tops. Wildlife includes black bear, cougars, deer and elk and birdwatchers can find about 40 different species of birds.
Written 31 May 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bigsky55
Missoula, MT84 contributions
Sept 2011 • Friends
A National Recreation and Wilderness area, right out Missoula's back door. 5 minute drive from downtown, and served by city bus line. Creek flows through, so easy and serene strolling can be enjoyed by all ages. Cross country skiing, biking, hiking all enjoyabe activities in the area. Years ago, a friend and I did an overnight hike up to one of the peaks, which had a lake at the base of the peak. Usually just do short day hikes. You can still see a couple places where homesteaders lived back in the day. Open spaces and wilderness areas close to town are so precious; this is a gem to be enjoyed. Good place for little ones to dabble by the creekside, throw rocks in the water, stretch their legs and blow off steam in a tranquil setting. Dogs allowed on leash. Maps of trails available at the trailhead.
Written 28 January 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Eric O
Chicago, IL46 contributions
Jun 2011 • Friends
Rattlesnake is great for hiking and biking. You can find several great day hikes or you can backpack in for an overnight. I spent spent a lot of time exploring Rattlesnake when I lived in Missoula. I saw a mountain lion here close to the parking area, so make some noise while hiking here.
Written 27 March 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
How is the fishing in June in this area and are there lure restrictions?
Written 27 February 2019
You cannot fish the first ~6 miles of Rattlesnake creek from this main trailhead, so be prepared for a nice hike or bike ride.
This is what the Forest Service website says, "Fishing is regulated by Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks. You will need to obtain a copy of the current regulations and a state license. Fishing in Rattlesnake Creek is only permitted above Beeskove Creek at milepost 6 up the main Rattlesnake corridor."
I realized your question is quite old but maybe my response will help someone else looking at the Q&A :)
Written 1 April 2021
Are there easy trails for seniors?
Written 2 April 2017
Yes. There different trails to choose from and shorter routes. It is all so beautiful you'll enjoy even a short trek. And, the trailhead is a good spot to rest up before and after. Hope you have fun!
Written 2 April 2017
Just a few miles north of Missoula. Go up Rattlesnake Drive four miles to the trailhead.
Written 1 April 2015
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