Rattlesnake Wilderness

The Rattlesnake Mountains, located four miles north of Missoula, Montana, form a rugged and scenic vista for the Missoula Valley. The Rattlesnake Wilderness takes its name from Rattlesnake Creek, which originates within the Wilderness and is also part of the City of Missoula's municipal watershed. The rolling hills of the Rattlesnake National Recreation Area lie to the south and adjacent to the Wilderness. The mountains and ridges along the northern boundary form the border with the South Fork Jocko Tribal Primitive Area. The Wilderness is characterized by scenic lakes, forested ridges, open cliff-banded slopes, and mountain peaks. Elevations range from 4,200 feet at the southern boundary to 8,620 feet at McLeod Peak. Ponderosa pine, lodgepole pine, larch, fir, and spruce can be found throughout the Wilderness depending on elevation and slope aspect. The area is also home to deer, elk, coyotes, wolves, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, black bears, grizzly bears, moose, and mountain lions. Approximately 33 miles of trail and thousands of acres of untrailed terrain allow visitors to explore this area.