Rattlesnake Wilderness

A dilapidated log cabin, surrounded by trees and brush in a forest valley, the deep blue sky above rent by a single jet contrail.

Library image #55

Introduction

The United States Congress designated the Rattlesnake Wilderness (map) in 1980 and it now has a total of 32,976 acres. All of this wilderness is located in Montana and is managed by the Forest Service.

Description

The southern boundary of the Rattlesnake National Recreation Area and Wilderness (RNRAW) is just four miles north of Missoula, Montana. The National Recreation Area (NRA) lies south and adjacent to the wilderness and receives heavy human use, but primarily in the South Zone, within about three miles of the main trailhead. Far fewer people venture into The Rattlesnake Wilderness which is in the more remote northern portion of the RNRAW. A road that is closed to public motorized use and that is used as a trail leaves the main trailhead and goes into the National Recreation Area along Rattlesnake Creek along a cherry stem NRA corridor to within about three miles of a scenic Wilderness cluster of high alpine lakes. Near the NRA entrance at about 3,600 feet, the elevation rises to 8,620 feet on McLeod Peak and a picturesque mountain setting.

Deer, elk, coyotes, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, black bears, grizzly bears, moose, and mountain lions reside in the Rattlesnake. Birds include eagles, hawks, ospreys, and wide variety of songbirds. Most of the wilderness lies in the Northern Continental Divide Grizzly Bear Recovery Area. Grizzly bears, while not common are regularly reportedly in the upper Wilderness. Bear proof food storage is required in all of the NRA and wilderness.

The northern boundary of the wilderness abuts the South Fork Jocko Tribal Primitive Area, upon whose sacred ground only tribal members are allowed.

Eight trailheads provide access to the RNRAW. Several of the small lakes and lake access trails are closed to livestock. Camping and campfires are restricted in the south zone of the NRA but are allowed in the Wilderness. Rattlesnake Creek is a municipal watershed for the City of Missoula. Several of the lakes in the upper wilderness are dammed and maintained by the local water company. You are advised not to camp near water sources.

Planning to Visit the Rattlesnake Wilderness?

Leave No Trace

How to follow the seven standard Leave No Trace principles differs in different parts of the country (desert vs. Rocky Mountains). Click on any of the principles listed below to learn more about how they apply in the Rattlesnake Wilderness.

For more information on Leave No Trace, Visit the Leave No Trace, Inc. website.