Rattlesnake National Recreation Area is a 28,000-acre Forest Service recreation landscape at 2500 Rattlesnake Drive, Missoula, MT 59802, in the Rattlesnake neighborhood four miles north of downtown. Authorized by Congress in 1980 beside the 33,000-acre Rattlesnake Wilderness, it gives travelers an unusually immediate route from town into creek valleys, conifer forest, mountain terrain and 61,000 acres of connected public land.
What to Expect at Rattlesnake National Recreation Area
The principal entry is the Rattlesnake Main Trail #515, a former logging road that follows Rattlesnake Creek through a shaded valley. Its broad, comparatively gentle first nine miles make it a practical choice for an out-and-back walk, trail run, mountain-bike ride or longer day outing; tributary trails branch away toward steeper forested slopes. Creek sound, cottonwoods and ponderosa pine near the lower corridor give way to denser Douglas-fir and lodgepole pine as the route gains elevation.
South of the wilderness boundary, the recreation area accommodates concentrated day use and several trail types. North of it, the Rattlesnake Wilderness is managed under federal wilderness rules: travel is on foot or horseback, and bicycles and motorized equipment are prohibited. Wildlife sightings can include mule deer, black bear, moose and birds of prey, so carry water, make noise where sightlines are short, secure food, and check current Forest Service notices before committing to a long route. There is no visitor center, café or gear shop at the trailhead.
- Rattlesnake Main Trail #515: The central creekside route, following an old logging grade for roughly nine relatively moderate miles before its upper connections.
- Rattlesnake Creek: A cold, fast-moving stream that accompanies much of the lower trail and provides the area’s defining soundscape.
- 61,000-acre landscape: The recreation area and adjacent wilderness together span glaciated valleys, forested ridges and high-country basins.
- Multi-use lower corridor: Hiking, running, horseback riding and mountain biking are popular where trail designation permits; yield thoughtfully on narrow sections.
- Wilderness gateway: Side trails lead toward the more remote Rattlesnake Wilderness, where mechanical transport, including bikes, is not allowed.
Rattlesnake National Recreation Area at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 2500 Rattlesnake Drive, Missoula, MT 59802 |
| Neighborhood / Area | Rattlesnake; north Missoula and the Rattlesnake Creek drainage |
| Operating Hours | Open 24 hours daily; daylight is safest for trail travel |
| Admission / Price Range | Free access; no entrance fee |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 1.5 to 3 hours for the lower creek corridor; longer for backcountry routes |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Main Trailhead parking at the north end of Rattlesnake Drive; no fixed-route transit reaches the trailhead directly |
| Official Website & Phone | Lolo National Forest; 406-329-3750 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Arrive early on weekends, particularly from late spring through fall, when the Main Trailhead lot fills quickly with hikers, riders and cyclists. Drive north from central Missoula on Rattlesnake Drive to its signed end; the major trailhead is about 4.5 miles from downtown. Mountain Line service reaches the Rattlesnake neighborhood but not the trailhead, so visitors without a car should plan a bike ride, taxi or substantial walk from the nearest stops. Winter brings ice, packed snow and shorter daylight, while spring runoff can make creekside conditions muddy.
The trailhead has parking and a vault toilet, but this is a natural-surface backcountry setting rather than an accessible urban park. The Main Trail’s lower grade is gentler than many Montana mountain trails, yet gravel, mud, roots, uneven surfaces and changing weather can limit wheelchair and stroller access; there is no paved, step-free interpretive loop. For shorter pairings, spend time along Rattlesnake Creek and the lower forest corridor, then continue to nearby side-trail junctions such as Sawmill Gulch and Woods Gulch. Pack out all waste, keep dogs under control, and do not rely on cell service once deeper in the drainage.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Rattlesnake National Recreation Area open, and when should I go?
The area is open 24 hours daily, but daylight hours are strongly recommended for navigation, wildlife awareness and safe creek crossings. For quieter lower-trail conditions and easier parking, start early on a weekday or shortly after sunrise on a weekend.
Is there an entrance fee or reservation requirement?
There is no entrance fee and no advance reservation for ordinary day hiking, riding or cycling in the recreation area. Overnight trips and group activities can involve separate Forest Service rules, so check the official Lolo National Forest page for current closures, fire restrictions and permit guidance.
How much time should I budget?
Allow 1.5 to 3 hours for a relaxed out-and-back on the lower section of Trail #515, including creek stops and the return to the trailhead. Strong hikers can make a half-day or full-day outing by using the side-trail network, while backcountry routes demand route planning and daylight discipline.
Is the recreation area suitable for families and visitors with mobility needs?
Families who choose a short, supervised creekside walk will find an accessible introduction to Missoula’s mountain landscape, but children need close attention around water and cyclists. The unpaved terrain, roots and variable grades make it unsuitable for most wheelchairs and conventional strollers beyond the trailhead area.
When planning your Missoula travel guide or comparing verified attractions and parks in Missoula, pair this stop with standout local spots including Holt Heritage Center, C'mon Inn Hotel & Suites, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Missoula – Edgewater, and Snowbowl (9.5 km away).
