Montanakids.com | Official Montana Website
HISTORY & PREHISTORY

Rattlesnake Wilderness

Updated: August 20, 2020

Rattlesnake Wilderness
Rattlesnake Wilderness

With the major trailhead only 4.5 miles north of Missoula, the 61,000 acres of glaciated land in the Rattlesnake Wilderness and National Recreation Area form Montana's premier urban wilderness, blending the best of both wilderness and civilization.

The U-shaped Rattlesnake basin is fed by more than fifty small creeks that begin as seeps from springs and melting snowbanks in the upper Wilderness portion. Resting in the more than thirty high mountain lakes, crystal clear water then plunges down waterfalls to hanging valleys.

The Rattlesnake Wilderness is home to the remote, 8,620-foot McLeod Peak. The gentler western slopes lead down to the open bowl-like basin of upper Grant Creek. Although uncommon, occasional grizzly bears roam here, and every so often the haunting howl of a lone wold deepens the feeling of wildness.

Mountain biking, jogging, fishing, cross-country skiing are popular in the Rattlesnake Wilderness and National Recreation Area. There is a well established trail system in the Rattlesnake lower half affording opportunities for day trips or you may choose to travel further into the wilderness for overnight camping.


Updated: August 20, 2020

<< Go Back A Page


Thanks for visiting the Montana Kids' Site! We hope you've found the information both educational and entertaining. If you have comments or suggestions on ways we can improve the site please send us email at montanakids@visitmt.com.

You can also help your family plan a trip to Montana. Have your folks request a statewide travel packet by clicking here.


All contents © 2023, Montana Office of Tourism and Business Development. All rights reserved. Please visit us again at http://montanakids.com
 
Parents try visitmt.com mt.gov COOL MONTANA STORIES HISTORY & PREHISTORY PLANTS & ANIMALS THINGS TO SEE & DO ACTIVITIES & GAMES FACTS & FIGURES AGRICULTURE & BUSINESS KIDS HOME