Recreation area
Rattlesnake National Recreation Area & Wilderness
Established by Congress in 1980, the Rattlesnake National Recreation Area and Wilderness is located on the Missoula Ranger District, northwest of Missoula and southwest of Seeley Lake, Montana. This area is an iconic recreation destination for those visiting Missoula.
Listed under Hiking trails · Bike trails · Walking & running paths · Horseback riding trails · River access & fishing · Cross-country skiing & snowshoeing · Recreation areas
About this place
The National Recreation Area (NRA) lies south and adjacent to the wilderness and receives heavy recreation use, particularly in the South Zone, within about three miles of the main trailhead. It is a popular area for hiking, biking, trail running and horseback riding.
Practical information
- Town
- Missoula
- Arrival
- From Interstate 90 in Missoula, take the Van Buren Street exit #105 and head north. Van Buren Street will turn into Rattlesnake Drive. Stay on Rattlesnake Drive for approximately 3 miles until you reach the Rattlesnake National Recreation Area entrance.
- Hours
- Open year-round.
- Use rules
- Please visit the Forest's Alerts page for information on restrictions, in particular please review the Food/Wildlife Attractant Storage Order to help reduce the likelihood of human-to-bear conflicts.
- Managed by
- Federal agency
- Phone
- 406-329-3814
Activities
- Hiking
- Mountain biking
- Trail running
- Backpacking
- Fishing
- Cross-country skiing
- Snowshoeing
- Horseback riding
