rattlesnake national recreation area

Beautiful lots of deer all over the area. nice walking and bike trail,deep green forest to drive arround

Another recreation area close to town, the Rattlesnake is full of fun mountain biking trails. You can bike all the way up to the wilderness if you like. Great scenery, not crowded, and really feels like you're away from it all.

just a few minutes drive and you enter another pine scented world. A walking trail along a rushing creek, birds singing, tall pines swaying in the breeze, ancient rocks, cold mountain water and an occasional viewing of wildlife. priceless

This place is worth every minute you spend there. It was a little busy on a Sunday, but everyone is so friendly. Lots of mountain bikes, but you will still enjoy your hike. The creeks are gorgeous and so is all the rest of the landscspe. Trails are maintained and easy to follow. Lots of critters, in and around the creeks and river. The water sounds relaxing as you walk along the trails. Everywhere you turn is a scenic view.

This is a beautiful area for mountain biking and hiking, with fabulous mountain views and great trails. It is only minutes from downtown Missoula and the University. There are plenty of bike shops in the area that rent.

My husband and our daughters (ages 18 & 16) were hiking the Stuart Peak trail. We were coming down at about 8pm, parallel to Spring Creek, and ran straight into a black bear crossing the trail. She had been at the water, and we were within 10-12 feet of her. We froze. She hesitated, and took a good long look at us. Then she looked up the mountain and back at us before deciding we weren't a threat. She continued up the mountain. We turned around and went about 30 yards back up the trail to compose ourselves before continuing back down toward the main trail head. A few minutes later, we continued down the trail again, and ran straight into one of her cubs in the exact same spot. Then we could hear what we thought was a second cub below, coming back up from the creek. They aren't as quiet when they're walking as you'd think.... We heard branches breaking and heavy footsteps. At that point, we hightailed it out of there. Maybe dusk isn't a good hiking time. Thank goodness those weren't this years cubs, or Mama Bear would've been hostile. They were last years cubs, which was obvious by their larger size, so Mama wasn't threatened by us and didn't react to our presence. These trails are beautiful, and the further back & higher up in elevation you go, the more breathtaking it is. Just be aware that there are bears in this area, even though the trails are pretty heavily traveled. Yes, I know it's obvious..... We live in Montana...there are bears here. I just hadn't expected to run into two less than a mile from the trailhead. My advice is to go enjoy these beautiful trails, and carry bear spray.

It has it all for all seasons. Great to explore with the family. Or quiet trail run on my own. Or cross country ski adventure with the hubby. Well maintained trails. Beautiful area.

excellent area for hiking and enjoying the outdoors.get out there and play!bring a camera, and maybe a picnic because you will not want to leave.

There are several trails into the Sawmill Gulch area that are great for biking and hiking! I must've done every one of them as well as hike Stuart Peak. If you're in the Missoula area and looking for a day long hike into some of Montana's most beautiful nature trails, this is one of them! At the top of the peak, you can get a great picture of the valley!

The Rattlesnake recreation area was the very first area of its type I visited when I came to Missoula to see if this is a place I wanted to live. I was amazed at how very close this wilderness area lie in relationship to town. It takes no more than ten minutes to get to and you will find yourself in the heart of one of those perfect places in Missoula to visit. The hikes and bike paths are plentiful and you can go as far as you want either ion foot or on wheels. It is a perfect place to walk your dog or get some exercise. The trail head is very easy to find and anything you need to know about the area is posted ion the board at the trail head. Keep an eye out for all sorts of wildlife and understand that there are bears in this area so carry bear spray. The Winery on the way back to town is a great take as it is one of the few winery's in this area of Montana! As far as my rating for the Rattlesnake Recreational Area? I love it!!!

Beautiful scenery and a variety of easy trails just north of the city. And free. What else could you want?

We at flatlanders, so we really enjoyed an easy run on a mostly flat trail. Pretty, wide open, and very accessible.

This is a beautiful hike into the Rattlesnake wilderness. It has a gradual grade that is easy to hike for just about anyone. There are a lot of bikes on the trail which I don't like, but I think they love it, and sometimes there are horses on the trail, again, I don't like that, but they seem to be having fun...you can hike up in there and camp, (back packing) in the season, you can hunt up there too as long as you go far enough in...especially beautiful in the peak of fall colors!

Decided to go exploring the area parks and wilderness one evening after working with some clients in Missoula. They pointed me to Rattlesnake when I asked for some advice. Great suggestion, the trails were shaded in places and cool despite it being over 80 degrees when I got there. Trails are popular with bikers, hikers, runners, dog walkers and horse back riders.

The title says it all. Lovely scenery. Good trails. Lots of birds (if you're a birdwatcher). Suitable for both the average and the experienced hiker.