Description/Basic Information
The United States Congress designated the Rattlesnake Wilderness in 1980 which now contains a total of 32,976 acres. The entirety of this wilderness is located in Montana and is managed by the Forest Service.
The Rattlesnake Wilderness is characterized by scenic lakes and mountain peaks. Elevations in the RNRAW range from 3,600 feet at the southern NRA boundary to 8,620 feet at McLeod Peak.
Eight trailheads provide access to the Rattlesnake National Recreation Area and Wilderness (RNRAW). Camping and campfires are restricted in the south zone of the National Recreation Area (NRA) but are allowed in the wilderness. Some of the small lakes and lake access trails are closed to livestock to protect sensitive riparian areas. Rattlesnake Creek is also a municipal watershed for the City of Missoula and several of the lakes in the upper wilderness are dammed and maintained by the local water company. Visitors are advised not to camp near water sources.
The Rattlesnake Wilderness is characterized by scenic lakes and mountain peaks. Elevations in the RNRAW range from 3,600 feet at the southern NRA boundary to 8,620 feet at McLeod Peak.
Eight trailheads provide access to the Rattlesnake National Recreation Area and Wilderness (RNRAW). Camping and campfires are restricted in the south zone of the National Recreation Area (NRA) but are allowed in the wilderness. Some of the small lakes and lake access trails are closed to livestock to protect sensitive riparian areas. Rattlesnake Creek is also a municipal watershed for the City of Missoula and several of the lakes in the upper wilderness are dammed and maintained by the local water company. Visitors are advised not to camp near water sources.
Geography
The southern boundary of the Rattlesnake National Recreation Area and Wilderness is located four miles north of Missoula, Montana. The National Recreation Area lies south and adjacent to the wilderness and receives heavy public use, primarily in the South Zone which is within the first three miles of the main trailhead. Far fewer people venture into the Rattlesnake Wilderness which is located in the remote and rugged 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 travels into the NRA along the Rattlesnake Creek corridor and provides access to the Wilderness boundary. The northern boundary of the wilderness borders the South Fork Jocko Tribal Primitive Area which is open only to tribal members.
* Note: All of the above information is taken from http://www.wilderness.net/NWPS/wildView?WID=483
* Note: All of the above information is taken from http://www.wilderness.net/NWPS/wildView?WID=483