With a main trailhead less than five miles from downtown Missoula, the 61,000 acre Rattlesnake National Recreation Area and Wilderness is a popular location for walkers, hikers, joggers, and mountain bikers. Abundant small streams feed into Rattlesnake Creek on the valley floor, and more than thirty mountain lakes with cascading waterfalls make this area the home to several wetland bird species.

There is plenty of wildlife, and keen-eyed visitors may spot bighorn sheep, mule and white-tailed deer, caribou, fox, gray wolves, and the occasional black bear. There is a separate trail for visitors on horseback, and catch and release fishing is permitted throughout the park.

24 Fort Missoula Road, Missoula, Montana 59804, Phone: 406-329-3814

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