Rattle Snake

Main Trail

Miles: 15+/-

Elevation Gain: 1248 ft. (3850ft.-5098ft.)

The “main travel corridor” trail is great for everything from an easy afternoon stroll to an all day adventure, depending on your time frame. Main Trail affords beautiful views of the mountains and Rattlesnake Creek, which it follows for a majority of its length. This is a nice, gradual trail that was at one time an old farm access and logging road; so it’s great for hikers, bikers and runners alike. Main Trail is no longer used by motor vehicles. It is very easy to lose track of time along this well beaten path as there are numerous trails and loops to explore along the way. Bring your binoculars because the wildlife is bountiful throughout.

Eight miles in you will find Franklin Bridge which is a favorite stopping point. Rattlesnake Creek is in its truest beauty here, taking its ancient form with protruding rocks and the feel of being "miles from civilization."

Elk Meadows is twelve miles in, which is another favorite, especially for horse back riders. Main Trail ends at the fifteen mile point, however further trails continue into the designated wilderness.

Spring Gulch/Stuart Peak Trail

Miles: 12+/-

Elevation Gain: 4260ft. (3700ft.-7960ft.)

Starting at the intersection of interstate 90 and VanBuren/Rattlesnake Drive, go north four miles, turn onto Sawmill Gulch Road and follow it to the main trailhead for the Rattlesnake Recreation area. Take the “main travel corridor” trailhead. At the half mile mark, Stuart Peak trail splits from the main trail. Follow this trail through Spring Gulch, keeping your eyes open over the next three miles for any number of different wild animals such as deer or elk.

The next several miles are slightly more difficult as the terrain becomes steeper and there are many switchbacks. At roughly the seven mile mark you will find the entrance to the Rattlesnake Wilderness. Here you’ll have a clear view of Stuart Peak. To reach the summit you will have to traverse up the face as there is no clear path to the top. From here, check out the chilly alpine Twin Lakes and take a dip if you dare. Brrr!

If you decide to go further, continue on the trail and follow the drainage past many lakes and through Wrangle Creek which ends up at the end of the “main travel corridor” trail. Here you are 15 miles from the main trail head at the Rattlesnake entrance.

This trail can be very demanding so be prepared. There are fish in most of the lakes, except Twin Lakes and Farmer’s Lake, so bring your fishing rod for a great adventure.

Woods Gulch/Sheep Mountain Peak Trail

Miles: 11+/-

Elevation Gain: 3846ft. (3700ft.-7646ft.)

Starting at the intersection of interstate 90 and VanBuren/Rattlesnake Drive, go north four miles, turn right onto Woods Gulch Road, which will take you to the trailhead.

This trail has a fairly gentle grade throughout after the first two miles, which can be slightly more difficult due to the elevation gain. Keep an eye out for the deer, elk and other wildlife that can be spotted here during certain times of the year. The views can be quite breathtaking as you stroll through this area of the Rattlesnake. Enjoy the views from Blue Point, about four miles from Sheep Mountain.

As you press on from Sheep Mountain you can follow the East Fork Trail which brings you to Franklin Bridge on the “Main Travel Corridor” trail. It is about eight miles from Franklin Bridge to the main Rattlesnake trailhead. Just remember your car may be at the other trailhead! This is another great trail that loops through the Rattlesnake recreation area just be smart and be well prepared, for a long, hot hike. Bring lots of water and take breaks.

Sawmill Gulch/Curry Trail

Miles: As many as you want

Elevation Gain: 995ft. (3920ft.-4915ft.)

Starting at the intersection of interstate 90 and VanBuren/Rattlesnake Drive, go north four miles, turn onto Sawmill Gulch Road, and drive past the main trailhead. A little further than a mile up the road you will find the Sawmill Gulch trailhead, where there are many different routes to choose from. You can also reach these trails by parking at the main Rattlesnake trail head. Take the “main trail corridor” and then at about a half mile follow the Stuart Peak trail. A couple of miles further you will find the Curry Gulch trail, which will lead you into the Curry Gulch trail system. Keep your eye out for the Curry cabin; it’s amazing to imagine someone once lived there.

The sawmill Gulch trail system has trails upon trails to wander, so bring plenty of water and keep track of where you are. Be sure to stay on the trail, especially on the eastern most trails, as they do cross through some private property. The views can be quite refreshing through this trail system and keep an eye out for animals as they are bountiful.

Mount Jumbo Trails

Miles: The North Loop Trail is 3.8 miles, the Saddle Trail is 1.1 miles and the Backbone trail 1 is 2.5 miles.

Elevation Gain: 1368ft. (3400ft.-4768ft.)

There are several trailheads to choose from to enjoy Mount Jumbo. The “L” trailheads you may want to use are located off of Elm Street or Cherry Street. To find these streets, take VanBuren/Rattlesnake Drive north from Broadway and take a right on either Cherry or Elm Street. Other trailheads can be reached by driving further north on Rattlesnake Drive and taking a right on either Lower Lincoln Hills or Aspen Drive.

There are many loops and trails to choose from on Mount Jumbo. Some of the more popular ones are the trails leading to the “L.” The “L” represents Loyola Sacred Heart High School and the trail is only about 2/3 of a mile. The views of the Missoula valley and Rattlesnake valley are very nice from here and are even more impressive as you reach the summit of Jumbo.

North Hill Trails

Miles: The Ridge Trail is 1.8 miles, the Cherry Gulch Trail is 1.1 miles and the Fire Line Trail is 1.7 miles.

Elevation Gain: 565ft. (3300ft.-3865ft.)

There are several ways to access this trail system. The main trailhead is located off Greenough Drive. Grenough Drive is reachable by Spruce Street or Madison Street which are located off of east Broadway. Once on Greenough Drive you will travel over the railroad tracks and under interstate 90. You will then take the first left into the trailhead parking lot.

These are great trails for hiking, running or exercising your dogs. Remember the peace sign? It was located up here on the North Hills and there is even a rock peace sign in remembrance where the old sign once stood high above Missoula for many years.

These hikes are great if you are limited on time and offer great views of the Missoula valley, the Bitterroot Range and the hustle and bustle of downtown Missoula. On some days you can hear the sheep and their crooning calls. Baaahhhhh!