California · Hiking

Rattlesnake

2.9 mi
round trip
437 ft
climb
3,204 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Apr–May, Oct
best months

Is Rattlesnake open right now?

No closures listed

The Forest Service lists no closures for Six Rivers National Forest.

As of · Source: USFS · Six Rivers National Forest. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Rattlesnake is an easy, 2.9-mile out-and-back hike in the Mad River Ranger District of Six Rivers National Forest in California. The route rises from about 2,878 feet to about 3,204 feet, so the one-way elevation gain is about 437 feet. The Forest Service manages the land, and the trail is natural-surfaced, with horses and bikes allowed. Late spring and early fall tend to be the most comfortable times to go. Typical averages from the nearby Weaverville weather station run to highs around 77°F in May and 75°F in October, while July and August average about 94°F, and winter brings rain on 16 or 17 days a month. The trail stays open all year. East Creek, a canoeing spot, sits just 0.4 miles away, and the Eight Mile Trail and Skull Camp Trail are both within about 2 miles. Big Slide Campground lies about 9 miles off.

  • Best time to go · Apr–May, Oct

    Best time to visit Rattlesnake

    Best months: April–May and October. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      50° / 31°

      16 wet

    2. Feb

      55° / 31°

      14 wet

    3. Mar

      61° / 33°

      14 wet

    4. Apr

      68° / 36°

      10 wet

    5. May

      77° / 42°

      7 wet

    6. Jun

      86° / 46°

      4 wet

    7. Jul

      95° / 52°

      1 wet

    8. Aug

      94° / 50°

      1 wet

    9. Sep

      88° / 44°

      2 wet

    10. Oct

      75° / 36°

      6 wet

    11. Nov

      57° / 33°

      13 wet

    12. Dec

      47° / 31°

      17 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Weaverville, CA, 34.7 mi away at 2,058 ft. The station sits about 1,100 ft lower than this place, so expect it a little cooler here. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.