Rattlesnake Wilderness

Rattlesnake Wilderness is a 34,312-acre federally protected Wilderness Area in Montana, managed by the Forest Service. It offers visitors a true backcountry experience in a primitive landscape where motors, mechanized travel, and developed infrastructure have no place. Hiking and backpacking are the primary ways to explore the area—foot traffic only, with no roads cutting through the terrain.

The wilderness demands respect for Leave No Trace principles and federal Wilderness rules. That means packing out everything you pack in, camping responsibly, and understanding that you're visiting land deliberately kept wild and undeveloped. Access is on foot from trailheads at the wilderness boundary; once inside, you'll encounter the solitude and self-reliance that define true backcountry travel. Late spring through early fall typically offers the most reliable conditions, though seasonal snow and weather can close or complicate routes. Always check current conditions with the managing Forest Service office before you go.