Rattlesnake National Recreation Area

Recent Trail Grooming Reports:

Grooming reports are user-submitted by skiers like you. If you use these pages to check conditions before you head out on the trails, please help other skiers by posting an update on conditions when you return. Thanks!

Description:
The main Rattlesnake Trail in the Rattlesnake National Recreation Area offers 8 km (5 mi) of gently climbing multi-use trail, groomed for classic skiing, foot travel, and winter biking. Missoula Nordic Ski Club grooms this trail for classic skiing to Pilcher Creek on a weekly basis as conditions allow. 

As part of our agreement with the Forest Service we compact the area between the tracks for walkers.  Walkers, snowshoers, and bikers are asked to not walk or bike in the groomed classic tracks.  We also strongly discourage skate skiing since the area between the tracks is not wide enough for skating.  Furthermore, this leads to confusion by walkers about where they are supposed to walk.

Location:
The Rattlesnake National Recreation Area is about six miles north of Missoula, off Rattlesnake Drive. 

Dogs:
Dogs are not permitted in the Rattlesnake NRA from December 1 through February 28 because of wildlife management concerns. 

Cost:
Free. Your membership in Missoula Nordic Ski Club supports grooming in the Rattlesnake.

Land Ownership:
Lolo National Forest

Additional Notes:
Your membership contributions support grooming at the Rattlesnake. If you recreate here regularly, please consider becoming a member of Missoula Nordic Ski Club.