Rattlesnake National Recreation Area protects a large tract of public land in western Montana about four miles north of Missoula along Rattlesnake Creek, beside the Rattlesnake Wilderness within Lolo National Forest. Established by the U.S. Congress on October 19, 1980, it was designed to preserve the creek corridor and mountain landscape while offering easier recreational access than the neighboring wilderness. More than seventy-three miles of trails support year-round use by hikers, horseback riders, mountain bikers, and cross-country skiers, and the creek attracts anglers. The area is also notable for unusual sphagnum bog habitat, native orchids, and abundant wildlife ranging from elk and grizzly bear to great grey owl and American dipper.