Rattlesnake Mountains (Montana) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rattlesnake Mountains |
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The high country of the Rattlesnake Mountains, looking towards McLeod Peak
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| Highest point | |
| Peak | McLeod Peak |
| Elevation | 8,620 ft (2,630 m) |
| Geography | |
| Country | United States |
| State | Montana |
| Parent range | Rocky Mountains |
The Rattlesnake Mountains are a cool mountain range in Montana, USA. They are located just 4 miles north of Missoula, Montana. The tallest point in these mountains is McLeod Peak, which stands at 8,620 feet (2,630 m) high.
A big part of the Rattlesnake Mountains is protected. This includes the Rattlesnake Wilderness and the Rattlesnake National Recreation Area. Both of these areas are part of the Lolo National Forest.
Another 36,000 acres (15,000 ha) of the mountains are protected on the Flathead Indian Reservation. This special area is called the South Fork Tribal Primitive Area. It is a private area and not open to people who are not members of the tribe. When you add up all these protected places, about 100,000 acres (40,000 ha) of the Rattlesnake Mountains have no roads.
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Exploring the Rattlesnake Mountains
The Rattlesnake Mountains are home to more than 30 beautiful high mountain lakes. These lakes are often found in areas with subalpine spruce-fir forests. As you go down to lower elevations, you will see groves of ponderosa pine and douglas fir trees. You can also find lots of lodgepole pine and western larch trees here.
Wildlife You Might See
The mountains are full of amazing animals. You might spot black bears and mountain lions. Some mountain goats also live in these rocky areas.
Sometimes, grizzly bears and gray wolves visit the Rattlesnake Mountains. These animals are not always here, but they do pass through. The Rattlesnake Mountains are separated from the Mission Mountains to the north by just one dirt road.
Wilderness and Recreation
Some parts of the Rattlesnake Wilderness were used for logging a long time ago. These areas are now slowly returning to their natural, wild state. This means they are becoming more like true wilderness again.
The Montana Snowbowl ski area is located in the southwestern part of the Rattlesnake Mountains. This is a popular spot for skiing and snowboarding.
Many people who live in Missoula think of the Rattlesnake Mountains as their own outdoor playground. This is because the mountains are so close to the city. It's easy for them to go hiking, biking, or exploring there.
The Elk Herd
A large group of elk lives in the Rattlesnake Mountains. This herd has about 450 elk. They spend their summers high up in the mountains. In the winter, they move down to the foothills near the Grant Creek area of Missoula.
Sometimes, there are too many elk for the area to support. To help manage the herd, the State of Montana allows a longer hunting season. They also offer special permits to help reduce the number of elk.
Images for kids
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Alpine lake in the Rattlesnakes
