Near Sheep Mountain Loop
Running the Rattlesnake Trial with Rattlesnake Creek in the background.
Near Sheep Mountain Loop
Early season downfall.
Near Sheep Mountain Loop
Top of Sheep Mountain.
Near Sheep Mountain Loop
Sheep Mountain Trail.
Near Sheep Mountain Loop
Closing in on Twin Creek tie-in.

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Hike Route

Sheep Mountain Loop

5.0 (1 Rating)
A robust Rattlesnake route that peaks out atop Sheep Mountain.
30.2
mi
Distance
5,444
ft
Gain
strenuous
Difficulty
BirdingRiver/CreekViewsWildflowersWildlife

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
30.25mi
Distance
5,444ft
Elevation Gain
5,444ft
Elevation Loss
55%
Max Grade
7,649ft
High Point
3,457ft
Low Point
Path Type
Loop
Description
Starting at the Duncan Drive Rattlesnake Trailhead, hop on the corridor trail heading towards the main Rattlesnake Trailhead. Once on the main Rattlesnake Corridor trail, follow Rattlesnake Creek for a while until you cross the creek for the final time at Franklin Bridge, roughly 9 miles in.After passing Franklin Bridge, begin to look for the trail intersection on the east side of the corridor. You'll eventually parallel the East Fork of the Rattlesnake towards Mineral Peak. Stay on the East Fork Rattlesnake Trail after the Mineral Peak intersection towards Twin Creek wrapping up the east face of Sheep Mountain. Climb to the top of Sheep Mountain, where you'll find the remains of a rock-framed structure. Upon leaving the Sheep Mountain summit, you'll head west back towards Blue Point and Missoula. Follow the ridge for a while until you find yourself back in the North Lincoln Hills area. From here, there are many trail options you could take. For this version of the loop, we finished the fun day off with a stroll on the North Hills trail and out to the Lincoln Hills Trailhead. At the Lincoln Hills Trailhead, head southwest through the trees and eventually across Rattlesnake Dr back to the Duncan Drive Trailhead completing the loop.

Route Conditions

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Contributors
Wes Martin