About This Trail

The Rattlesnake Trail starts with a ford of Panjab Creek behind the campground and then gets right to business. Nearly 1,800 feet of the total gain happens in the first two miles on steep, sun-exposed switchbacks up a ridge that burned in 2015. Get an early start. By mid-June the hillsides are covered in balsamroot, lupine, paintbrush, desert parsley, and bitterroot, and you will have the whole show to yourself.

Once you crest the first peak at around 4,776 feet the trail mellows and rolls along the ridgeline with long views across the Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness. Alnus Spring is audible but sits below the trail. Higher up, glacier lilies and Jacob's shooting star fill the meadows around the second high point at 5,748 feet. The junction near Indian Corral at six miles gives you options: turn around for a solid day hike, connect to the Panjab Trail for a loop (with a 2.1-mile road walk at the end), or push toward Oregon Butte on the Mount Misery Trail.

WTA crews have maintained this trail regularly. The tread is clear and easy to follow even where the burn opened things up. Expect ticks in early season and bring plenty of water since reliable sources are limited to springs along the ridge.

Astronomy

MoonWaning Gibbous (70%)

Stargazingexcellent

Trail Conditions

Scorecard

strikingBeautyBurned ridge wildflower carpets framing deep canyon views

Type 1.5Fun

3/5Difficulty

5/5Wildness

3/5Exposure

4/5Reward

4/5Effort

Safety & Considerations

Today's Hazard

Strong sun — sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses recommended

Persistent Hazards

steep exposed switchbacks with no shade
creek ford at trailhead
ticks in early season
limited water sources along the ridge

Getting There

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Parking

Small lot near Rattlesnake Campground by the fish information board. No fee required. No toilet at the trailhead. The last two miles of road are gravel.

Approach

From Highway 12, turn south on Tucannon River Road and drive 32 miles (road goes to gravel at mile 30). At the fork take FR 4713 (right) for a quarter mile to the trailhead. Ford Panjab Creek behind campsite 1 to start the trail.

Timing

Start early. The first two miles are steep, exposed, and south-facing. By mid-morning the sun is punishing in summer.

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Sources & Data

WTA →