Welcome to Upper Rattlesnake: More Than Just a Name
Nestled just north of downtown Missoula, the Upper Rattlesnake neighborhood is a fascinating blend of storybook scenery and living history. Framed by the rolling hills and meandering creek that gave it its memorable name, Upper Rattlesnake is a place where the past is present—reflected in the old farmsteads, mature cottonwoods, and strong sense of community pride.
Origins of the Neighborhood (and Its Surprisingly Friendly Namesake)
Long before paved streets traced the valley, this area was a vital part of the ancestral homelands of the Salish, Pend d’Oreille, and Kootenai peoples. They followed the Rattlesnake Creek upstream—long before the first Euro-American settlers arrived—to hunt, gather, and fish in what remains a lush and vibrant corridor.
The neighborhood gets its name from Rattlesnake Creek, which carves through the basin from its headwaters in the Rattlesnake Wilderness to its confluence with the Clark Fork River. The source of the "Rattlesnake" moniker? Early trappers and settlers reportedly encountered rattlesnakes sunning themselves on the rocky slopes, although local legend jokes that sightings have become remarkably rare in the modern day!
Key Historical Milestones
Early Settlement and Ranching
The mid-to-late 1800s brought settlers who established homesteads, small ranches, and farms along the creek. Names like Duncan Drive and Lolo Street are nods to the community's early families and the broader regional heritage. Horses and cattle grazed where modern homes stand now, and many early structures—barns, farmhouses, and irrigation ditches—remained visible until the post-war housing boom.
The Rattlesnake Water System
One critical element of Upper Rattlesnake's history is its once-independent water system. Fed by cold, clear Rattlesnake Creek, this system supplied water for farms, homes, and eventually, the city of Missoula. The historical infrastructure, remnants of which can still be seen near the old waterworks building off Rattlesnake Drive, was pivotal in shaping development patterns and ensuring the area remained green and fruitful.
Urbanization and Community Spirit
After World War II, the gentle valley north of Missoula became a magnet for those looking for a quieter way of life—still close to town yet edged by the wild beauty of the Rattlesnake Wilderness. The 1960s and 1970s saw significant growth as subdivisions like Lincoln Hills and Highland Drive took shape, bringing new residents eager to raise families near open space.
Despite this growth, Upper Rattlesnake has always prized its rural roots. Residents championed parklands, trails, and school enhancements—a tradition that continues today, making the neighborhood beloved by hikers, cyclists, and nature lovers.
Notable Landmarks and Institutions
- Rattlesnake Elementary School: Cornerstone of the community, this thriving public school on Monroe Street has served generations of families and cultivates a strong sense of neighborhood identity.
- Greenough Park: Located just south of the neighborhood boundary, this 42-acre urban retreat along Rattlesnake Creek is adored for its tranquil trails, picnic areas, and century-old stone footbridges.
- Rattlesnake National Recreation and Wilderness Area: Bordering the neighborhood to the north, these protected lands are a gateway for every outdoor pursuit imaginable, from hiking and mountain biking to fly-fishing and birdwatching.
- The Old Waterworks and Reservoirs: The decommissioned facilities—historic stone structures nestled above Waterworks Hill—tell the story of how Missoula’s thirst was quenched via the Rattlesnake.
- Old Barns and Farmsteads: Scattered along Duncan Drive, Rattlesnake Drive, and lower Grant Creek, a few historic outbuildings remain, offering glimpses into the valley’s agrarian past.
Evolution Through the Decades
The Shift to Residential Haven
As Missoula blossomed into a modern small city, Upper Rattlesnake managed to hold onto its spacious lots and quiet woods while welcoming new faces. Many homes today rest on the original homestead footprints, mixing classic Montana architecture—wrap-around porches, native stone chimneys—with contemporary styles. Trails and footpaths lace the entire area, echoing the travel ways once used by both Indigenous peoples and early settlers.
Community-Focused Growth
Upper Rattlesnake’s evolution hasn’t just been one of housing stock—it’s written in the flourishing community gardens, the lively parent gatherings at Rattlesnake School, and the shared stewardship of creekside trails and wildlife corridors. The Upper Rattlesnake Neighborhood Council actively engages residents on zoning, safety, and open space protection, reflecting a modern spirit of local democracy.
A Neighborhood for All Seasons
Walking Upper Rattlesnake’s quiet residential streets like Rattlesnake Drive, Lolo Street, and Lincoln Hills Drive, you’ll notice how the seasons shape the neighborhood’s tempo. In spring, the creek bustles with runoff and anglers; summer brings kids on bikes and backyard BBQs. Come autumn, the cottonwoods turn gold, while winter blankets everything in serenity—with popular cross-country skiing on nearby trails.
Why Residents Love Upper Rattlesnake
Ask any longtime resident what makes Upper Rattlesnake special, and you’ll hear answers that combine natural beauty, history, and neighborliness:
- Easy access to public land—head north and you’re in wilderness within minutes.
- Distinctive local character, blending the charm of historic Missoula with active, engaged neighbors.
- The sound of Rattlesnake Creek—whether flowing high in spring or whispering under ice in winter.
- Beloved parks and playgrounds, where generations have gathered to play and celebrate.
Preserving Heritage for Future Generations
Upper Rattlesnake is a living example of how neighborhoods can balance growth, heritage, and wildness. The preservation of open spaces, restoration of native habitat along the creek, and historic pride shown by residents ensure this will remain one of Missoula’s most unique and beloved enclaves.
Whether you’re coming home from a hike beneath Mount Jumbo or tracing the footpaths that once saw horse and buggy, each stroll in Upper Rattlesnake connects you to Missoula’s storied past—and ensures that its future remains just as bright.