Rattlesnake Mountain
The summit of Rattlesnake Mountain is the second highest point in the Rogue-Umpqua Divide and has a commanding view of the Crater Lake Rim and the southern end of the Cascades. There are two approaches to this trail. One takes off from the second trailhead in Fish Creek Valley and heads up the steep, southern side of the mountain through forest, then meadows and rocky openings before intersecting with a trail along the ridge. From here, turn left (south) to the summit. The other way reaches the summit via the ridge from the north. It is less difficult, but you miss some of the interesting plants that grow on the south slope. As a result of the high elevation, a number of species unusual for the Western Cascades can be found along and off the trail. Look for sky pilot (Polemonium pulcherrimum) in the summit rocks and cobwebby paintbrush (Castilleja arachnoidea) and marumleaf buckwheat (Eriogonum marifolium) in the nearby meadow.
Details
Trail: 6.0 miles round trip from 2nd trailhead to summit (4900–6650′)
Location: southeastern Douglas County; Umpqua National Forest, Diamond Lake District
USGS Map: Fish Mountain; T28S.R3E.S13,24–26
Habitats: forest, meadow, wet meadow, creek, rock, cliff
Bloom: July to late August
Directions
Southeast route: Take Hwy 230 12.2 miles north of Hwy 62 or 11.6 miles southwest of Hwy 138 to Fish Creek Road 6560. Turn north on this gravel road and follow for 4 miles. Continue straight on what is now called Road 37 for another 0.5 mile. Veer left up Road 800, Incense Cedar Loop (sign for “RUD trailheads”). After 2.8 miles turn left of Fish Creek Valley Road 870. Drive 2.9 miles, passing 1st trailhead, and park at 2nd trailhead.
North Route: from Roseburg, travel east on Highway 138 and turn south onto Fish Creek Road 37, ~0.25 mile east of the east entrance to Toketee Ranger Station. After ~5 miles, turn right onto Happy Valley Road 3702. Continue for 1.5 miles and turn left onto Road 3702-999. After another 2 miles, turn right onto Road 3702-500. Follow this for 1.25 miles, then turn left, staying on 3702-500. Continue for about 4 miles until it deadends at the trailhead.
Plant Lists
based on 6 trips
plant list by genus • plant list by family
Blog Entries
https://westerncascades.com/tag/rattlesnake-mountain
Map
If the Google Earth image doesn’t load properly or you lose the location, just reload the page.
View Larger Map