Rattlesnake Mountain

Clifftop viewpoint on Rattlesnake Mountain

  • Easy (to Windy Gap)
  • 3.2-mile loop
  • 740 feet elevation gain
  • Open July through October
  • Use: hikers, horses


  • Moderate (to Rattlesnake Mountain)
  • 6-mile loop
  • 1750 feet elevation gain

Right next door to the popular Diamond Lake area, but overlooked by tourists, the Rogue-Umpqua Divide Wilderness is a hidden haven of subalpine wildflower meadows, viewpoints, and quiet trails. One of the best hikes starts from a gravel road that sneaks into the heart of the wilderness. For an easy loop, hike to Windy Gap and the flowers along Fish Creek. For a longer trip, climb to the views atop Rattlesnake Mountain—a snakeless summit with a meadow.

From Medford, take Crater Lake Highway 62 east …

The trail sets off downhill through a meadow with a rainbow of summer wildflowers. Look for goldenrod, red paintbrush, white yarrow, purple aster, blue lupine, black coneflower, and sweet-smelling mint. From late August to early October you may also find cows grazing here. The path follows Fish Creek, a splashing mountain brook, 0.7 mile to a junction. Turn left and climb 1 mile to Windy Gap, a wooded saddle where four trails meet.

For the easy loop, …

Other Hiking Options

The Rogue-Umpqua Divide Trail extends …

This chapter taken from the book 100 Hikes in Southern Oregon.