Rattlesnake Rock Climbing

Getting to Rattlesnake can be tricky if you haven't been there a few times. Orton's guide contains detailed directions but it's possible to get lost even with these directions. I've even heard stories of people having to make two or three trips before they even find the crag.

• From I-5 exit 30, head north toward Crater Lake on Highway 62 (Crater Lake Hwy.) Pass through Shady Cove after about 20 miles.
• About three miles past Shady Cove at Trail turn left on Highway 227 (Trail-Tiller Hwy) toward Canyonville. Drive for about three miles. Keep an eye on the milepost markers on the left (south) side of the road.
• Just before MP 50, turn left on W. Fork Trail Creek Rd. Just after the turn you will cross a bridge over a creek.
• After the NEXT bridge, turn left onto a dirt road (I believe the directions in the book only mention one bridge, there are two).
• The first fork in the road comes about a ¼ mile after turning onto the dirt road. Take the left fork. The road should switch back sharply to the left after making this turn.
• At the next fork, go right. When approaching this fork, the right looks more straight, while the left drops down hill. The road should bend to the right after making the turn.
• The next time the road splits, you have the option of making a 90 degree turn to the right or staying straight. GO STRAIGHT (a lot of people seem to go astray here).
• After a while (about a mile from your last turn) the road will make a sharp bend to the left and you will pass a large quarry (a place where locals like to shoot their guns).
•  Shortly after the quarry the road forks again. Keep right on the main road. 
• The road will start to head uphill, flatten out, then head uphill again. There is a pullout on the left where the road fattens out and bends to the right. The approach trail is on the right. It can be tough to spot so keep your eyes open! Distance from the quarry to the trail is maybe 0.7 miles. Total distance on the dirt road is about four miles. A short (10 min) hike on the approach trail gets you to the crag.

Some more hints and notes on getting to Rattlesnake:

I've purposely left out exact odometer readings since different vehicles seem to have different odometer readings on the dirt road. The guide book has exact distances so use that if you want to be sure. 

All of the turns on the dirt road are of a "veering" nature. If you every find yourself contemplating a sharp turn in either direction, don't do it.

The road is pretty well maintained and is easily passable by low clearance 2WD vehicles unless there is an unusual amount of snow or mud. Turnoffs that are particularly rough or vegetated are not mentioned in the above directions. Finally, these directions assume you are coming from Medford or Ashland. If you come from north of Gold Hill (I-5) or Trail (Hwy 62), directions will be slightly different. Google maps will be your friend in this case...

Approximate coordinates for the parking spot (courtesy of J P in the comments) are 42.6483910,-122.8822140 

[2019 Update]: There are some relatively new clear cuts and 4WD/Jeep trails along the road between the quarry and the trailhead that allow views of some other cliffs in both directions. These are not the crags you're looking for! Keep driving on the main road until you're back in the trees and keep an eye out for the approach trail on the right. Some of the pics in the photo section might prove helpful.