Take a bite out of Rattlesnake Ledge
July 14, 2010
By Administrator
Summer haze obscures the view from Rattlesnake Ledge of the foothills of the Cascade Mountains. The start of Snoqualmie Pass can be seen here, as can Rattlesnake Lake in the lower left corner. By Dan Catchpole
Itching to get hiking now that summer weather has finally arrived? Get out and head up to Rattlesnake Ledge, which offers spectacular views after a moderate, well-shaded hike. Located near North Bend in the Iron Horse State Park, the hike is a “must do” for the Seattle area.
Best of all, the hike up Rattlesnake Mountain Trail can be tackled by novice hikers and offers views that will keep hikers of any level interested.
The trail begins at Rattlesnake Lake, about 1,160 feet below the ledge. As you walk in on the access road, look up through the trees to get a glimpse of what you came for — the towering rock faces above. You can also see the ledge from the lake.
The trail’s start is clearly marked by a signpost near the lake.
From the lake, the trail heads up with a slight-to-moderate incline that is often rocky near the bottom. Nonetheless, the hike can be done in running shoes, if you have good balance. Otherwise, wear hiking boots to avoid rolling an ankle.
The trail was lengthened by adding new switchbacks to lessen its grade.
The trail comes to a T with a signpost. Go right for another 100 feet to reach the lower ledge.
The rock outcropping offers spectacular views of Snoqualmie Valley and the Cedar River Watershed area. To your left, Mount Si maintains its silent vigil over the valley. Behind you, Rattlesnake Mountain soars higher in the sky. To your right, Rattlesnake Lake glitters in the sun. Ahead of you, Chester Morse Lake peeks through the Cascade Mountain foothills.
Because of its incredible views, the lower ledge is a very popular area and is often crowded on nice days.
For less crowded — and still stunning — views, continue up to the middle and upper ledges.
The middle ledge is only another 150-200 feet past the T junction. Look for a small, unmarked trail leading off from a switchback. The ledge is 20 to 30 feet away.
Continuing a few more minutes up the trail takes you to the upper ledge, which is much larger than the middle one and offers a great spot to have lunch with your feet dangling over the edge.
A short scramble down a small route takes you to a large, flat section, but the scramble requires some agility and is not suggested for dogs.
Stronger hikers can continue up the trail to Rattlesnake Mountain’s East Peak (3,527 feet) and beyond. For a good, full-day hike, Rattlesnake Mountain Trail continues for another eight miles to Snoqualmie Point.
The trail’s current state is the product of thousands of volunteer hours by the Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust, Washington Trails Association, Issaquah Alps Hiking Club and others.
The trail can be done year-round, but careful attention should be paid to the weather. In the winter, the through-hike requires experience with hiking in winter conditions.
Be sure to stay hydrated while hiking, especially on hotter days.
Rattlesnake Ledge looms over the access road leading to the Rattlesnake Mountain Trail. By Dan Catchpole
Also, Rattlesnake Ledge can be dangerous. It is easy to reach, but it still has a very dangerous fall. Over the years, several hikers have fallen to their deaths there. Once off the main trail, drop-offs can sneak up on you, so pay attention to where you are.
The lower forest is mostly second-growth coniferous or mixed coniferous/deciduous forest, according to Friends of the Cedar River Watershed. While heavily canopied, the lower portions are dominated by tall Douglas-fir, Western hemlock and Western red cedar, and have a very open, airy feeling. The trail snakes around moss- and lichen-covered boulders. If you let your imagination wander, it is easy to see the boulders as sleeping giants or trolls.
The trail seamlessly passes into denser evergreens higher up.
There is not much in the way of wildlife. The hike does not go through wilderness and is very popular, so it sees a steady stream of hikers in the warmer months.
On our hike, we were accosted by an irate squirrel while trying to eat lunch near the middle ledge. And we did briefly see a small snake — too briefly to identify.
Given the hike’s popularity, go earlier in the day. We started at 9:45 a.m., and it was only moderately crowded.
After your hike, cool off in Rattlesnake Lake, the site of the former railway town Moncton, which now sits below water level. Railway workers from the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railway Co. lived there until the lake — originally named Rainy Season Lake — was dammed in 1915.
Also, stop by the Cedar River Watershed Education Center, which offers a wealth of information on the area.
At a moderate pace, the hike takes about an hour up and 40 minutes down, but pad in time enough to enjoy the views.
Getting there: Take Interstate 90 east. Just after North Bend, take Exit 32 (436th Avenue Southeast). Turn right off the exit and drive south for about three miles on 436th Avenue Southeast, which turns into Cedar Falls Road. Follow the signs posted for Rattlesnake Lake. After parking, walk down the gated access road, which curves around the lake, to the official trailhead.
Learn more
Several groups offer more information about Rattlesnake Mountain and the Cedar River Watershed.
Friends of the Cedar River Watershed: www.cedarriver.org
Seattle Public Utilities: www.seattle.gov/util (search for “Cedar River”)
Issaquah Alps Club: www.issaquahalps.org
Snoqualmie Ranger District: 425-888-1421
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