TRAIL OF THE WEEK: Our seasonally accessible trail information and trip report. Found online or delivered to your in box every Sunday night.

Rattlesnake Mountain Trail

Rattlesnake Mountain Trail from Snoqualmie Point trail head to Rattlesnake Lake is the epitome of the I-90 trail system.

You will need two vehicles for this one way hike.  After dropping your car at the after hours parking lot at Rattlesnake lake Trail head, ponder the distance as you drive 10 miles to Snoqualmie Point to begin your journey.

There is always something to see on this trail such as interesting trail / road configurations, Mount Si, Mount Teneriffe, North Bend and even a glance at Tiger Mountain if you keep an eye out to the north west.

Leaving Snoqualmie Point trail head you climb up a fairly steep trail that incorporates logging and access roads along the way.  Just before you really take off into the second growth forest and your first real solitude, you cross under high tension power lines.

Climbing mild switchbacks and gradual inclines through the new growth, you occasionally break out on to additional access roads and through another pair of the apparently obligatory horse guards that abound on this trail.

In the wet season you will cross your only water source at about two miles.  Make sure you have enough water for the next 8 miles.  The first view point you come to is Stan’s Overlook at approximately 2.5 miles elevation 2100.  The next viewpoint is Grand Prospect at about 4.9 miles.   At 6 miles is East Peak  3500’.

Half way through your descent to Rattlesnake Lake, about 2.5 to 3 miles before you get to the lake, look for discrete way trails to your left branching off of switchbacks for views from Upper and Middle Rattlesnake ledges.  The primary Rattlesnake Ledge is approximately 1.9 miles from Rattlesnake Lake and is well marked.

The trail was officially dedicated in June 2007, primarily due to the efforts of the Washington Trails Association.  Both clear cutting and radio towers are visible from the trail.

Length: 10.5 miles one way

Variety: One way

Elevation Gain: 2500

Difficulty: Not for my mom (moderately difficult)

Season: Winter

Trail Open To: hikers and dogs

Maps: Green Trails Map Rattlesnake Mountain No. 205S

Car drop directions:

Rattlesnake Lake/Ledge From Seattle drive 32 miles east on I-90 to exit 32 (436th Avenue SE). Turn right (south) on 436th Avenue SE (Cedar Falls Road SE) and drive about 4 miles to the well-developed Rattlesnake Lake parking area on the right.

Departing trail head:

Snoqualmie Point Heading W. on I-90 take North Bend exit 31 Take a right on 202 heading N.  about 1 mile take a left on Issaquah north bend rd./1st. St.  Follow for 2-3 miles until you cut back under I-90.  Follow signs to Snoqualmie Point Trail head.