Rattlesnake Mountain Trail Reviews

Back as a kid North Bend was the hicks today with the help of the TV show and Movie "Twin Peaks" it is on the Map. although Mount Si on the North side of the valley and 2nd most climbed mountain in WA. Rattlesnake ridge and lake,are great for day hiking, and swimming or a pick-nick. Used to hike it a lot as a teen. Great view from the ridge top.

The best time to really take this hike is during the week. I took a chance on a so-so weather June Saturday. Parking lot was close to full at 7:30, but I was able to get a spot in the overflow. This is probably the second most popular hike in WA after Mt. Si. It wasn't too busy on the way up. It's about 2 miles up. 1100 feet elevation gain. Once you get past the lake, it's all in the trees until you get to the ledge. Other than one fairly level stretch, it's pretty much up the whole way. The trail does go beyond the ledge and there are more viewpoints, but I stuck to the first one. Nice views of the surrounding mountains and Rattlesnake Lake can be seen from the ledge. Lots of space for hanging out and enjoying the views. Around 9:30 it was beginning to get too crowded and I headed down. It seemed like caravans of people were coming up including a boy scout troop. At least the scouts were staggered. Also started raining and the trees helped some with that. In spite of it, people still go up. In all, this is a great hike. If you want to enjoy it more, it's probably better to come at a quiet time. I don't think any weekend is quiet unless there's snow. Maybe. I've heard people say how hard the hike is. It's definitely a workout, but I found easier than some others I have gone on. Everybody is different of course. There's a nice park down below which I reviewed earlier. The Rattlesnake Ledge trail is a must do if you're looking for a short, but well worth the effort view hike.

The lake is so beautiful!!! You can swim in it if you want to! The water is a little cold but once you start to swim or move you will not notice it at all. The hike is amazing! It's not to long but not too short . About 1 1/2 miles. The view at the top is amazing!!! You can see almost all of North bend . You can even eat lunch up there . It's also a great place to take pictures. My family and I enjoyed it very much! And we think you will too!

Hike the 2-3 miles up to a dramatic view of Mt Si and the valley below. The ledge is truly impressive and if you haven't been here yet, you need to go at least once. Also great for folks that want a hiking experience, but not up to the Mt. Si hike. It is also possible to to a nice 10.5 mile shuttle hike here as well, check out the info on http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/rattlesnake-ridge-trail to make sure the snow has melted out before you go.

A couple of notes: It will be crowded on sunny weekends, so it's not a good place for trail running on Saturday and Sunday. The ledge is really high up, so stay away from the edge. Keep your dog on a leash even if your dog is well trained–you are an example for others.

This hike was beautiful! The hike wasn't too long or strenuous and it was easy to get to with our rental car. The views from the top were amazing considering how short the hike was (less than 2 miles each way). It was a little crowded because the day was so nice but nothing that you wouldn't expect from any other well known hiking location. If I lived in the area I would be here all the time.

Excellent hiking trail. Lots of steep hills to climb but the views on top were well worth it. Wear sturdy shoes and bring lots of water.

My SO and I are in really good shape and work out daily and it took us about an hour to get to the top. The walk has tons of switchbacks but is not extremely challenging, it just takes a while to get to the top. We climbed camelback mountain the month before and it was nothing for us compared to that climb. This hike is defiantly worth it because the views from the top of the lake and surrounding areas are breathtaking! I would suggest going early in the morning to beat the crowd and heat if it is summer time.

I live a mile from the lake and I am always struck by its beauty. Rain or shine it's place to relaxed and enjoy.

If you want a beautiful view, definitely choose this one. It was quite easy with a steep part at the end, But on a good day, too much people, definitely come earlier and bring some food for the picknick at the top.

Rattlesnake ledge. It was a very rough hard hike for me even though it's labeled as moderate. Two miles steep and rocky and switchbacks up. Not too many places to stop for a rest. Very beautiful view for photos or lunch on top. Took me 2 1/2 hours to get to the top with lots of breaks.

My fiancee proposed to me on the rock ledge here so Rattlesnake Trail holds a special place in my heart. It's not a terribly difficult hike, especially if you do not hike often. It is about 2 miles to the top and if it's a clear day, the water sparkles way down below. Even when we've hiked it on days where it's overcast, it's cool to see the clouds whizzing by.

This was my first time hiking and I set my mind that I can do it. We choose this trail due to good reviews and recommendations from friends. We went Friday afternoon to avoid the crowd. The trail is approximately 5 mile, 3300ft elevation and seems perfect for beginners like me. The first half is not that bad, the next half was getting steeper and getting out of breath had to stop several times. Not to many people but surprisingly we saw women carrying infant going down already and we said if they can do it, so can we. It took us 1.5 hour to reach the top. When we reach the ledge on top, all our pain going up went to smoke. The view is breathtakingly beautiful. The lake down is crystal blue clear, the surrounding cascades in emerald green free of fog and sightly refreshing. There were several people sitting on the ledge just sitting and soaking into the view and taking photos. I would definitely do it all over again and preferably early morning to witness the sunrise.

I really like this place, I'm 67 years old and probably don't have a chance to do it again, so I have to come back here quickly!

Pretty forrest. No view due to the smoke. Trail at this time were very dusty and dry (streams were also dried up). I'd suggest bring bathing suit to dip into the lake after your hike. Beautiful, clear water. Air quality disappointing as we really have had no view this trip. Moderate in difficulty. No problem if you are in decent shape.

Amazing hike! Free parking that is easy to find near the lake at the bottom of the Rattlesnake Mountain Trailhead. It was a beautiful 60 degree day when my dog and I went in February of 2016. It was a nice uphill climb to the ledges where there were many people hanging out. Beware of all the roots and rocks while walking, tons of great views but also many things to stub your toes on. The ledges overlook rocks give a great view of mountains, lakes, a truly amazing experience. From there, I decided to make the 2.5 or so mile to climb to the summit at East Peak. It was a great hike, challenging when I got to the snowy areas. Footing was mostly good but I did fall into a few snow pockets lol. The view from the ledges is much better than the one at East peak, so if you have limited time do the ledges first! I would go there any time I was in the area.

Short but decently steep trail that leads to a ledge with a great view. This trail gets very icy during winter if snow is present, make sure to bring traction such as Yak Tracks or Microspikes.

We arrived on a Friday morning and had no trouble finding parking. The trail is noted for being a medium to difficult trail. It is pretty much all uphill and definitely not easy. I didn’t time exactly how long it took to get to the top but I’d say about 2 hours to complete the 2 mile trek. It was a bit of a gloomy day when we went but luckily the sky was clear. If you are doing this hike for the view then definitely make sure it’s a clear day! It can get a little slippery when it’s rained/raining so use caution. It was a little busy at the top - probably about 25-30 people but there are few different places you can rest and/or take photos.

Just an absolutely beautiful place for a hike, short or long along a beautiful lake. Take the walk around the lake for an easy stroll or hike up the mountain for a bit more strenous one. Great walk with kids or dogs.

We joined the many families of hikers on this shady switchback trail. Lots of people with dogs, too, on and off leash. We definitely felt like we got great exercise, but it is not too challenging, with many ares of rock steps. The top gives fantastic views, but has shear drop-offs (if you're afraid of heights, you may want to stay away from the edges.) We went on a Friday. The weekends may be too crowded. Also, some idiots have dropped quite a bit of trash over the top ledge, which detracts from the sense of being out in pristine nature as you look out from the summit. It took about 1-1/2 hours to get to the top and about and hour to come down.

If you don't mind crowds go for it... to me it was like hiking on I-90 in a busy Friday night.... and parking is awful

Rattlesnake Mountain Trail is an extremely popular hike. Which keeps me from doing it more often then I do. There are often large groups of hikers which can make it a challenge to navigate. I would recommend going during a weekday.

This is a great hike with a great view! Perfect for many ages, not too difficult as it's a nice steady incline on a hard packed trail. You don't need much in terms of official hiking gear- just athletic shoes and a bottle of water. Took our fairly fit group of 5 about 45 minutes up and less on the way down going at a moderate pace with a few short breaks. I highly recommend this hike if your in the area.

This was SO WORTH IT! Luckily, we were visiting friends that already lived in Seattle - so we had transportation out to the trail - it was about a 45 minute drive from downtown Seattle City. We were visiting for only a few days and wanted to be able to get our "Seattle Hiking Fix" in before the trip was over. Considering we don't hike often, this was easier (I wouldn't say completely easy, though, because it still was a bit of a challenge). The views on the drive there were spectacular. The view on the hike up were spectacular. The view at the top was spectacular. It was busy - but not crazy. Perfect to perch up a picnic spot at the top on some rocks. Again - it was "just right" - "just what we needed" to get what we wanted during our short trip.

It's a short hike and steep most of the time. Short hike so not too.bad for beginners or little children. Hike was close to 5 miles round trip according to my fitbit. Views at the top are gorgeous. The lake/parl at the beginning of the trail is very nice. Picnic areas are great and the whole area is very clean & tidy.

We decided to take a quick hike up to the ledge before turning in for the evening. Depending on your pace and level, this can be a good way to work up a sweat or a be a very strenuous, daunting activity. We left the trail head around 5 pm and made it to the ledge at around 6 pm (we only did the 4 mi. round trip). It's almost a constant incline the whole way up, so we kept a steady, even pace. When you get to the top, be very careful and mind your footing. There is a large crevice when you first come up to the view and the drops are sheer, use extreme caution. Otherwise, enjoy the view and photo taking opportunities!

When I say crowds, I mean CROWDS! You will see fewer people in the most popular shopping mall any Saturday than on this trail and in the mall you will not have to deal with the obnoxious dog owners who let their large dogs run free on this steep trail. Years ago my wife and I were avid hikers and learned trail etiquette, a trait few on this trail have, know or care about. If I was only rating the view from the top it would get a 5, but when you get to the top, you are there with a 100 or so others, so the view is somewhat restricted and it is tough to sit there long. When we were at the bottom looking up, we thought there was a fence at the top, nope, just edge to edge people. If you want to take this hike you must wear appropriate shoes, flop flops won't cut it and please, please have respect for others and keep you dog on a leash that you control. If the view wasn't so beautiful, this hike would get a ONE.

My family and I were interested in doing a day hike around Seattle and wanted to pick something that was doable for kids from the age of 8-18. The Rattlesnake Mountain trail was perfect. A good hike. Not too hard, not too easy. Would highly recommend.

The hike is quick. It's 1.9 miles up, but it goes fast. We were up within an hour. The view from the ledge is awesome! Spend 30 minutes really looking around and takig it in. We went on a rainy day so we were in the clouds when we for up there, which limited or view. Still cool and still very worth it! It only took about 30 minutes to get back down. Take pictures at the bottom by the lake too; it's beautiful! The hike is moderate and very doable for the average person.

It was a very warm, memorial day weekend, highly desired after long wet winter in Seattle area. So I planned a hike with family which has some good views. Rattlesnake is generally number 1 for that in the vicinity of Seattle. Reached there around 11am, but looks like thousands of people thought same what I thought and decided to hike here. Parking was as scarce as drop of water in desert. There was miles long queue of cars parked outside the entrance of the park. I thought to drop my family members near the trailhead and then find the parking. I took a round with in the parking lot and noticed cars are parked virtually everywhere even under the sign where it show No Parking Anytime. But I was very lucky to find a parking spot as someone was just getting out. It was truly a feeling of like winning a lottery. Anyway, my family members were surprised to see me joining them so quickly.

Now we started heading towards the trailhead which was .3 miles from the entry. Looking at the number of cars in and outside the park, I already set the expectation that trail will be crowded today.

I can sense the crowd the moment we reached the trailhead, it was not just crowded, it was super crowded. We were not hiking by our own speed, it was totally driven by the throng. I have come here before multiple times, but this kind of crowd I have not seen before. Anyway, I started liking this after few observations around me. There were kids, people with dogs, group of teenagers, old couples, families, all kind of ethnicities, speaking different languages like asian, spanish, hindi, just to name few. First time I noticed, lots of folks hiking with loud music either on their phone or portable speakers hanging on their backpack. And found that Drake is popular on the trail.

It is just 2.2 easy miles hike, we reached at top in 1 hour. On the top, it was hard to find a spot to stand clear and take few pictures as every piece of the ledge was fully occupied. While the crowd was overwhelming but the clear views all around were just stunning. When you look far enough turquoise colored rattlesnake lake, snow clad mountains, I almost forgot that I am surrounded by hundreds of people. Bonus was when we observed one guy bent down on his knee and opened a jewelry box in front of a beautiful lady….frozen moment, whole crowd cheered and clapped. For a moment, I thought it can be named as Proposal Rock :-)

Just realized, that I have written more about crowd and less about the hike. Actually I really enjoyed the crowd as it was a totally different experience. Anyway, I’ll come back someday when it is less crowded and possibly I can appreciate the hike then.

An easy to moderate hiking trail that takes you up to Rattlesnake ledge with great views around. Just about 2 miles up. Rattlesnake lake at the bottom is beautiful too. As the story goes, there was once a town there before it got submerged by the lake. Right by the Cedar River Watershed and the John Wayne trail as well, there is plenty of nature you can take in here.

We live close to Rattlesnake Lake and have enjoyed it many times. A leisurely hike with wonderful views of the lake at the top! Easy enough for children and dogs however it can be dangerous up high. If you want to make it harder just do it faster. The lake itself is enjoyable for just exploring or cook outs. Canoes and kayaks are very popular to take. There is an information center which can be interesting. A very popular hike so it can be busy on nice weekends or holidays.

We stopped by driving from Seattle to Walla Walla. There is plenty of parking and the trail to Rattlesnake Ledge starts from the parking lot. Take a good look because that's the last flat piece of ground you'll see for the next 1-3 hours. It's a strenuous, though not technical, uphill hike gaining just over 1000' in elevation. We saw plenty of folks young and old on the trail. The reward is the ledge overlooking the valley and lake below. If the heat gets to you, remember the lake is there at the bottom waiting for you.

Visited on a Sunday morning. The hike is moderate (not a steep incline, 1.9 miles up, 1.9 miles back down for the shortest route) and the view at the top is lovely!

We were visiting from California, so the cold temperature and trees was refreshing.

Overall, this isn't a must go-to, but if you're in need of a quick hike, this is a good one!

Skip this hike on weekends or sunny days- unless you like theme park-like crowds. It's a beautiful hike, but there are many others that are just as nice without having to fight to get up and down.

The view up top is incredible! I see many people sitting down up top having their lunch. Just be careful of the crevice in the middle. I advise you not to jump it if the stone is wet and slippery.

As for difficulty of this hike, I would rate it easier than Poo Poo Point and Mt Si. Tons of switchbacks, resting opportunities. Great for the whole family.

Beautiful trail, easy to medium level, perfect lenght and height- great view, varm lake for a swim and Fabulous Wood with talrised trees and fantastisc sunlight peeking through! Well worth the trip!

If you start at the East end at Cedar Falls/Rattlesnake Lake you'll get a remarkable well maintained (by City of Seattle) high traffic trail that'll take you to Rattlesnake Ledge which looks down on North Bend, Rattlesnake and Christmas Lakes. AWESOME view of the upper Snoqualmie Valley for a relatively short hike. Plan on lots of people and dogs. No rough housing on top since the precipice is real and people can easily stumble and fall to their deaths. STUNNING views. Requires Discovery parking pass

Start on the West end for a quiet hike up more rugged trails. Some sections are very much like backcountry trails: narrow with intruding vegetation. Soft dirt and duff, this trail is more secluded and quiet. Go high enough and you'll enter TRUE old growth stands of Douglas Fir, Western Hemlock and Red Cedar. Occassional trail runners or locals uses this one. SOme equestrian use on crossing roads. Requires a Discovery parking pass.

This trail is ridiculously crowded on weekends. View is good, but not great. Great hike if you are short on time and just want some exercise.

The hike to Rattlesnake Ledge is pretty great, basic PNW. It is a pretty moderate hike (4 miles, 1160 feet of elevation again). The trail can get crowded on summer weekends, so try and get there early. The trail takes a gradual ascent through the forest to an exposed rock ledge with panoramic views of Rattlesnake Lake, the Cascades, Mt. Si, and Snoqualmie Pass. If you do this hike in the summer, you may want to cool off with a dip in the lake. During the winter, trekking poles and crampons may be necessary.

This was my first time there. My sister went last year and she said the hike was a killer if you're not an active hiker. I read a lot of reviews mentioning it's an easy hike. So I went on Sunday with my husband. I exercise everyday with T25 but the hike wasn't what I expected. It's an incline elevation 1.9 mile to the ridge. I was breathing really hard, stop a couple times but I also noticed that even the fit people were doing the exact same thing. I don't feel too bad. The view was breathtaking and gorgeous overlooking the lake. Make sure you bring lots of water and snacks.

We came here on a perfect day. We got here around 10:30 am and the parking lot was full and many cars were already down the street. If it is sunny out, try to get there before 10 am. Theres one main trail that branches off into a few other hiking trails toward the top and then a lake front area for swimming or sunning.

The hike is tough. I am not used to hills and it was incline the whole way. If you have other things to do that day, then plan accordingly. Leave a minimum of 2 hours to go up and down, and that is if you are moving. Plan for 2.5 hours to be able to give yourself a rest at the top. The trails are a little wider so its easier to accommodate large groups on the trails. Most of the people we saw were families hiking.
The views were spectacular. Its a great way to spend half a day. There are bathrooms at the very bottom near the lake; none on the trial so plan accordingly

Not too difficult of a trail but it can get busy! Best to go early. The view at the top is worth it! Very blue water and great views!

5 stars for the lake and hike, 1 star for the tourists and uninformed locals who don't know that dogs are allowed off-leash here. PLEASE DO NOT COME HERE IF YOU - OR YOUR DOG - ARE AFRAID OF OR DON'T LIKE DOGS. We locals have loved this hike for years because it's one of the only actual hikes that dogs can run free all the way up the trail. It used to be awesome. Lately there have been so many people, mostly unprepared for an actual HIKE in the WOODS, and I have had to grab my very friendly dog several times after being yelled at by people obviously scared or annoyed or cautioned that "my dog doesn't like other dogs!" Then go somewhere else. There are plenty of other similar hikes in the area. And enjoy those.

Great hike in early April. Overall all, total out and back my app showed over 5 miles, and 1125ft of elevation gain. It took my husband and I about 1hr 45min, including time for photos at the top and bottom of the trail. After reading reviews about how busy this trail gets, we arrived at the trailhead around 6:30am, and I'm glad we did. We came across very few on the trail (maybe about 10-15 different groups or individuals?). By the time we got back down, it was already SIGNIFICANTLY picking up in traffic. This early, it was foggy in parts and at the top, but still a beautiful view. I would definitely recommend if travelling to North Bend or to Seattle!

It's a really nice and easy hiking trail where you get in short time relatively high! As we reached the top I was surprised about the impressive view on the lake and the mountains! Also the trail itself is worth the hike, the nature is absolutely stunning!

I'd say this is a perfect hike for a family--challenging enough to make us feel rewarded when we got to the breathtaking view at the peak at the 2 mile mark, but not so difficult we couldn't do it. The beach is great as well. I'd use a restroom before going there, though...

When you arrive, you'll be greeted with a free parking area with lake and picnic areas. Fairly short hike (in terms of miles) with 1.9 Miles of switchbacks, but still a good workout. At the top you're rewarded with a fabulous view. Be warned this is a very popular hike with narrow trail. You must be EXTREMELY careful at the top because you're on a cliff. Kids can do this but when you get to the top, stay very close to them and stay way back from the ledge.

On the way back to Seattle, drop by the North Bend Outlet mall (exit 31). It's only one exit away.

One of our favorite hikes in the PNW! Our 3 girls (5,10,11) hiked this trail with no problem, but they are experienced hikers! The incline up is not a small one, but very doable for families and children. The views at the top are breathtaking! Be sure to pack a snack/drink to enjoy the gorgeous views at the top!

We started at the Parking lot far west of the lake! we began out climb at 10:30 and reached the view of the lake around 6pm, i highly recommend this to anyone with a brain that's looking for great views and amazing nature interactions

This is a great quick hike that you will feel in your legs the next day. A steady trail upwards with an amazing view at the top, just be careful near the edge. As a woman I think it is crowded enough most of the time that you can do it on your own and not feel nervous. It's about 1 1/2 to 2 hours up and back depending on your pace.

I hike alot and this trail was more like a box car derby. It was extremely crowded and we spent alot of time in people's way. I am hiking to relax not race. Everyone on the trail lets you know you are in their way. Some were smoking and sharing it with us blowing it our face. The trail is steep with many areas of roots and rocks. I could not believe the way many people let small children indiscriminatly run amuck. When you get to the ledge it is UNBELIEVABLY dangerous. The crevices are straight drop down to death and people were running around and jumping over them with no regard to their safety or anyonelses. If you try to take a picture of the view people also walk right in front of your camera without regard. As well stand and sit on ledge while you are amazed they haven't fallen off or bumped off someonelse jumping around. One couple had their 2 very small children hold a newborn and a dog to take a picture and I was almost sick waiting for the wind to blow them off the edge. If you do go skip the 1.9 mile ledge maybe it is better at the next vista. I prefer Montana less crowded and understand safe climbing/hiking practices. This place is a zoo and I can't believe the state hasn't been sued. There have been falling deaths and hard to believe there isn't one every weekend. Even if you are careful the person bumping you off isn't. The park below is nice enough but if you are safety minded or don't like rude people stay down at the lake and forgo the hike.

Small children are brought frequently but use extreme caution at the top! Pack a lunch in and enjoy the view. Be sure to take your trash with you. Some generous individuals had left some for the chipmunks.

My husband and I hiked Rattlesnake on a Monday morning at 8am. The hike is gorgeous. It's challenging enough to let you know you're getting a workout, but I knew I could make it to the top. On our way down about an hour later we passed about 50 people starting to climb the ridge. Go early on a weekday and beat the crowds. :)

We decided to do this hike a little late in the day and we were a little leary because it looked so steep. It was a fairly strenuous hike pretty much all up hill for 2 miles. But it was definitely worth it. The view was amazing and I have hiked all over the U.S. It was a little wet, round trip 4 miles but one of the coolest short hikes I've done. Side note: we saw a wedding on top of mountain. Bride and her party climbed in full dress.

Not much to see on the way up, but the top reveals the whole Snoqualmie Valley and then some. There is a trail that goes on after you reach the top but it has always looked to perilous to me so I haven't done it. Its enough for a weenie hiker like me just to get to the top and congratulate myself with the view. At the bottom is the lake so that could be your reward to- highly used in the summer.

Very popular, arrive early for parking. A great short hike, or, go end to end. Be sure to visit the Cedar River Education Center at the end of the road.

My family and I took on this trail on a weekday in August (Ive heard it is very busy on weekends so either go very early or on a weekday). This was the first time we had gone hiking, and it was a very difficult path for us. The almost 2 miles up the mountain is all uphill, but the view from the top is worth it. Be careful if you have small children, though, because the ledge can be dangerous because there are no railings and you are over 2000 feet up. That being said, if you're careful, there is nothing to worry about. It was not too far from Seattle, which is a plus, but make sure if youre using a GPS to use Rattlesnake LEDGE not RIDGE to get to the correct area. Also, there is a very nice lake at the bottom of the mountain, so you should bring a baithing suit.

My friend and I did this hike early one morning. We arrived at the parking lot at about 7:20 am and started on the trail by 7:30. It took us just over an hour to get all the way to the top. While there were a few steeper sections, the trail wasn’t particularly challenging for a reasonably fit person. For example, I haven’t exercised in about a year and I breathed just a little heavily and sweated lightly as we ascended. My friend is very fit. We both found the trail to be moderate. The hike was really enjoyable: the beauty of the trail itself plus the physical activity and the little extra push we had to give. The payoff of the view down the top was totally worth it!

It's kind of a Slog on a wide easy trail but it goes up and up without any few stops however when you get to the top it's worth it it's a gorgeous view and you might think you were in Bavaria. Rattlesnake Lake is nearby and it's very pretty but not too large.

Moderately demanding 50 minute hike for our 8 and 10 yr. olds and grandparents, and only 40 minutes east of Seattle, just off I-90. Well maintained trail, switchbacks all the way to the top. Beautiful payoff with views of Chester Morris Lake, Rattlesnake Lake, Snoqualmie Pass, and Mount Si. Rocky top feels slightly hazardous with no barriers. Keep an eye on the kids. No place better for a sack lunch.

We live just 10 minutes from here in Snoqualmie and we've been here a few times already. On a nice sunny day there's always tons of people. The parking lot is not super big so a lot of people park on the side streets. If you go between 9 am and noon don't even bother looking for a parking spot in the parking lot, just park on the side streets. Today we got there about 3 pm and it was actually really nice. The early hikers are leaving about this time and we were actually able to find a parking spot in the parking lot. There's also not as many people on the trail at this time. Its a lot nicer when it's not so crowded. From the parking lot to the trailhead is about 0.3 miles and then it's another 1.9 miles from there. There are port-o-potties at the trailhead as well. The hike is a pretty good hike, but easy enough for kids. The view from the top is amazing! On one side you can see the lake and the other side you can see I-90. Bring a sandwich and some water so you can sit down at the top and enjoy the view while you eat your lunch. The hike to the top takes about an hour and the way down is usually a little bit short so about 45 minutes. We've never been to the lake but it looks really nice and clean and I'm sure nice and cold :) Great place for hiking and just spending some time outdoors on a nice day. There is no fee for the place so that's also nice.

This was a great hike to do as a morning trip out of Seattle, when we needed to be back in the city by midafternoon. It's a popular hike, but seeing families with kids and dogs, people running and people in hiking gear made it a friendly experience out in the pacific northwest. The reward at the top is a spectacular panorama.

Wow, this two mile hike was definitely a workout. Steep inclines to get up to the top, but at the end worth the entire hike. I am not a great hiker, but definitely a work out.

The hike is relatively easy although it does start off going uphill and feels never ending. The view at the top are stunning and would much recommend as a half day activity

Steep elevation and good traffic but worth the hike and time for the amazing view.Many trails available ranging from 4 miles round-trip to 11 miles.

Dateline June 4th, 2017. Plan? Hiking to "Rattlesnake Ridge", an 1100 foot ascent on a hike of 1.9 miles (3.8 miles round trip), to a massive rock overlook that gives you a 225 degree view of the Seattle watershed, and Snoqualmie pass, through which the east - west transit of interstate 90 passes.

The day for this adventure was cool and cloudy, not a "beautiful" day for a hike, but nonetheless, the coolness was welcome, as it would offset the "heat" of the climb. The large parking lot was already reasonably full at 10 AM, suggesting the visitor to arrive no later than this time, to avoid overflow parking. This is a popular, well groomed and worthwhile trail, especially in the Summer months, so prepare accordingly. Hiking boots, snacks, water, and trekking poles are all suggested, but at minimum, good footwear and water are a must.

Prior to the trailhead, there is a wooden display that gives the interested viewer a great deal of historical information about the trails and surrounding area, and "porta-potties" are conveniently placed for those who have need. A sign at the trailhead itself neatly displays your choices. As a novice hiker, I chose the shortest of the three paths, though one can select a 4.3 mile (one way) trek to the East Peak, or an ominous 10.2 mile one way trip to Snoqualmie Point. To each their own, this is a delightfully optioned destination!

As you enter the trail, you encounter a canopy of tall, thin pines, with the path covered in a bed of pine needles. There alongside the trail is a MASSIVE boulder that dwarfs tall folks as myself; nicely covered in moss, it sits formidable and undisturbed, as it likely has for thousands of years, well before people dreamed of creating trails up mountainsides.

And OF trails, this one climbs quickly. Unlike other trails I've travelled, this trail is "straightforward", neatly wrapping its way upwards, but void of the dynamics of falling water, sharp rocks, boulder fields, or open parcels of light. This is not to suggest it is dull; it is not technical, but is steep, tucked neatly into a tall conifer forest. And, as I wound my way through the trees, I found the steep transition to be far more challenging than Lake 22 (visited last week), and had to stop many times to catch my breath and sip water.

The trail ends almost abruptly, because of the short distance. Reaching the summit, you are greeted by both "steep cliff" warning signs, and a grand opening onto magnificent stones that have been carved by wind and weather, large enough to hold dozens of visitors with ease. Deep crevices create a few boundaries that must be carefully crossed, but do not prevent excursion to the outmost rim. The view is breathtaking and substantial, with mountains in the distance, a lake three hundred feet below, and the diminutive parking lot beside it, where the vehicles appear as grains of rice. Brilliant outcroppings of conical, reddish-pink flowers hug the vertical rock surfaces, and swaths of light violet floral patches can also be seen. Chipmunks and squirrels run amongst the visitors seeking out morsels of food.

I stole my own glory from the rich visual portrait beyond, with the clouds playing against one another, allowing a stream of sunlight through, even for brief moments. The air became cooler yet; and tiny sprinkle ensued, but only for a very short time. There is a large boulder at the cliff edge that I stood upon, to have a photograph taken. And for the photographer, there is a near infinite selection of "fore" and backgrounds from which to choose, awash in a dynamic palette of color.

Indeed, the "bite" is at the end of the trail. Vistas like these may be plenteous, but reaching them takes work. Rattlesnake Mountain Trail is well worth the effort, and I heartily recommend it to anyone willing to take a few hours of their time to see the splendor of nature on a big scale. Enjoy!!

Local gem of a hike! We went on a weekday around 11am and the parking lot was nearly full. Lots of hikers with dogs. Shaded most of the way up. Fantastic views of the lake and valleys once you reach the top. The lake at the bottom is serene, and seems to be great for canoeing.

First time there! Love how clean, beatiful. Have to get there early to have a good parking space. The walking trail are beatiful. No need to pay for parking or park entrance. You can BBQ, take your dog. Boat access.

The trail starts at the lake, and is clearly indicated. You can also find room to park the car.
The trail goes up all the time till the viewpoint over the lake. It is a nice hike, but it remains a long time in the woods and only offers great views when you reach the summit. The trail is a busy one, also encountered several times dogs (not on the leash!). My wife is afraid of dogs, so this is a big drawback! It is for sure a problem at the summit, since this is an area that might be a bit tricky, as one can easily fall of the cliffs. People died on this trail, so be careful and don't let your kids run around. Common sense I would say, but not everyone has the same view on this...

About a 2 mile hike up to the peak. Once you're up there the view will take your breath away. Ive been there during the hot sunny days, the ice cold hail and rain and during the freezing winds and the view of the trees, lake below and mountains in the distance is incredible in every weather type. This is a must do if you are in the Seattle area. Been here multiple times and I plan to go back. Always lots of hikers and adventure seekers climbing up as well. People of all ages from 4 to 60 climb up this ridge. Its beautiful. Look up the hashtag #rattlesnakeridge on Instagram for lots of pictures!

With rain in the forecast, we were hoping it wouldn't be too busy. We pulled into the parking area and I was asked "is this a tourist attraction or are all these people really here to hike"?

It's about 2 miles up - totally do able for everyone, just pace yourself.

This trail is well maintained, well marked, and is relatively short. I went on a weekend that was 90-degrees, yet up in the trees it felt like 70s so don't let the heat deter you. The trail wasn't as crowded as I expected and people of all different types of fitness levels were hiking. The views at the top are incredible on a clear, calm day. Just park along the side of the road when there's overflow in the lot and walk carefully. Just go already! You'll be happy you did.

A steep hike with over 1,000 ft elevation gain over 2 miles but the trail is easy to follow and the views on top are fantastic.

Whenever you want to get that woodsy feel this is the place to go, the scenery is beautiful, trails are great to walk and it leaves you appriciating where you live!

The trail is not difficult, but it is not for begginers either. But it is worthy, the views up there are beautiful.

A number of prior reviewers have suggested that this trail is very crowded. We hiked it on a weekday afternoon about 3:00 p.m. and while we saw people at various points on the trail and at the top, I would not describe it as crowded, at all. The hike up is 1.9 miles. My husband and I are in our 40s and in decent shape. It took us about 45 minutes to get to the top and about 35 minutes to get back down. The view at the top is breathtaking. There is a huge rock outcropping at the top where you can sit and rest, take photos, etc.

The trail was challenging but we saw people young and old, in various physical states (including a young man on prosthetic legs!) doing the hike. The trail is well maintained (it's a mountain trail - you should expect roots, rocks, trees, etc.) and there are natural rest points along the way. The first mile is less challenging than the second mile. You park at the Rattlesnake Lake parking lot and walk to the well marked trail head on a service road. The trail goes further than Rattlesnake ledge, if you want a longer hike.

This was a great half-day hike, reached pretty quickly from downtown Seattle. You can also stop at Snoqualmie falls on the way. Highly recommended

This hike generally starts at Rattlesnake Lake and then does a switchback climb to the ledge.

Most stop here for the great overlook of the valley in North Bend.

I just strongly recommend if you have the energy to continue walking along the ridge towards East peak and North Bend.

The crowds drop off after the ledge and you have a beautiful walk through evergreens.

This is even a pretty walk in the rain for a classic pacific northwest hike.

We hiked upto the 1.9 mile mark with kids. We saw lots of kids on the way. the hike is difficult but doable. Take as many breaks as you want. Don't run in the portion where there is a drop on your left or right.
I wish there were better restroom facilities on site. We had to leave right after the hike to the nearest cafe so we could use a restroom.
Tip: Take Powerade and trail mix, sandwiches so you can refuel on the way. sip the drink you take since you won't be able to use a restroom until you get down :)

Ran into a bear on the trail this morning when I was returning from a sunrise hike. He did a bluff charge and followed me as I went back up the trail. Eventually with enough yelling it ran off.

Not a difficult hike. The view is always worth it. Beautiful views of the lake and mountains. A great beginner hike. Take a lunch and relax on the ledge in the sunshine. Worth a visit in the winter too, when there is snow.

It was a cold but clear night and all the fog was below us. There was very little ambient light so we were able to see quite well.

The trail map says the 4 mile roundtrip hike is moderate to difficult and that's pretty accurate. I'm in decent shape, but I'm not an avid hiker so I found it a little challenging because it was a steady climb. But, it was well worth it. The views from the top are spectacular and it's a feeling of accomplishment to get there. Make sure to have a few liters of water for the hike and some Advil for when you're done (I had some achy muscles). There wasn't a crowd because we went on a Wednesday, but we did pass and get passed by people all along the trail so I can only imagine that it may be difficult to navigate on weekends and be very crowded at the top. For that reason, I highly recommend seeing it on a weekday - the closer to midweek the better.

I've done this hike a few times now, and it's a great one for beginner hikers. You get some elevation gain, but it's nothing too outrageous, and the views are gorgeous if you need to stop along the way and catch your breath.

The path is easy to find, and follow, all the way to the ridge, and the view from the top is worth the effort. Plan to take a snack or lunch and spend some time sitting on the rocky ledge enjoying the peace and quiet, and the amazing scenery.

I made the mistake of going during spring break however, and the experience was a very different one. The trail was crowded and noisy, and I found it far to stressful to sit and enjoy the view. There are no barriers at the top, and the rocky platform leads to a massive drop, which isn't ideal for small children unless they are being supervised.

We did the 2-mile hike. It was a little was confusing toward the end because we couldn't find the signs, smo we used GPS. The view after 2 miles is blocked by a lot of trees and just ok. We went on a weekday to avoid the crowds.

The trail is well kept and clean and a great workout for a family. Forrunately we hit is on a sunny day. On a sunny day it is good to go early to beat the crowds and also to get a good start before it is warm. The trail is in the shade of the larger than life plantlife all around it. What a great workout.

The trail is relatively short but it is steep, without many level spots to catch your breath. It does get crowded too, so pick your time carefully. You do get a great view from the top.

This is a pretty heavily trafficked trail, but there is plenty of room to get around people if needed. Nicely groomed trail with a bit of a climb making it a great workout. Plenty of parking is offered.

This is a very busy trail that ascends for almost the entire 2 miles - it's listed as "easy" on the Washington trails site so we came across a number of elderly folks and people with kids who I don't think anticipated a climb quite so challenging. All this to say, if you're in moderately good shape you can nail this - and you'll get a good hike out of it with absolutely stunning views at the top. Bring a little picnic to enjoy at the ledge!

Great fun and exercise for hikers of all levels. Go early to avoid crowds but it’s great even mid day. Lots of dogs and people of all ages.

Rattlesnake is a great easy hike for people of all skillsets with fantastic rewarding views at the first, second and third ledges.

Challenging long walk especially for people like me who don't exercise. It feels like your walking forever. It was memorial day when we decided to visit and it was full packed. Once you reach the top it will be a rewarding experience. The view is breath taking. Its just so many people that day that it's hard to take a nice picture. Wouldn't mind coming back, its a good exercise.

It's awesone, great lake, and great hike. It gets busy, so go early. Don't have dogs off leash on trails.

Beautiful hike, not too steep of a climb as it's more gradual. Takes about 2 hours or less to get up, 1 hour down. Gorgeous view from the ledge of Rattlesnake lake & surrounding area. Go on a sunny day, bring a picnic and enjoy at the lake at the end of your hike!

"What a view" everyone says it, as Rattlesnake provide that beautiful view of its turqoise color lake surrounded by mountains.

2 plus miles with about a 10% grade. Takes between 45 - 75 miinutes to get to ledge. Magnificent views on clear days. Trail continues on past ledge to summit. About another 3 miles. On a good day you can see the top of Mt. Baker from the summit, or from the west end near Snoqualme. One of the best trails around.

Only 45 minutes from Seattle, the trail offers a great experience on a sunny day. On weekends, get there early (before 8AM) otherwise, it may get crowded. The views are spectacular, the trail is fairly easy to negotiate and all in all - it's a great excursion.

When youre at the lake, it feels like its going to be a really tough hike to make it all the way to the rock face you looking up at. THANKFULLY, its definitely easier than it looks. It has an incline for sure but it is doable for groups of many ages- we saw people hiking it in jeans, with small children, with the grandparents (thought they were winded), etc.

But the main take home point it, the view you get relative to the hike itself is a huge payout!! even on a somewhat dreary day when we went last, the view was just gorgeous! and its a very easy, beautiful drive 30-45 mins from Seattle so it could be a fun day activity on vacation with you back in the city in plenty of time for some seafood by the water :)

1. Great to visit view sites around lake
2. No admission when I went
3. Nice trees around site and roads
4. Few camo sites.

Best to go early in the morning, so no one is up at the top of the ridge. Takes about 40 minutes to an hour to get up to the top but definitely worth it.

Nice hike and it was worth the views at the top. Lots of families doing this hike and dogs. I enjoyed walking with Lush green trees

This is a beautifully, well-maintained trail that has a great reward for a (relatively) small effort for out-of-shape peeps like myself. It is HEAVILY TRAFFICKED so make sure you enjoy being around people and feel comfortable passing (or being passed) by others on the trail. The ledge at 1.9 miles is SUPER windy (even on a nice sunny day) so if you plan to stay a little while, make sure to bring an extra layer. As busy as it is at the ledge, there is typically room to sit and take in the beautiful view! We took the dog... he loved it- met lots of canine friends.

This is such a great hike. You get nice tree coverage so you don't have the sun beating down on you're Hike isn't too hard but still a nice workout and the reward at the top is worth every step!

Beautiful view. The trail gets a little crowded but it's worth the view at the top. It was a fun quick hike to do with my two teenage boys.

It's an uphill two mile walk through switchbacks. It wasn't as easy as other reviews made it sound, but you can definitely persevere. There were lots of families with children.
Also, since it was winter, there was a good half mile of packed snow. We brought shoe studs and it was much more manageable than the people wearing just Nikes. The upper part of the trail had a bit of mud, as well.
It gets crowded, and for a cold winter day, it was still decently crowded. Waited in a bit of line for some photos, so arrive early.

We were here during the Canada wildfires but were mind blown by the view nonetheless! The trails were nice and quiet and we only occasionally crossed paths with other hikers. The best part was a quick dip in the gorgeous lake at the end to cool the feet and savor the view from below. Our pictures, though amazing, don't do the view justice. We only had enough time in Seattle for one hike, so I'm rather happy that we picked this one.

We love to take the grandkids and others to the Rattlesnake Lake Recreation Area, especially up the Rattlesnake Ledge Trail. Wide, well graded and for most folks, the exposure is well short of OMG unless you head out onto one of the three major outlooks at the 2-mile mark. Switchbacks generate M&Ms to the shorter crowd and you need to keep them well watered. Quick is about 45 minutes but many take twice that to ascend. You look across the Snoqualmie Valley to Mt Si and if you squint you can imagine a great glacier in the gap. Not up for a climb, the trail to Rattlesnake Lake is virtually flat and there was formidable block of porta potties at the information board. Expect company if you head up on a pleasant weekend--500+ in a day, we guessed.

The secret trail. About 500m in, you may see faint boot paths heading straight up. Scramblers attempt to find the original, lung searing path. It is no longer maintained and the inexperienced would best stay on the well maintained trail.

I love hiking up Rattlesnake during the week. Unfortunately there are way too many people on the trail during the weekend. The view from the top is worth the hike.

This is not a physically demanding hike it is short but not recommended for someone with bad knees or who may not be use to the vertical climb. If you are older than 60 you may want to stop several times on the way up to make it easier- but your on a wooded trail with only a couple of open viewing sites. If you get to the top you will be on a large outcrop of rock - its not so scary for those who have vertigo but at the edges you do need to be careful. You are always going to have someone who dares to take a chance who scurries around the cliff edges and areas below the outcrop- every other year someone takes a 100 to 200 foot tumble. The vista is nice - but if your looking for a expansive view of Chester Morris Lake you will be disappointed here. My recommendation is to take one of Cedar River Watershed tours to get a gorgeous view of the big lake. However, if your looking for a sunny rock to hang out on and see a great view of Mt Si.. then its worth the short climb.

What a wonderful trail, and the rewarding views at the top is totally worth it! There can be some crowds at the top, but nothing out of control (at least not when I visited).
Bring enough water for your hike, and allow for some time to take in the views at the top.

although up hill this hike is worth every drop of sweat be sure to bring a camara and keep going untill you have reached the top

OK this trail is uphill but short and pretty easy to squeeze in after work or when you want to get out but don't want to go far or pack a full backpack. Take a snack, a drink, and enjoy the scenery from the rock outcropping which usually has a crowd. Very pretty views of valley below.

As some others have already noted, if you opt for the shorter (a little under 4 miles roundtrip) route you will start at Rattlesnake Lake/Cedar River watershed parking area. This one is very crowded on nice Seattle days. It's an easy 35 mins directly East of downtown Seattle. The trail up is well maintained and relatively easy with absolutely stunning views at the top. Since the trailhead shares parking for the Lake, the traffic and parking can be crowded on nicer days (think anything sunny over 55 degrees outside - with weekends noticeably worse). I am a local and like others use this for training or taking relatives from out of town for a breathtaking view. I tend to only visit the trail from this side on wet, overcast days during the week to avoid crowds. In the summer, the parking lot will start filling up before light as folks strive to be at the top for sunrise (which is amazing and worth it, but be sure to bring headlamps). In the winter this trail will get light snow towards the top which wouldn't normally create problems. However, most times there are so many folks trekking on it that they turn it into slush that often freezes and you've got near ice rink conditions towards the more steep and dangerous top. If you can see anything white from the parking lot, bring at the very least walking poles and I highly recommend yaktrax or other traction devices. There is no running water so on warmer days be sure to bring your own. There are port-a-potties at the trailhead and over by the lake.

The views are incredible and about 120 degrees for miles. There are rocks and a few scrambles over rocks at the top. Folks in relatively good shape with good mobility can make this trek. Be very careful at the top. There have been 2 deaths in the last 5 years where folks have accidentally fallen to their demise. Dogs and kids allowed, but keep a very close eye on them at the top.

We decided on an impromptu hike and headed to Rattlesnake Lake from Seattle at 2pm. We didn't know what to expect from the hike. When we got to the trailhead we saw that the hike to Rattlesnake Ledge is 1.9 miles.

As soon as we started, it was a pretty steady incline. My husband and 11yo son hightailed it and our 9yo and I huffed and puffed it. Perhaps it has something to do with being an overweight out of shape 40yo.

We saw people of all ages and shapes and sizes coming and going as we headed up. Lots of off-leash dogs, too. The trail itself was good terrain with good traction and trees everywhere. As sunset was approaching, we had great photo ops. I realized that we forgot our flashlight in the car so we would have to rely on my iPhone flashlight on the way down.

It took us (9yo and me) about 1.5hrs to get to the top, again going slowly. I'm not sure what the average is. When you reach the ledge landing, there are signs pointing you to continue to the other trails you can go straight for a view of housing and mountains, just a teaser of the view from the actual ledge. If you go right, you will arrive at the ledge and have a ~270-degree view.

This is a beautiful view and worth the hike up. We only got to enjoy for a little bit because the sun was setting. The sky was clear and was deceiving because the trail down is back through the trees and it got dark fast. Next time I'd like to pack a lunch to eat and take in the view.

Tips: Go early. Bring plenty of water. Bring a meal. Bring a camera. A walking stick wouldn't hurt but you can forego. Just in case you stay longer, bring a flashlight. Gates closed at 6pm.

This is a very family friendly trail that has great views for only a two mile effort to get to Rattlesnake Ledge. The trail goes another 9 miles to the west end trailhead if you want to take it on. It's not hard but it is long. You'll need another car at the other end unless you want to hike 11 miles back

If your looking for an easy 2 mile hike with a 1100ft elevation gain with an awesome view than this is the one you need. Becareful though sometimes the trail is packed and it could take a long time to get up and back down. A less popular hike with great views and a few more miles is mailbox. If all else fails then I would say Mt si.

Took my 3 kids 10,7,3 to do this trail - was challenging for the two oldest but keeping the motivation of the view (and a cupcake) gave some motivation - the backpack to carry my youngest was really needed. You should expect it to be really busy with people and dogs, parking can also be a challenge

Beautifully maintained trails surrounding Lake and not too difficult trail climbs. I was with my adult son with Down syndrome and he was able to climb up the trails and down with no problems. We swear we found evidence of Big Foot! There were times it was crowded, times it was not.

The hike is easy to moderate. It will take around 40-50 mints to reach on top.
The trail is beautiful and when you reach on the top it’s really breathtaking!!
Stunning views and Mother Nature is amazing.
Must visit!!

I’m planning on hiking once a week with family and friends this summer and this was a good start! We went on a Monday about 10:00 and while there were still a lot of people on the trail it wasn’t too crowded. It’s a fairly easy, steady incline to the top and our party of six knocked it out fairly quickly. The views at the top are gorgeous and such a treat for the eyes.

Word of warning... if you plan on bringing your dog know that there are a fair amount of chipmunks and squirrels at the top. It could be disastrous if they accidentally got off their leash as they could very easily go over the edge.

A really nice hike in the woods. Summit views are beautiful! Trail well marked and has some hills. A nice big parking lot, or can park for free outside of the park and walk in. Not many people on the trail when we were there.

Rattlesnake trail is a fairly easy hike great for families with kids that can do a couple mikes if easy trail. Great view of Snoqualmie Valley from top as well as views of the lake and the Cedar River Watershed.

I wanted to spend a day seeing some of the great outdoors following a business trip to Seattle, so I grabbed a rental car and headed out to Snoqualmie Falls. I wanted to hike afterwards but I found the whole 'pass' thing confusing and I had a cold anyway, so the bigger trails didn't seem like a good idea. I settled for Rattlesnake Ledge, which is the first stop on the Rattlesnake Mountain Trail, and I'm so glad I did. It took me an hour to get to the ledge, through beautiful and almost silent woodland, there to be met with a breathtaking view, the likes of which I've never experienced before. The trip back down was an easy 30 mins. There were a few of us on the trails and on the ledge, even though I went around mid-afternoon on a Thursday in March. It certainly wasn't crowded but if you're looking to be alone with your thoughts, this probably isn't the place. Almost everyone smiled and said 'hi' though, which was nice.

There were chemical toilets in the car park and at the trail head and getting there was really easy. The trail was clear and well maintained and easy to do in jeans and t-shirt but definitely take plenty of water because the ascent is thirsty work.

The crowds on the trail to the first ledge (Rattlesnake Ledge) from the lake are simply incredible, especially on weekends. I'm sure it's got to be the state's most popular trail. The view from the ledge is very good, but if you go just a little higher to the second or third ledge, you'll be rewarded with equal views but fewer or even no people. If you endure, you can go up farther and then run into hardly anyone. You can do the entire traverse of Rattlesnake Mountain to the other side (I-90 exit 27) to Snoqualmie Point, which is a very pleasant hike.

Great alternative to some of the other area trails. As others have noted, it's shorter than the nearby Mt. Si and rewards hikers with a sweeping view of the valley and plenty of room to spread out on the huge rock ledge to enjoy a snack. The parking area at the base of the mountain has spaces for picnicking and if you don't want to hike up a stroll around Rattlesnake Lake can be pleasant enough, especially in the spring and fall. Summers can be a bit crowded.

First the good. This is a pretty hike in a pretty area with relatively close proximity to the Seattle metro area. It's a very manageable 2-3 hour hike that gets your heart pumping a bit, but doesn't tire you out. My four year old daughter hiked most of it and I saw people in all sorts of varying degrees of physical fitness hiking and enjoying themselves. The views at the top are remarkable with Mt. Si and the Snoqualmie valley on one side, and Rattlesnake Lake on the other. Now the bad. Because it's a cool hike and close to civilization, it is wicked crowded on the weekends. The path is pretty narrow and you end up almost feeling claustrophobic with people coming at you, people right behind you, impatient people trying to pass you. If you want a quiet hike in the woods, it's hard to get that with 500 people on the trail, you know? Anyway, it's totally worth it, but if you want a shot at a nicer experience, get there plenty early on the weekends (before 9:00 am) or save this one for a week day if you're able.

While this hike is challenging with superb views, i just couldn't enjoy it. It's literally the most crowded hike I've been on near Seattle. There's plenty of dbags blaring their weak 2010 house music through their bluetooth speakers, joyously interrupting the tranquility of the cliffs once you reach them. Tons of families, tons of dogs AND dog poop. It was just way too overrun with people just looking for a photo opp. I don't think I'll ever go back.

Its a slog. Not too interesting to experienced hikers I think-- but once you get to the top you have a world class view and then some interesting and demanding trails feed off of it. At the top it really looks just like Bavaria- not bad, huh? There is also an interpretive nature center in the area and the parking lot to the trail has a nice little lake to paddle around in the summer.

I have hiked them all. This one was the best in the Snoqualmie Valley. During sunny weekend days, this trail is super crowded. Even on off peak times it can be busy. One of the most popular hikes in the PNW. Takes 1.5 to 2 hours. Really not too hard at all. Its steadily up and the trail is maintained well. The summit is very pretty and also dangerous. Several people have died here by being stupid. I wont allow my kids anywhere near the ledge. But dont let that discourage you. Be smart and you will be safe.

trail was updated a while ago to make for a better hike. it is not long but is fairly steep with switchbacks and only offer interest for a portion until you get to the top, then, ta da, the view. bring some food /drink for the kids or they will complain because even though the trail is almost all in shade it still gets hot from the effort. watch it at the top, people have died falling off. the area many places to rest/eat/take pics. do not suggest rock climbing the rock is poor. hoofing it you can make it in 30minutes. most people will take closer to up to an hour.

My husband and I had a great hike up to Rattlesnake ledge. Vigorous hike, but it was really crowded as the weather was perfect, so everyone had the same idea. We went to 3 lookouts...the first was VERY crowded, the 2nd less so and the 3rd even less, so it is worth your time to climb further than the first stope to see a better view with fewer people.

This is one of Seattle’s most popular trails because it’s close to the city, has a large parking lot, has well-maintained trails, and offers beautiful views of the cascades. It’s worth it but expect crowds, even on the weekdays. Also don’t take your safety for granted, the cliffs are steep and unfortunately every year has had unfortunate events