Rattlesnake Ledge
30 min drive east from Seattle
Hike length: 4 miles round trip.
Elevation gain: 1,160 ft
Beginner rating: Beginner–Intermediate (steady uphill, but short and well-marked)
About
A hike that climbs steadily through dense forest before opening up to a wide, dramatic overlook above Rattlesnake Lake.
Why it’s great
This is one of those hikes that feels both accessible and super rewarding.
It’s a short but satisfying climb that feels like real mountain hiking without being far from the city. The payoff is a glorious view of Mt Si, Mt Washington and the Cedar River Watershed.
Good to know
I strongly recommend avoiding weekends in the summer. It gets crowded and parking can fill up early. Early mornings or weekdays are much more enjoyable.
The trail is well-maintained but consistently uphill, so pace yourself and bring water. It’s popular for a reason, so expect company on the trail and at the viewpoint.
