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A moderate run along the ridge of Rattlesnake Mountain with great views of the Cascades.


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Map Key

10.2

Miles

16.5

KM

77%

Runnable

3,413' 1,040 m

High

952' 290 m

Low

2,675' 815 m

Up

2,796' 852 m

Down

10%

Avg Grade (6°)

37%

Max Grade (20°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Views · Wildlife

The three ledges along this trail have lots of exposure and care should be taken, especially with children or dogs. Parking lots on either end of this run require the use of a Discover Pass.

Runner Notes

Steady climbs will leave your legs burning, but the trail is in good shape and the views are excellent. Expect a steeper and more technical descent at the end with lots of people to keep you company.

Description

The Rattlesnake Mountain Trail can be used in either direct and is best enjoyed with a retrieval vehicle waiting at the destination. Beginning from the Snoqualmie Point Park, the trail heads up the slope and into the trees, making a number of road crossing in the first couple of miles. Stan's Overlook is a worthwhile diversion that can be reached quickly from the trail. The towering slopes on the other side of I90 are quite striking.

From there, the trail continues switchbacking along the ridge. Occasionally, the route will make use of old roadways, but thorough signage makes the navigating straightforward. Just over four miles in, the trail comes to Grand Prospect Viewpoint. Take a moment to rest on the conveniently placed benches as you soak in the sights. If running as an out-and-back, this is a good turn around spot.

The climbing isn't done, but the going remains easy over the next few miles as the trail follows the rolling elevation of the ridge. The last few miles of the trail descends along a series of switchbacks through a young forest. The big highlights will be three ledges that provide great views. The lowest is Rattlesnake Ledge and it's a very popular destination, so expect lots of company here and as you continue down the trail to where it ends on a service road near Rattlesnake Lake.

Contacts

Shared By:

Eric Ashley with improvements by Hunter R

Trail Ratings

  4.2 from 27 votes

#256

Overall
  4.2 from 27 votes
5 Star
50%
4 Star
27%
3 Star
23%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#14

in Washington

#256

Overall
29 Views Last Month
10,919 Since Sep 27, 2016
Intermediate Intermediate

4%
4%
70%
11%
11%
0%

Photos

Along the trail to Rattlesnake Ledge.
Sep 28, 2016 near Riverbend, WA
Barely a cloud in the sky!
May 11, 2019 near Riverbend, WA
The view from Rattlesnake Ledge looking down on Rattlesnake Lake and the Cedar River Watershed Education Center.
Sep 17, 2016 near Riverbend, WA
The view from the upper Rattlesnake Mountain ledge.
Sep 27, 2016 near Riverbend, WA
You'll receive a beautiful view of Mt. Si from Rattlesnake Ledge on a sunny, clear morning.
May 11, 2017 near Riverbend, WA
Looking down on rattlesnake lake
May 11, 2019 near Riverbend, WA

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Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Oct 30, 2022
A.J. Ritter
10.2mi
Jul 18, 2021
Lukas Hager
20mi — 4h 30m
May 29, 2021
Greg Bateman
Garmin reported the mileage at 21, Strava (iPhone) reported it at 23! Crazy... 21mi — 6h 15m
Sep 15, 2019
Jordan Goldwarg
Sep 14, 2019
Karen Fisher
Jun 15, 2019
Greg Bateman
Foggy at the top
May 13, 2019
Christof Dreyer
14mi — 3h 00m
Apr 29, 2019
Jeff Schuler
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