Rattlesnake Ledge 6/04/2011

Sign at the start of the trailhead

The obligatory self photo!!

My friend Scott was so gracious to join me on today's hike. Especially after the thigh workout out we got yesterday when we climbed the steep ascent of the Cable Line on Tiger Mountain #3.

Scott enjoying the overlook of the Rattlesnake Lake from the top of the ledge!

Me, at the ledge summit.

Scott!

From the junction, turn right to visit Rattlesnake Ledge (2,079 feet). There is a less popular ledge (Middle Ledge)  further up the main trail toward East Peak; walk about 200ft and look for an unmarked trail junction on the right. -It is a very short 5 min walk up and WELL worth the effort. You can even see Rattlesnake ledge from this vantage point. 

Viewpoint from the second ledge just of the main trail headed towards East Peak. Note: The people in the picture just above the tree line on the far right side of the photo, that is Rattlesnake Ledge.

My friend Scott and I headed up to Rattlesnake Ledge today. Rattlesnake Ledge is on the eastern edge of Rattlesnake Ridge. The trailhead starts at Rattlesnake Lake and switchbacks to the edge of the ledge and a trail junction which heads up towards East Peak. This is a great hike with fantastic views. It is close to Seattle just 30 miles down the I-90 corridor . The only major drawback to this hike is that it is quite popular especially in the summer, so be prepared to share the trail. The trail to Rattlesnake Ledge is approximately 3.8 miles round trip with 1,175 feet of elevation gain.

Directions:

        From Seattle: Take I-90 east and get off on Exit 32 (436th Avenue SE) just past the exits to North Bend. Take a right off of the exit, heading south on 436th Ave SE which turns into Cedar Falls Road. Travel about three miles and follow the signs posted for Rattlesnake Lake. From the parking lot, walk the old road a quarter mile to a grassy area on the west side of Rattlesnake Lake. A well-signed path leads off to the right up to the ledge.