Hiking Project Logo

Rattlesnake Ledge

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate
 4.4 (143) RECOMMENDED ROUTE
  1. Areas
  2. WA
  3. …Seattle and Puget Sound
  4. Rattlesnake Mountain
Previous Next

“An extremely popular out-and-back hike to the viewpoint on Rattlesnake Ledge. ”

Eric Ashley
Your Rating:      Clear Rating
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add to Favorites · Your List
Google Map
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

4.3

Miles

6.9

KM

Out and Back

2,005' 611 m

High

921' 281 m

Low

1,111' 339 m

Up

1,110' 338 m

Down

10%

Avg Grade (6°)

26%

Max Grade (15°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Views · Wildlife

Family Friendly Kids will enjoy the views just as much as adults. Just take care near areas of cliffside exposure.

Rattlesnake Ledge is very exposed and caution should be taken especially with children or dogs.

Overview

Two miles of moderate climbing brings hikers to a large, craggy outcropping with fantastic views of Rattlesnake Lake, North Bend, and the surrounding ridges. This is one of the most popular hikes near Seattle, so expect a lot of company.

Need to Know

Expect lots of people, especially on weekends. Visit on a weekday, or head up earlier in the day to reduce the crowds. There are a number of parking areas near Rattlesnake Lake, some require a Discover Pass.

Description

Begin your hike along the Rattlesnake Lake Service Road behind the closed gate. You'll quickly arrive at a kiosk and the signed entrance to the Rattlesnake Mountain Trail on your right.

The climbing to the ledge above will be steady but moderate. The trail is generally well maintained and the absence of any connecting trails makes navigating easy. Most of the hike is spent under the shade of a young forest that can get dark at times, making the occasional rooty or rocky section a little more challenging.

Although this hike's main highlight is the scenic vistas, most of the lower portions are hemmed in by trees, so the lush forest and moss-covered boulders are the main points of interest at first. Nearer to the top, a few viewpoints reveal North Bend and Rattlesnake Lake below.

A small connector trail leads out to the large craggy rock of Rattlesnake Ledge and the grand vista of mountains, forests, and the blue waters of Rattlesnake Lake below. Proceed carefully as the footing is uneven and there are deep crevices. The setting and views are well worth lingering over before heading back down.

For those looking for an added bonus there are two additional ledges not too far up the trail. Both of these smaller ledges provide great views, and have far fewer people.

Contacts

Land Manager: Seattle Public Utilities

Shared By:

Eric Ashley
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.4 from 143 votes

#1

in Rattlesnake Mountain

#50

Overall
  4.4 from 143 votes
5 Star
50%
4 Star
42%
3 Star
6%
2 Star
1%
1 Star
1%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Rattlesnake Mountain

#3

in Washington

#50

Overall
498 Views Last Month
30,605 Since Sep 27, 2016
Intermediate
5%
1%
80%
2%
13%
0%
Add a Photo

Photos

Catching a weekday sunrise will be sure to keep you from the crowds of this busy hike.
Nov 18, 2016 near Riverbend, WA
Sunset over Rattlesnake Lake and Rattlesnake Ledge.
Sep 28, 2016 near Riverbend, WA
I call this one "Laptop Lady on the Ledge". Clearly, Rattlesnake Mountain is a popular and achievable hike.
May 11, 2017 near Riverbend, WA
Barely a cloud in the sky!
May 11, 2019 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

1 Comment

Sort by: Oldest
Newest Oldest Popular

Weather

Current Trail Conditions

Update Conditions
All Clear 3 days ago See History
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Jul 6, 2022
Daniel Shapiro
Jun 21, 2022
Bethany V
Jun 5, 2022
Kenan Tricic
Jun 3, 2022
Beth N
May 8, 2022
Aayush Chaudhary
Apr 9, 2022
Xzill Erationer
Apr 4, 2022
Thomas Ferguson
4.3mi — 1h 25m
Apr 2, 2022
Alli Rico
Start early, this trail is very popular and parking fills up fast. Be prepared for a crowded trail on your way down. 5mi

Nearby Recommended Routes