Year round use. Can be snowy in winter. 12 mi to summit and back from West. 8 miles to summit and back from Rattlesnake Lake.
Overview
If you’ve hiked to Rattlesnake Ledges and beyond from Rattlesnake Lake, the Rattlesnake Mountain trail is a delightful alternative. Thanks to the work of various groups in the outdoor community, hikers can now reach Rattlesnake Mountain from the west, starting from a trailhead at Snoqualmie Point.
Expect fewer hikers on this approach, and enjoy fantastic views out over the Snoqualmie Valley, Mount Si, Mount Teneriffe, North Bend and more. Hike to one of the pleasant viewpoints along the way, to Rattlesnake Mountain, or do a traverse all the way to Rattlesnake Lake, which is 10.2 miles. The views are some of the best in the Cascade foothills and the trail can be hiked year-round, though it can be snowy in winter. The trail is also popular with trail runners and mountain bikers.
The trail was officially dedicated in June 2007, though people had hiked this route using a mix of trail and logging roads for years before. Now the trail winds its way through mostly second-growth forest, crossing a few logging roads and requiring just a few stints on old roads.
Rattlesnake Mountain Trail
Snoqualmie Point Park to Stan's Overlook
The western entrance to the Rattlesnake Mountain Trail is at Snoqualmie Point Park. This is just off of I-90 Exit 27 to the south of the freeway. A Washington State Discover Pass is required for parking. Trailhead elevation is 980 feet.
The trail starts off following I-90 fairly closely, but there are times you don’t remember it’s just out of sight. Still, there is the reality of being in a managed forest as some sections wend through clear cuts. Fortunately, the forest canopy gets more mature towards the higher points, and there is a delightful progression of ecosystems along the way.
The first nice viewpoint is Stan’s Overlook (elevation 2100 feet), about 2 miles in. Pass under some powerlines and continue gradually upward another third of a mile to an obvious signed trail to the left. Stan’s Overlook has a picnic table and two benches. From there you can see Mount Si and the Snoqualmie Valley.
Stan's Overlook to Rattlesnake Mountain East Peak
Next up, and a fine turn-around for those not traveling end-to-end, is Grand Prospect about 4 miles from your starting point. This precipice is due south of the town of North Bend. A large clear cut was made in recent years between approximately four and five miles from the trailhead on the west side of Rattlesnake Mountain. Although the local scenery is logging debris, there are good views of the Olympics and Mount Rainier
Six miles from the trailhead and 3500 feet high is East Peak, featuring great views, including Rainier on a good day. Then it is downhill 2 miles to the Ledges and, 2.5 miles further, Rattlesnake Lake.
Rattlesnake Mountain Trail Parking (Two Options)
Snoqualmie Point Park Trailhead (I90 Exit 27)
Take I-90 east to Exit 27. At the end of the off-ramp, go right and follow the road to the end. Go through the gate on the right to enter the trailhead. Straight ahead is a separate parking area for Snoqualmie Point. Discover Pass is required for parking. In summer on weekends and in middle of day, it will be a lot easier to park here than at Rattlesnake Lake. The trail will also be a lot less crowded.
Rattlesnake Lake (I90 Exit 32)
Take I-90 to Exit 32. Go south on 436th Ave. SE, turning into Cedar Falls Rd. SE. Follow this main road 3.1 miles to the parking area for Rattlesnake Lake. To reach the trail follow an old roadbed that circles the lake to the right (as you look at it).