- The Adventure
Explore one of the most popular hiking trails in the Greater Seattle Area and enjoy the spectacular view at the top of the mountain. (round trip 4.0 miles, elevation gain: 1,160ft)
- Distance and Travel Time (from downtown Seattle): 34.4 miles (40 min)
- Parking: Park in the parking lot at the trailhead(northeast side of Rattlesnake Lake) or Cedar River Watershed Education Center(southwest side of the lake), or Iron Horse State Park(Discover Pass required)
- When to Go
Any time of year
- Things to Do
Stroll along the forest trail, relaxing on the grassy areas around the lake(picnics, etc.), throw stones in the lake, enjoy majestic views at the top of the mountain.
- Tips
1) Kiddos can enjoy many interesting educational activities at the Cedar River Watershed Education Center for free before or after the hiking.
2) 0.75 mile(1 km) easy and level Rattlesnake Lake trail is good for the families with young kids if you can’t go up to the mountain along the Rattlesnake Ledge trail.
3) The trailhead of Rattlesnake Ledge trail is located near the northeast tip of the Rattlesnake Lake. You can start the trail from here unless you visit the Cedar River Watershed Education Center or hike the Rattlesnake Lake trail.
4) The entrance gate closes at 6 pm automatically so make sure that you can get back to your car in time. If it’s locked, ask to open it thru the intercom next the gate.
5) 4.0 mile(6.4km) Rattlesnake Ledge trail is somewhat challenging to young kids. It may take 3 to 4 hours to come back to the starting point if you need to take many breaks for little ones.
Cedar River Watershed Education Center
Rattlesnake Lake Trail
Rattlesnake Ledge Trail
Magnificent Views from the Top
Way Back to the Trailhead
