Rattlesnake Mountain Northwest

Rattlesnake Mountain is one of the most popular hikes from Seattle. Although there are several summits and a few other viewpoints from the trail, there is another option for hikers that can get you away from the crowds. The Northwest Peak. This highpoint of Rattlesnake has 360 feet of prominence from it’s highest connecting ridge to the main peak. There are views from the road walk but no views at the summit. It’s probably best in winter as it makes an nice snowshoe hike, one that is likely un-tracked.

Going west on I-90, take the next exit to the east after the Highway 18 interchange. This is exit #27 North Bend Way. Note: The exit has no off-ramps if coming from the east. After turning off, turn right, go up the hill to the parking areas.

Route:

Hike up the West Rattlesnake Trail until you reach the road crossing just after the power lines (abt. elv. 1880). From here, use the map provided as there are many intersections. Follow the road to the right for about 5 minutes. Then another right on a spur road dropping downhill. Once down a bit, there is a Y intersection. Go left, following a flat road along the south side of the objective. Follow, it travels south, west, then northwest. Just after the road crosses a small stream, a road will cut uphill to the right. Follow this steeper road to another Y, go right. This road wraps around all the way to the east side. A final left turn climbs west, then north up to the summit area and ends at a logging landing, now viewless.