WillhiteWeb.com - Washington Hiking
Rattlesnake Mountain has become a very popular hiking destination. It seems every year there is something new going on there. Rattlesnake Mountain is managed by the DNR, who have put considerable effort into the trails and parking situation. Today, there are large parking lots on each side of the mountain with a trail that runs the entire length from one end to another. The trailheads are called East Rattlesnake and West Rattlesnake. Rattlesnake runs like a ridgeline so it is quite long. The trail across is 10 miles. The summit has some communication towers but also some superb views. This is a working forest but the clear-cut areas in route also have views. The east side has the Rattlesnake Ledges, a very popular viewing destination that does not require hiking up the entire mountain. This mountain also has 2,520 feet of prominence making it #81 on the Washington Prominence List.
Rattlesnake Mountain Trail
Distance: 6 miles
Summit Elevation: 3,480+ feet
Elevation Gain: 2,500 feet
Access: Paved
Access: East Rattlesnake Trail Parking
Take I-90 to Exit 32. Go south on 436th Ave. SE, turning into Cedar Falls Road SE Follow this main road 3.1 miles to the parking area for Rattlesnake Lake.
Access: West Rattlesnake Trail Parking
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.
Route: East Rattlesnake Trail
From the east parking, the trail first wraps around Rattlesnake Lake and a picnic area for a short while. Then it starts up the hillside at a large trailhead sign. The trail has been redone in recent years so the tread and grade is much better than the old route. At 1.7 miles is the Rattlesnake Ledges. After viewing them, continue up the trail. Eventually, the trail reaches roads and uses them for some distance to reach the summit.
Route: West Rattlesnake Trail
From the west parking area, a trail leaves the upper lot with good signage. Just follow the trail past several named viewing points like Stan's Overlook, Grand Prospect, and the East Peak.
East Rattlesnake trailhead sign
Rattlesnake Ledges from the East Rattlesnake trailhead
West Rattlesnake Mountain Trailhead
Rattlesnake Mountain Trail
View of Mt. Si from the Rattlesnake Mountain Trail
West Rattlesnake trailhead sign
Other Hikes on Rattlesnake Mountain
View of the East Peak from the NW peak
Rattlesnake Mountain from the Mt. Washington Trail
