@framesbyastha · WASHINGTON HIKES
A short forest climb with a huge lake view at the end.
| Round trip | 4 miles |
| To the ledge | 2 miles |
| Climb | Nearly 1,000 ft |
| From Seattle | ~35 miles |
Rattlesnake Ledge is close enough to Seattle for an easy half-day plan, but the view at the top feels much farther away. You start beside Rattlesnake Lake, climb almost entirely through forest, and eventually come out onto the rocky ledge with the lake far below.
The trail starts from the recreation area near North Bend. From here, follow the signed trail toward Rattlesnake Ledge.
The route climbs steadily for about two miles through forest. There are not many major stops along the way — the big reveal really is at the end.
The rocky viewpoint looks down over Rattlesnake Lake and across the Cedar River Watershed. The ledge has exposed cliffs and steep drops, so stay back from the edge.