Cougar Mtn - Wilderness Creek TH to Coal Creek Falls

Hike Route - Wilderness Creek Trail (E6) -> Shy Bear (S2) -> Fred's Railroad (C7) -> Quarry Trail (C6) -> Coal Creek Falls Trail (C4)

This hike is a great way to see some of the best of Cougar Mountain. The trails are in very good shape with almost no mud spots during the summer. The marshes are also fairly dry, but the creeks still have some water running in them. While the first part of this hike is pretty much uphill non-stop (gaining nearly 1000 feet in the first 1.5 miles), the rest of the trip to Coal Creek falls is really enjoyable.

The Wilderness Creek Trailhead parking lot is right off SR 900 between Renton and Issaquah. It offers about 10 parking spots and is generally full mid-day on weekends -- so it is better to come early or late afternoon. There is one portable restroom, but no water or other facilities at this trailhead.

From Hiking - Cougar Mountain

After crossing the first bridge the uphill trek starts. I did notice that some crews has cleared away brush from the sides of the trail, for at least the bottom 1/4th of this trail. So there are limited trailside wildflowers in this section. The trail is fairly wide and is very well packed. This is the only trail from the trailhead so it sees lots of action.

The bridges crossing Wilderness creek make for a great rest stop - there are also a couple log benches before this spot as well. At this point, you feel like you have reached the peak, but there are a couple more uphills beyond this point.


Once you reach the Shy Bear Pass at 1,380 feet elev., continue on the Shy Bear Trail. This trail is a narrow, single track trail that meanders through top of the forest for about 0.4 miles.


The Shy bear trail is a great Northwest trail, with some views of the marsh area around the beginning of Cabbage Creek. No real water views during this section, but its a very green and well shaded (and cool!) area.

Be sure to look for the right turn on to Fred's Railroad - I have missed it before during this hike attempt. You are only on Fred's railroad for about 0.3 miles -- if that. Fred's Railroad is a nice wide trail that connects to the north part of Cougar Mountain.



Very soon, you will reach another junction - Turn left on the Quarry trail.


The Quarry Trail is a multi-use trail and gets fairly rocky in parts. You might also see some Salmon Berries growing along the trail.


There are a couple steep and rocky parts of the Quarry trail, but is very manageable - not the most exciting trail, but at least your are in the middle of the wilderness surrounded by lots of greenery and cool shade.


After over half a mile on the Quarry trail, turn right on to the South end of the Coal Creek Falls trail. Like most of the trail intersections in the Cougar Mountain park, this junction is well marked.


This part of the Coal Creek Falls trail sees limited traffic since most folks approach the falls from other side via the Red Town trailhead. The trail is fairly narrow, but is well shaded for hot summer days. There are also some very cool redwood trees along the way.


Before reaching the falls - look out for a cable popping out on the trail.

After a very short time on the Coal Creek Falls trail you will descend down to the creek and the falls. During the summer there was not very much water "falling" - but it was a very cool place to rest and enjoy the wilderness.


For the way back to the trailhead, just turn around and return the way you came. This is a nice hike for the summer, as most of it is in the shade and runs by cool creeks and marshes. Not any big views on this hike, but the falls are very nice and the salmon berries along the way make it fun.

Watch out for the Slugs on the trail - the morning I did this hike there were tons!



Location:

View Larger Map


Basics:
Area - Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park (Near Issaquah,Washington)
Trails - Trail Map (very good), also trails located on Green Trails Map 203S
Length - 6 miles out and back - Easy Hike (moderate 1000 foot uphill on first 1.5 miles)
Trail - Out and back, well packed dirt trails. Well marked and maintained.
Bikes - Not allowed on this hike
View - None
Getting There - Google Map
Fee- None, free parking
Weather - Cool in the mornings
Other Trails - tons!

Annette Lake

Hike Route: Annette Lake Trail

As noted in Take a Hike Seattle (and other hiking books) this is one of the best hikes near Seattle. As one of the best, it can get quite busy so you may want to do this hike on a weekday or very early in the morning. The hike is a basic trail that leads up about 1900 feet up the mountain to a great lake at the top. The trail is 90% covered by trees and makes for a great hike on hot Seattle summer days.

I did this hike in early June and there was some snow at about 3055 feet. But in a couple weeks, most of this snow should be melted away.

The trailhead is well marked and has a large paved parking lot. This parking lot also provides access to Asahel Curtis Nature trail (which is a .6 mile easy loop). For this hike, start up on the Annette Lake trail.

From Annette Lake

Fairly quickly you will reach a well-made bridge crossing Humpback Creek.

From Annette Lake

This day the creek was raging and very full, it made for a great photo.

From Annette Lake

This lower section of the trail is fairly rocky and uneven. Its basically non-stop uphill from this part all the way up to near the the lake. There are a couple bridges crossing some feeder creeks, but there is also some running water crossing the trail. I would wear boots to avoid getting wet. There are a couple blowndown trees on the lower section of this hike, but all are passable.

From Annette Lake

The trail does have a junction with the John Wayne Pioneer trail (which is wide logging trail at this point). Look for the Annette Lake trail to the right -- its well marked.

From Annette Lake

After this point the trail surface improves, with a more flat, less rocky surface. You do pass under two sets of powerlines along the way. The powerlines are annoying, but they do provide some early views of the surrounding mountains.

At about 3566 feet, I reached about six snowfields covering the trail. Some of these might be melted soon -- but each one was a bit tricky in crossing. Its much easier to cross these if you have a pole. Plus one of these snowfields is very steep, so if you slip -- you will want something in your hand to stop your fall.

From Annette Lake

From Annette Lake

From Annette Lake

Soon after crossing the snowfields, the trail breaks out into the open and you can see the mountains surrounding Annette Lake. There was snow still covering the trail, but it was fairly clear which way to go to reach the lake.

From Annette Lake

Snowshoes (or yaks) are not needed at this point in the year. I did fine in regular hiking boots -- however, I was glad I had boots on and not shoes.

From Annette Lake

After a short trip through the last wooded forest patch you reach the Lake. The pictures really dont do it justice as it was just fantastic and probably one of the BEST hikes I have done in a long time.

From Annette Lake

After enjoying the view, simply return back down the way you came to reach the trailhead and parking lot.



View Annette Lake in a larger map


Basics:
Area - Mt Baker - Snoqualmie National Forest - Annette Lake Area
Trail - Annette Lake
Map - Green Trails Map: Snoqualime Pass Gateway, WA No. 207S
Length - 7 miles out and back - Moderate Hike (about 1,900' Elevation gain)
Trail - Lower trail can be rocky and uneven, upper trail has a better surface. Trail is well marked.
Dogs - Yes (lots of creeks along the way for water)
Bikes - No
Views - Some views along way, with the Lake being ALL VIEW
Getting There - From Seattle - Exit 47 on I-90, turn right, then left at the T-intersection. The short dirt road, leads to a large parking lot.
Weather - Mostly shady on the trail. The lake is at 3,600 feet elevation and can be very sunny.
Other Trails - Exit 47 provides a number of other hiking options.
Facilities - there a restroom at the trailhead parking lot.
Fee - Northwest Forest Pass required for parking

Marin Headlands - Gerbode Valley Loop

Hike Route: Rodeo Valley Trail (Bunker Road Trailhead) => Bobcat Trail => Miwok Trail => Rodeo Valley Trail

The Marin Headlands offer some great hikes with nice views and plenty of Northern California plants and wildlife. This hike does a loop around the Gerbode Valley, with a climb up and then down the crest of the surrounding hills. The trail does a single long uphill and then downhill, which can be popular with Mountain Bikers.

The day I did this hike it was fairly socked in with Fog, but it was comfortable enough to hike in shorts. This is a popular area, so it can be crowded -- but the Saturday I was there I only saw a couple groups of hikers, some runners and a few mountain bikers.

This hike starts from a Bunker Road parking lot about 1.2 miles from the end of the Bunker tunnel. The road to the parking lot is horseshoe-like, so if you miss the first turn off -- dont worry, the second entrance is actually easier (but you kind of enter through the exit).

From Marin Headlands - Gerbode Valley Loop

There is a fairly large dirt parking lot available, but this might fill up on Sunny weekends, as the area attracts hikers, mountain bikers, runners and even horseback riders.

From Marin Headlands - Gerbode Valley Loop

The trailhead is well marked and crosses a small but running creek that feeds Rodeo Lagoon, which you can see from higher up on the hike.

From Marin Headlands - Gerbode Valley Loop

The initial trail is a bit narrow, but soon you will reach the T-junction with the Rodeo Valley Trail. At the junction, Turn LEFT on the well used trail.

From Marin Headlands - Gerbode Valley Loop

Very soon after the T-junction, you will reach fork in the trail. This is the beginning of the loop where you return from at the end of the hike. The route in this book, suggests going RIGHT at this junction. If you want a steeper climb uphill and a longer downhill you may want to consider turning LEFT -- as I think most mountain bikers do.

From Marin Headlands - Gerbode Valley Loop

Following the suggested route, you will climb a longer (but not as steep) uphill. From this point in the hike, the wildflowers and wildlife are more abundant. There is plenty to look at on this hike -- even on a very foggy day. One thing that doesn't change, is the trail conditions -- its a wide trail of compact hard dirt for entire route.

From Marin Headlands - Gerbode Valley Loop

There is a interesting group of eucalyptus trees as you start the climb up to the crest of the hills surrounding the valley. I spotted a coyote on the trail in this section, but he quickly went off into the nearby brush.

From Marin Headlands - Gerbode Valley Loop

As mentioned before, the route does a loop around the valley, slowly climbing up the surrounding hills for nearly 4 miles. For the remaining 2 miles of the hike you travel downhill. There are very other few ups and downs in between.

From Marin Headlands - Gerbode Valley Loop

There were bright wildflowers along the upslope walls of the hike.

From Marin Headlands - Gerbode Valley Loop

From Marin Headlands - Gerbode Valley Loop

There are a couple trail junctions along the upper parts of the hike. These are well marked, but can be a bit confusing at first on a foggy day. The Rodeo Valley cut-off trail returns back to the trailhead, but it did look a bit overgrown.

For this hike, continue on the Bobcat Trail up the hill.

From Marin Headlands - Gerbode Valley Loop

Not noted on the map in this book, was this junction with the Alta Trail. For this hike, keep LEFT and stay on the Bobcat Trail. Again - there are well done markers in the area to keep you headed in the right direction.

From Marin Headlands - Gerbode Valley Loop

On a sunny and clear day, at this point there will be great views including the North Golden Gate tower and Mt. Tam.

A little after 3 miles is another junction on the route -- The Marincello Fire Road, which continues down to Tennesse Valley. For this hike, continue to the left on the Bobcat Trail.

From Marin Headlands - Gerbode Valley Loop

Soon you will reach the near top with a three-way intersection, for this hike turn RIGHT on to the Miwok trail which will start the decent back down into the Gerbode Valley. There are great views from this section on the trail (San Francisco, the Bay, and even Montara Mountain -- just not a on a foggy day.

From Marin Headlands - Gerbode Valley Loop

The Miwok trail has a fairly steep downhill at the top, but the trail surface is good and wide.

From Marin Headlands - Gerbode Valley Loop

Along the way back down, you pass the Old Springs trail which also leads back to the Tennesse Valley trailhead. Continue on the Miwok trail.

From Marin Headlands - Gerbode Valley Loop

At about 4.5 miles, you approach the Wolf Ridge Trail junction-- which was looking a bit overgrown at the moment. Continue on the Miwok trail.

From Marin Headlands - Gerbode Valley Loop

The wildlife and wildflowers are a bit more sparse on the Miwok trail, but you do get some grand views across the valley. You can even see the Bobcat trail that you just ascended.

From Marin Headlands - Gerbode Valley Loop

On a sunny day, I am sure this is a very popular route -- so consider going early. On this foggy day I only ran into about 20 folks along the 6 mile route.

From Marin Headlands - Gerbode Valley Loop

Upon reaching the valley floor, the Miwok trail will meet up with the Bobcat trail. Turn LEFT at this point to return to the trailhead via the Rodeo Valley Trail.

From Marin Headlands - Gerbode Valley Loop

Maybe it was the fog or the single long ascent uphill, but it didnt seem like a 6 mile hike -- it seemed shorter. In any case, this is a nice hike with great views on clear days. The trail is very well maintained, but you might have lots of company along the way including mountain bikers.

There is a detailed overview of this hike on Page 34 of 60 Hikes within 60 Miles (2nd Edition).

Another similar hike to this (on the Peninsula) is the Montara Mountain hike, which has a bit more trail variety and great Ocean views.


View Gerbode Valley Loop Trailhead in a larger map

Basics:
Area - Golden Gate National Recreation Area - Marin Headlands
Trails - Rodeo Valley => Bobcat => Miwok
Map - Marin Headlands Map
Length - 6 miles Lollipop - Moderate Hike (about 900' Elevation gain)
Trail - Very wide dirt road, some junctions along the way. Very well marked and maintained.
Dogs - Yes, but not allowed in some sections (not sure why)
Bikes - Yes, but not allowed in some sections
Views - This trail is ALL Views
Getting There - From San Francisco: Take US101 across the Golden Gate, Exit Alexander toward Sausalito, LEFT on Bunker Road through a single lane tunnel. The dirt parking lot is on the right about 1.2 miles after end of tunnel. Look for horse crossing sign.
Fee- None, free parking
Weather - Ok on foggy days, but much better on a clear and sunny day
Other Trails - Plenty other trails within the headlands, and extension hikes available from this this one.
Facilities - there are no restrooms or water at the trailhead or parking lot. Facilities are available at the nearby Visitor Center further west.

Little Si

Hike Route - Little Si trail - out and back

This somewhat easy 4.4 mile hike attracts all types of hikers and even rock climbers. There is a good sized parking lot -- plus an overflow lot, consequently the trail is very well used. At 7am on a Sunday, there were about four cars there -- upon returning at 9:30am, the parking lot was FULL. So be prepared to arrive very early on weekends to avoid the crowds.

From Little Si Hike - May 2009

The Trailhead is right in the parking lot, next to two restrooms. The trail has a pretty good incline start and continues uphill almost non-stop for the first 1/4 of the hike.

From Little Si Hike - May 2009

As this book points out, the Little Si hike is very good "sampler" of Cascade hiking -- with loose rock, well built trails, solid rock ledges, old and second growth forests and some breathtaking views.

The start of the hike has a loose rock trail surface along a pretty big rock outcropping. It keeps you on your toes as you begin the climb up the mountain. The trail is wide enough to handle two way traffic is most places, but sometimes its only wide enough for one person.

From Little Si Hike - May 2009

At about 0.2 miles, you reach a clearing with a great view Rattlesnake ledge and Mount Washington. Its a great preview to get you excited about reaching the summit of this hike.

From Little Si Hike - May 2009

At 0.3 miles there is the only marked trail junction along the route is the Boulder Garden Loop Trail.

From Little Si Hike - May 2009

From this point the trail opens up a bit, with lots of green trees and birds chirping away. Its very peaceful part of the trail, if you happen to be alone.

Soon you will reach a newly renovated section of the trail that crosses a small but fast running stream. The stream goes through a metal pipe, so you walk on a path above it and dont get wet.

From Little Si Hike - May 2009

At 0.8 miles you pass a rock climbing section, the trail gets a bit lost along most rock covered hill. But dont worry, you cant really get lost, as it all ends up going up to the trail.

From Little Si Hike - May 2009

Right before reaching the summit, the trail gets very rocky again, but its manageable.

From Little Si Hike - May 2009

The summit (elev. 1,576 ft) is much like Rattlesnake ledge, with a solid rock surface over looking the surrounding area. There are great views of the North Bend, Rattlesnake Mountain, Mount Washington and of course Mount Si --- looming above.

It was a fantastic clear and sunny day, with no wind -- so there were views all around.

From Little Si Hike - May 2009

Similar to the Rattlesnake ledge hike, some of the BEST views are actually not at the popular summit. There is a very small ledge right before you get to the top of Little Si, off to the left. It provides for some fantastic views looking somewhat North.

From Little Si Hike - May 2009

This is one of the Top Hikes to do in Seattle and is really worth it on a clear day. However, if you want to avoid the crowds, be sure to do it super early. Its a fairly easy hike, with some moderate uphills mixed in.


View Little Si in a larger map

Basics:
Area - Mount Si Natural Resources Conservation Area (Near North Bend, Washington)
Trails - Little Si Trail
Map - DNR Mount Si Map, Green Trails Mount Si Map 206S
Elevation - Gain of 1,200 feet
Length - 4.4 miles out and back - about 2.5 hours with limited stops
Trail - Rocky and Dirt trail, with a rock covered summit. Mostly in the shade, except the first 1/2 mile and the summit.
Bikes - Not allowed on this hike
View - Yes - one view near trailhead, then full views at the summit
Getting There - Take I-90 East to Exit 32 (436th Street) and turn left. Upon reaching North Bend Way, turn left -- then right on Mount Si road. After about a mile, the main trailhead is located on the left. Note: this is the new trailhead location as of about 2003.
Fee- None, free parking lot
Other Trails - A couple, including the Boulder Garden Loop Trail

Honolulu - Diamond Head trail

Date of Hike: May 2, 2009

Hike Route: Diamond Head trail - up and back

If you are visiting Honolulu, this is a great quick hike to take. Its close and provides some of the best views in the Island. I decided to book Viator's Diamond Head Crater Sunrise Small Group Adventure for this hike, since they provide the transportation, guide, water and any gear you might want. The hike is accessible by other means, but really its just easier to book the tour and relax.

We started at 6am and the sun was already up, but that's ok since it provides for some very spectacular views on the way up. Note: depending on the time of the year, you may or may not see the sunrise. But don't worry -- the hike is a great morning experience anyway.

The hike starts from the parking lot of the State Monument park. The area is open 6am to 6pm -- and there is a vehicle/walk in fee -- again if you book the tour this is all taken care of.



The trailhead area consists of a parking lot and restroom area. The trail starts as a very bland cement walkway.



About 1/4 the way up, the cement trail ends and it starts to get interesting! Its all dirt and rock trail until you reach the old military bunker at the top. This is a very arid area, so there isnt much to see -- other than the views.


About halfway up the trail, the views start. There are a couple places to stop along the way and take photos. The trail is wide enough for two way traffic and there are handrails provided along steep inclines.


At about 3/4ths up - there is a great photo-op area. This is very easy to miss, its located off the left near a hairpin turn. If you are looking for it you will see it. If you miss it, just hit it on the way down. The "planks" jetting out from the area make for some great photos.


Near the top, there is a tunnel on the way into the old bunker built in the early 1900's. This used to be a UN-lighted tunnel so you had to bring a flashlight. But they installed some low lights so you can see where you are walking.


There is a steep staircase up on the final leg of the hike. After the stairs you wind up in the old bunker. Its very cool and fun for kids. There is a very shallow opening at the top of the bunker where you pop out to views of the lighthouse. Most folks will have to duck or crawl out of the bunker -- its really that shallow.


Another final set of stairs lead to the summit of Diamond Head. The views on a good day are incredible.


To get back down, you turn around and re-trace your steps down the trail. I would suggest doing the 6am Tour Option for this hike. You avoid most of the crowds -- and you can get back to your hotel in time for a big breakfast. Plus you still have the whole day to relax.

If you are visiting Honolulu, I would highly suggest this book: Oahu Revealed: The Ultimate Guide to Honolulu, Waikiki & Beyond. Its the best guide book and has lots of "local" favorites that other books ignore.


View Diamond Head State Monument in a larger map

Basics:
Area - Diamond Head State Monument (Honolulu, Hawaii)
Trails - Just one -- the Diamond Head trail.
Length - 1.6 miles out and back - Easy Hike (but some steep stairs near the end)
Trail - Out and back route. Well traveled and maintained trail. Trail is a combination of cement, very compact dirt, rock and stairs. Summit is 762 feet above sea level.
Bikes - Not allowed on this hike
View - Yes, basically the whole hike is view
Getting There - Google Map or book a hike tour
Fee- Yes for parking and walk-ins
Weather - Can get hot, bring water and sunglasses
Other Trails - nope - just this one

Cougar Mtn - Wilderness Peak Loop

Date of Hike: April 19, 2009

Hike Route: Wilderness Creek Trail => Wilderness Cliff Peak Trail => Wilderness Cliffs Trail => Wilderness Creek Trail

This is the reverse route of this hike.

This is a great time of the year to take this hike. The trail is mostly dry and firm and there is plenty of water running down the Wilderness Creek. Plus this is a great early season hike to get you in shape for the summer. This route takes about 2 hours from start to finish.

The hike starts at the Wilderness Creek Trailhead along SR 900 between Renton and Issaquah. There is space for about 10-12 cars in the paved parking lot off SR 900. Some folks park along SR900 if the parking lot is full.

There are some very soft spots along the upper parts of the Wilderness Cliffs Trail - so if you can, pack some filler rock from the parking lot to fill-in the wet spots on the trail.

From Wilderness Peak Hike - April 2009

The Wilderness Creek trail is in the best shape of the three trails on this hike. The trail climbs up quickly, but along the way you are treated to be the best creek views.

From Wilderness Peak Hike - April 2009

From Wilderness Peak Hike - April 2009

The upper area marsh area is a bit wet...but its a great time to see the area before it becomes a blanket of green. (see how this same area looks in Summer)

From Wilderness Peak Hike - April 2009

Watch out for some mud after the raised walkway.

From Wilderness Peak Hike - April 2009

After about 1.5 miles of uphill hiking you connect to the Wilderness Peak trail (there is no view at Wilderness Peak).

After another .4 miles the trail connects to the Wilderness Cliffs Trail. This is where the trail becomes a bit muddy still -- but is not too bad.

On the way back down the mountain, there is a peek-a-boo view of Mount Rainier. I got lucky this morning with clear skies and a nice couple cap clouds over the Mountain.

From Wilderness Peak Hike - April 2009

The Wilderness Cliffs trail connects back to the Wilderness Creek trail and then continues back to the trailhead and the parking lot.



More Photos

Location:

View Larger Map


Basics:
Area - Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park (Near Issaquah,Washington)
Trails - Trail Map (very good), also trails located on Green Trails Map 203S
Length - 3.6 miles out and back - Easy Hike (moderate uphill on first 1.5 miles)
Trail - Lollipop route, dirt trail, some small muddy spots along the way at the top. Well marked and maintained. Elevation gain is about 1200 feet.
Bikes - Not allowed on this hike
View - One great peek-a-boo view on Wilderness Cliffs Trail
Getting There - Google Map
Fee- None, free parking
Weather - Cool in the mornings
Other Trails - tons!

Rattlesnake Mountain - Rattlesnake Ledge Trail

Date of Hike: Feb 2009

Hike Route: Out and Back - Start at Rattlesnake Lake up the Rattlesnake Mountain Trail to the Ledges, return back down. No intersecting trails along the route.

This is a "must do" Seattle hike - the well-maintained trail makes for an fairly easy hike up the 1,100 elevation gain. And the views at the ledge are fantastic on a good clear day.

As lots of local guide books mention, including Take a Hike-Seattle on page 174, all this makes it a very popular trail - to say the least. I did this hike with some friends on a very Sunny Sunday morning. Luckily, we did this hike very early and we were one of just a few groups at the top of the ledges. As we came down the mountain, we passed at least 50 folks - and about 15 dogs as they made their way up. Do this hike very early if you don't like crowds.

At the base of the mountain, you can see the ledges you will end up at on this hike.

From Hiking - Rattlesnake Mountain

The trailhead is really easy to find, as its basically the only hiking trail in the area. There is a rest stop at the trailhead which is good since you wont be "alone" on the trail.

From Hiking - Rattlesnake Mountain

The trail was redone a couple of years ago by the Washington Trails Association and Earthcorps. Its a nice wide trail up, but has plenty of switchbacks.

From Hiking - Rattlesnake Mountain

About midway up there is a nice lookout point back at Rattlesnake Lake and surrounding mountains to the southwest. The trail continues up with more switchbacks. Its not a hard hike by any means, and it would be much tougher if the trail was straight up.

From Hiking - Rattlesnake Mountain

At about 1,100 feet elevation gain, you reach the Rattlesnake Ledge. Bear right on the trail and it will lead to the windy main ledge with some awesome views of the surrounding areas. You can see Mount Si and Little Si as well. (Pictures of the views)

From Hiking - Rattlesnake Mountain

There is a less popular ledge point further up the main trail toward East Peak - its a very short 5 min walk up and WELL worth it. You can even see the main ledge from this higher second ledge. Note -The second ledge is much smaller than the main ledge.

The trail leading to the second ledge narrows and gets more snowy.

From Hiking - Rattlesnake Mountain

This is one of my favorite hikes, since the views are unbeatable. But its easy to see why most of the guide books say its "crowded" and "popular" -- obviously this is a Top Hike in the Seattle area even for casual hikers. Just go very early if you want to avoid the crowds.

The main parking lot at Rattlesnake Mountain is the site for WTA's Trailfest in July.



View Larger Map

Basics:
Area - Rattlesnake Mountain (Near North Bend, Washington)
Trails - Rattlesnake Mountain Trail (to the Ledges)
Map - Green Trails Rattlesnake Mountain/Upper Snoqualmie Valley Map 205S (Overview Map)
Elevation - Gain of 1,100 feet
Length - 3.0 miles out and back - about 2 hours with limited stops
Trail - Dirt trail - starts very wide, gets narrow past first Ledge
Bikes - Not allowed on this hike
View - Yes - some great views at midway and at the Ledge points
Getting There - Take I-90 East to Exit 32 (468th Street), turn right and follow the road for 5 miles until the trailhead and parking lot on the right.
Fee- None, free parking - large parking lot
Other Trails - Not really, only one main trail up the mountain.