29 Jul Rattlesnake Ledge Trail Outside of Seattle, WA

Rattlesnake Ledge Trail offers a good workout, a beautiful walk through a forest, and stunning views of Rattlesnake Lake below. Still not convinced? Well, the hike is only two miles (~3.2 kilometers) each way with 1200 feet (~366 meters) in elevation gain. Moreover, you only need to allot around two and a half hours for the round trip hike. This is the perfect activity for a Saturday morning or afternoon. Do not believe me? Keep reading, and I am sure you will change your mind. 

Moreover, why not plan an entire day exploring the city of Seattle? Do not worry, you do not even have to do any research. Check out my one-day itinerary for Seattle. The day ends with watching the sunset from Kerry Park, which offers the best view of the city skyline (in my opinion).

Contents:

1) Location of Rattlesnake Ledge Trail

2) Opening Hours and Entrance Fee

3) The Best Time to Visit

4) Quick Facts

5) Trail Information

6) Top of Rattlesnake Ledge

7) Additional Trails Past Rattlesnake Ledge

8) Recommended Items to Bring

1) Location of Rattlesnake Ledge Trail

The Rattlesnake Ledge Trail is located in the town of North Bend, Washington. It circles around and offers a spectacular view of Rattlesnake Lake. For reference, it is only a short 40 minute drive east from Seattle.

Another nearby attraction is Snoqualmie Falls, which is one of the most visited natural attractions in the whole state of Washington. Be sure to stop by the falls when in the area. 

Parking

There is a parking lot located just a short walk from the trailhead. Please be aware, however, that parking can fill up at popular times, especially in the mornings and afternoons on weekends. Therefore, be sure to arrive early in the morning if you visit on a Saturday or Sunday to secure a parking spot. 

Nearby Lodging

For lodging, check out options in the town of North Bend if you want to stay pretty close to Rattlesnake Lake and this trail. Otherwise, book a stay in the city of Seattle and drive out here for a day trip. 

Nearby Airports – Rattlesnake Ledge Trail

There are a few regional airports near the Rattlesnake Ledge Trail, though they are all fairly small. The closest international airport is Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, which is 45 minutes west. 

Moreover, there are no public transportation options available from the airport to the falls. You will thus need to rent a car or utilize a ride share service such as Uber. 

Hiking along the path to Rattlesnake Ledge

2) Opening Hours and Entrance Fee

First, the parking lot for the Rattlesnake Ledge Trailhead is open from dawn to dusk. However, please be aware that the main parking lot can close during the winter season during periods of heavy snowfall. You can then park in the small parking area right outside the gate if you would still like to complete the hike while the main lot is closed. 

Second, there is no trail fee or parking fee for the hike. We love a beautiful, free hiking trail. 

View from the top of Rattlesnake Ledge (wow!)

3) The Best Time to Visit – Rattlesnake Ledge Trail

Peak crowds tend to show up on the trail on weekend afternoons. Therefore, plan to hike the trail on a weekday morning or afternoon to enjoy a bit more privacy. However, if you must hike on the weekend, arrive early in the morning so you can grab a parking space and enjoy less crowds on the trail. 

Best Season to Visit

The best season to hike Rattlesnake Ledge is summer. Why? The trail tends to be covered in snow as well as ice during the winter months. Furthermore, the snowy and icy conditions often begin in the late fall and can extend into the spring. Therefore, you will need crampons and hiking poles if you still decide to trek up the mountain when those conditions are present.

Additionally, the main parking lot for the trailhead can close during periods of heavy snowfall. If that happens, you will then have to park in the small parking area before the gate and begin the hike from there. 

Estimated Visit Time

I would recommend that you plan at least three and a half hours for the hike to Rattlesnake Ledge. The trail up to Rattlesnake Ledge is 5.3 miles (~8.5 kilometers) round trip and takes an average hiker three hours to complete. However, you will want to add a bit of padding time to take pictures, explore at the top, in case the hike takes longer than expected, etc. 

Looking up through the trees along the trail

4) Quick Facts

1. Rattlesnake Ledge Trail is located in North Bend, Washington, which is approximately 40 minutes outside of Seattle. 

2. There is neither an entrance nor a parking fee for the trail, and it is open from dawn to dusk all year round.

3. Rattlesnake Ledge Trail is 5.3 miles (~8.5 kilometers) round trip with an elevation gain of 1500 feet (~457 meters). 

4. An average hiker can complete the trail within three hours. 

5. Hikers are rewarded with beautiful views of Rattlesnake Lake at the top of the Rattlesnake Ledge Trail. 

Sun shining through the forest along the Rattlesnake Ledge Trail

5) Trail Information – Rattlesnake Ledge

The Rattlesnake Ledge hike is considered a moderately difficult hike. The trail is 5.3 miles (~8.5 kilometers) round trip with an elevation gain of 1500 feet (~457 meters). Furthermore, an average hiker can complete the trail within three hours. For example, it will take over an hour and a half to hike up the mountain and then over an hour to hike back down. You thus have to put in some work for this beautiful view – it does not come easy. Additionally, allot some time for pictures and enjoying the view at the top. 

Furthermore, be aware this trail can be covered in snow for most of the year. For example, snow is still often on the trail up until April. Therefore, be sure to check trail conditions before heading out. 

Hiking Along the Trail

The trail has exactly what you would expect but also probably dread: switchbacks. Lots of them. Additionally, the trail is fairly narrow at some points, fitting only two people side by side. Be careful not to venture too close to the edge, for there are some steep drop-offs from the trail at certain points, especially once you get up a little higher. 

Moreover, the hike is entirely through a forest. On a positive note, this means the trees will help shade you from the heat of the sun. However, you will be walking uphill for the entire duration of the hike. The steepest parts, in my opinion, were closer to the end of the trail. 

Reaching the Top

Once you reach the trailhead sign two miles (~3.2 kilometers) into the trail, continue to the right to Rattlesnake Ledge. The sign will point uphill towards East Peak and Snoqualmie Point Park, which are additional hikes you can conquer if you have the time and energy. More information is detailed in the fourth section below.

Are you looking for other beautiful hikes near Seattle? Check out Thunder Creek Trail in North Cascades National Park. Hike the entire 39 (~63 kilometers) miles or only two miles (~3.2 kilometers) to the suspension bridge. You can easily plan a day trip to North Cascades from Seattle, so you have no excuse not to visit.  

Overlook area at Rattlesnake Ledge

6) Top of Rattlesnake Ledge

If I had to use one word to describe the view from Rattlesnake Ledge: gorgeous. You walk out along the rocks and are instantly met with views of the surrounding mountains as well as the bright blue lake.

The viewpoint is fairly rocky, though, so please remain cautious of your steps and surroundings at all times. There are some large cracks which would result in injury if you stepped or fell into them. Additionally, there are no railings surrounding the viewpoint. Be careful of the cliff edges and do not venture too close to them. Moreover, be extra cautious if hiking with dogs or small children.

Enjoying the views after reaching the top of the trail

7) Additional Trails Past Rattlesnake Ledge

Maybe a 5.3 mile (~8.5 kilometer) round trip hike with almost 1,500 feet (~457 meters) in elevation gain is not enough for your Saturday morning workout. Well, then you are in luck! There are multiple additional trails that continue for miles and miles beyond the Rattlesnake Ledge viewpoint.

Middle Ledge and Upper Ledge

Walk back to the fork in the trail from Rattlesnake Ledge where the trailhead signs point uphill. Just a short distance beyond this junction are two more viewpoints. First is Middle Ledge and second is Upper Ledge. Both of them offer beautiful views of the lake as well as great views to the northwest. As a bonus, they are often less busy than the popular Rattlesnake Ledge lookout.

East Peak

Walk back to the fork in the trail from Rattlesnake Ledge where the trailhead sign points uphill. You will see East Peak listed as 2.4 miles (~3.9 kilometers) away.

Plan for around five and a half hours for the round trip hike, which starts from the trailhead by the lake. The hike is approximately 8.8 miles (~14.2 kilometers) round trip.

Snoqualmie Point Park

Walk back to the fork in the trail from Rattlesnake Ledge where the trailhead sign points uphill. Snoqualmie Point Park will be listed on the trailhead sign. However, be prepared for 8.3 more miles (~13.4 more kilometers) of hiking!

You will need to plan to be hiking just about the entire day for this trail. The hike is approximately 20.6 miles (~33.2 kilometers) round trip, and it begins from the trailhead by the lake.

Walking through the forest with the sun shining through

8) Recommended Items to Bring

Are planning to road trip around the US and need help with packing? Then check out my cross-country road trip essentials and essential accessories for a pop up camper.

1. Water bottle: Please please please be sure to bring water with you as you hike along Rattlesnake Ledge Trail, especially if you choose to continue on another trail past the Rattlesnake Ledge viewpoint. For example, I brought my Yeti water bottle with me.

Hygiene

2. Sunscreen: While this might not be as important on a cloudy day, it will be on a day full of beautiful clear skies. Walking around even for just 30 minutes can lead to sunburn if you have fair skin.

3. Bug spray: Let’s be honest – mosquitos, gnats, and any other little type of fly can ruin an experience. You cannot truly enjoy an attraction if you are swatting away bugs from your face the whole time. Therefore, be prepared with bug spray or a mosquito repellent bracelet.

Hiking Apparel

4. Hiking shoes: A pair of hiking shoes will be incredibly helpful as you hike up the mountain, for the trail is mainly a dirt path with some loose rocks.

5. Hiking poles: Bring hiking poles along if you want a bit of extra support while hiking along the trail. 

6. Optional – crampons: These are only necessary in the winter months if there is snow or ice on the trail. Crampons are spikes that attach to the bottom of shoes.

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Thinking about visiting North Cascades?: Reasons to Visit North Cascades National Park.

Here is a one day itinerary for your trip: Day Trip from Seattle to North Cascades.