Rattlesnake Ledge
Lake trailhead to the first ledge
The Route
A forest trail climbing from Rattlesnake Lake to an exposed rock viewpoint.
- Rattlesnake Lake ParkingFollow north shore to northwest trailhead
- Trailhead KioskToilets and map at signed forest entrance
- Forest SwitchbacksLower boulders and glimpses of lake
- Ridge JunctionAt 1.9 miles; ledge branch right
- First LedgeRock viewpoint about 100 yards from junction
Lake to Forest Trail
The approach passes the north end of Rattlesnake Lake to the kiosk and signed trailhead on its northwest side. The climbing trail winds through second-growth forest and past large moss-covered boulders, with occasional openings back toward the lake.
First Ledge Spur
At about 1.9 miles, a signed junction separates the continuing ridge trail from the roughly 100-yard spur to the first ledge. The endpoint is a broad exposed rock outcrop with sheer cliffs, not a fenced viewing platform.
Upper Ledges & Return
Middle and Upper Ledges lie farther along the ridge trail. The junction also identifies longer continuations toward East Peak and Snoqualmie Point. Those extensions are outside this four-mile first-ledge return, which retraces the forest trail to the lake.
Forest
The switchbacking trail climbs through second-growth forest to the ledge.
Rock Outcrop
The hiking endpoint is the exposed rock outcrop above Rattlesnake Lake.
Four miles return is twice the two-mile one-way distance on the official map. Gain and endpoint elevation are approximate guide figures. Reference Set: 2026-10-23.
Weather
Current forecasts open at the providers below. NWS forecasts describe a terrain grid cell, not an exact summit.
Access
Rattlesnake Lake Recreation Area, North Bend, WA
Driving Approach
From I-90 exit 32, follow 436th Avenue/Cedar Falls Road south to Rattlesnake Lake. The trailhead is on the lake's northwest side, reached from parking around the north shore.
Parking & Operating Hours
Seattle Public Utilities lists free lake parking and dawn-to-dusk day use year-round. The nearby Cedar Falls trailhead for Palouse to Cascades has a separate Discover Pass requirement; it is not the lake's free-parking rule.
Facilities & Restrictions
The lake area has portable toilets and picnic areas but no drinking water; water is available at the education center. Camping, open fires, drones and commercial activity are prohibited. Pets remain leashed.
Source information checked 2026-10-23. Road snapshots are dated separately.
Reports
First Ledge Reports
WTA reports may continue past the 1.9-mile junction to Middle or Upper Ledge, EastPeak or the ridge traverse. Those extensions go beyond this first-ledge itinerary.
Lake Recreation Rules
Seattle's official page distinguishes the lake, ledge trail and neighboring trails, with operating hours, facilities and restrictions.
Links open the publishers’ report pages. Reports are not automatically imported or filtered to a forecast date.