My Sunset Hike to Rattlesnake Ledge near Seattle
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The rain had started to become more consistent in October while living in Seattle but there was a perfect evening that we saw coming up. That’s when we decided to do a sunset hike up to Rattlesnake Ledge in Washington.
There weren’t as many fellow hikers here because we were doing this during the week but it was an easy decision to make, seeing as how close the trail is to Seattle.
It was chilly this day, so we started our hike bundled up but soon those layers came off. The trail isn’t hard or that long but it’s a gradual incline up to the first ledge. There are a few switchbacks leading the way along a well-maintained trail.
We got lucky there wasn’t a lot of foot traffic, because this can be one of the most populated trails near Seattle.
If you’re in or around Seattle, Rattlesnake Ledge is a great hike that offers views but won’t take up your entire day getting to it.
Why Rattlesnake Ledge Isn’t Just Another Seattle Hike
Many people don’t know this but the Rattlesnake Ledge is called ‘daʔšədabš’ by the Snoqualmie people and holds significant value beyond stunning views.
Being that this trail is only 30 minutes away while offering the views that it does makes it a unique selling point to visitors. It’s not an alpine hike but it still has great beauty of its own.
There are different ledges you can reach, each offering a unique viewpoint of the area around it. You can make this hike as easy or as hard as you’d like.
The trail to the first ledge is well-maintained and there’s plenty of room to step off to the side to let others pass when you need a break.
There’s way more room at the first ledge than the upper two. Thankfully, most hikers stop at the first ledge, so it doesn’t get too crowded.
As the weather was starting to get colder around Seattle and the wind was blowing strongly, I decided it was a perfect time to test out my new Venustas heated jacket.
Rattlesnake Ledge Overview and Essential Details
| Rattlesnake Ledge Hiking Trail Details | |
|---|---|
| Location | North Bend, near Seattle, WA |
| Distance (Round-trip) | 5.3 miles |
| Elevation Gain | 1,430 feet |
| Trail Difficulty | Moderate |
| Average Hike Time | 2–3 hours |
| Trail Type | Out-and-back |
| Highest Point (3rd Summit Elevation) | ~2,334 feet |
| Best Seasons | Year-round (ideal spring–fall) |
| Pet-Friendly | Yes, dogs permitted (on leash) |
| Kid-Friendly | Yes, suitable for older kids (7+) |
| Parking | Limited; fills quickly on weekends |
| Parking Fees | Free |
| Restroom Availability | Yes, at trailhead |
| Trailhead Coordinates | 47.4335° N, 121.7676° W |
| Managed By | Seattle Public Utilities, King County |
| Special Notes | Crowded weekends; best early mornings |
| Safety Tips | Steep drop-offs at summit; slippery when wet |
| Recommended Gear | Hiking shoes, layered clothing, water, snacks |
| Nearby Attractions | Snoqualmie Falls, Cedar Butte, Twin Falls Trail |
My Sunset Hike: Moments Most Visitors Never Experience
Some of the best times to experience a hike and a view are either during sunrise or sunset hours. The way the sunlight hits the scenery around you is unique, specific to the period, and doesn’t last long.
Going early in the morning or later in the evening is the best way to beat the crowds. This is especially true when hiking to Rattlesnake Ledge.
If you’ve never experienced this before, I highly recommend going for a sunset hike. It’s one hell of a way to end the day.
Arrival at the Parking Lot
The parking lot at the Rattlesnake Lake Recreation was shockingly very empty when we arrived around 4:30 PM. Something that I wish was the case when we hiked to Colchuck Lake a few weeks prior.
We were happy to find out that parking here is free, which is a nice change of pace compared to the other trails we’ve been going on in Washington.
The trail starts at an extremely flat area around the lake and up to the bathrooms. Past this area is where the ascent begins.
Trailhead to First Clearing
We had no worries of getting lost or even cared to look at our offline maps because the trail was in great shape. It was clear as day where we should be going, which is nice!
One of the best-maintained trails I’ve experienced in Washington, comparable to the Snow Lake Trail and Lake Serene Trail.
We hiked up around half a mile from the beginning ascent of the trail until the first clearing, where you can start to see more views of the lake.
The weather was crisp and the plants were still lush with color. It was quiet for the most part on the trail, which is always a plus.
It was around 600 feet of elevation gain until the first clearing. We came across a few more mini-viewpoints along the way until we reached the summit or the first ledge.
Solitude on the Summit
After a few stops for photos, we finally arrived at the summit. There were about seven people there already, which is far less than some of the comments I read.
The sun was setting to our right-hand side of the first ledge and gave a unique lighting perspective for some photos.
It was slightly overcast, which isn’t optimal but it was October, so what can you expect?
The weather was still good enough for some people to come up to the top and take wedding photos! That’s some dedication if I’ve ever seen it.
There was plenty of space to spread out at the summit of Rattlesnake Ledge, and there was plenty more of it, too.
I was expecting larger crowds like Skyline Loop but we lucked out. I can only imagine how crowded it can feel during a busy summer day.
Secret Spots and Hidden Gems Along Rattlesnake Trail
There is more to the Rattlesnake trail than simply the first ledge. The trail continues on upwards to different ledges and viewpoints.
First Ledge
This is the first and last ledge that most people hike to. And that’s fine! It has the most room with the largest panoramic view of the lake below.
We visited during a slow day on the trail, so there was plenty of room for us. But I wanted to go higher and see more.
This is the perfect area to sit down and eat lunch or whatever food you may have brought with you up on the trail.
Middle Ledge
If you continue up the trail at the fork, you’ll reach the middle ledge in around .2 miles and 50 feet of elevation gain. This isn’t a whole lot for what you can gain.
The ledge is extremely small compared to the first ledge but you’ll most likely be without a large crowd.
The views aren’t as good, but there is an opportunity for some epic photos along the rocks. Always watch where you’re stepping and don’t do anything that you’re not comfortable with.
We didn’t get much of a lake view from the middle ledge but the scenery behind was still stunning to say the least.
Upper Ledge
The last ledge along the Rattlesnake trail is more of a climb than to the middle ledge. I walked through dense forest and could also hear a pin drop; it was so quiet.
There were no other hikers with me and I suggest hiking up to the upper ledge if you want a similar experience.
The area at the upper ledge had a flatter surface area to walk on but there weren’t many rocks to climb out on like the other two ledges.
I stayed here for the shortest amount of time of the other two ledges, as I think the views aren’t as good with little room to move around.
Going Beyond the Upper Ledge: Rattlesnake Ledge Middle Peak
If hiking to all the main ledges on the trail didn’t satisfy you enough, you can continue up the mountain to reach more peaks.
The highest peak on the trail is at 3500 feet, but you can keep continuing on this trail for different vantage points by reaching the Rattlesnake ledge middle peak.
The trail is well-defined but you can check out this trail on AllTrails to see more stats beyond the upper ledge.
You can hike for another two miles along this trail with no issues but it will continue to become steeper as it progresses.
Things to Know Before Hiking Rattlesnake Ledge in Seattle
I know you have a bunch of burning questions about the Rattlesnake Ledge hike, and I’m here to help!
Below are some of the most frequently asked questions or topics that I think are important to know before planning your adventure.
What’s the Parking Like?
I’m probably not the best person to ask this question, as our experience was uneventful. We arrived at a fairly empty parking lot and had no issues.
With that being said, the parking lot for Rattlesnake Lake Recreation Area can fill up FAST. This is especially true during the summer.
The parking is free, which helps the stress, but I’d suggest either showing up in the early morning hours or later in the evening, like us.
Restroom Availability
This area has no shortage of bathrooms and is one of the best I’ve experienced. There were porter potties and an indoor bathroom that you could choose from.
These bathrooms are located around the lake right before you start the ascent up the mountain.
When is the Best Time to Hike?
The best time to hike Rattlesnake Ledge would be either late Spring or early Fall. The temperatures are milder than during the summer, and there’ll be far less of a crowd.
If a large crowd doesn’t bother you, then going during the summer is your best bet for the highest chance of clear skies!
Is Hiking Gear Needed?
I will always suggest that you come over prepared to almost every hike you go on in your career. But this hike can be done without your typical hiking gear.
You’ll come across people along the trail wearing either flip-flops or Converse. While this is doable, I don’t suggest this in the slightest.
I’ll always recommend wearing hiking boots and bringing a jacket during most months of the year is always a smart thing.
Here is some of my favorite hiking gear that I currently use:
- Merrell Moab Speed 2: These are my new hiking boots that I just bought and I LOVE them. They are lighter than my previous boots but also still extremely sturdy.
- Patagonia Nano Jacket: Depending on what time of year you hike in Washington, a nice insulated jacket is always good to have.
Are Dogs Allowed on the Trail?
Dogs are allowed on the Rattlesnake Ledge Trail but must be on a leash. Please follow these rules while taking into consideration of others.
Safety Considerations
This is overall a safe and easy hike with all things considered. But when you reach each ledge on Rattlesnake Trail, be sure to take your time and watch your step.
There have been deaths in the past of people slipping and falling off part of the mountain. I don’t say this to scare you but to make sure you’re aware of your surroundings.
A selfie is not more important than your safety.
Camping
Camping is prohibited on and around Rattlesnake Lake. You can read all of the rules here.
There are some other areas that you can camp at if you’re really looking to stay close but enjoy the night under the stars. Below is a table that shows your options.
| Camping Location | Type | Proximity to Rattlesnake Ledge | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rattlesnake Lake Recreation Area | Day-use only | At the trailhead | No camping or open fires allowed |
| Alice Creek & Carter Creek campsites | Primitive, backcountry | Along Palouse to Cascades trail, west of trailhead | First-come, hike/bike access |
| Denny Creek Campground | Forest Service campgrounds | ~15–20 min drive | Seasonal amenities available |
| Twin Peaks Farm (Hipcamp) | Private tent/RV sites | Minutes from lake | Pet-friendly, picnic tables, potable water |
Extend Your Hike: Nearby Attractions
Your adventure doesn’t have to stop at the top of Rattlesnake Ledge! There are plenty of other activities to do post-hike or even the next day!
I’ll give a few examples of other hikes and a place to grab a drink if that’s what you fancy.
- Twins Falls Trail
- Snoqualmie Falls: Massive waterfall that you’ll want to see
- South Fork: A nice place to grab a beer and a burger
- Snoqualmie Falls Brewery: A laidback brewery close to the trail with a good selection of beer
Best Places to Stay in Seattle
- CitizenM: These hotels are gaining popularity from their simplistic look but they also have everything you need!
- Courtyard by Seatac: Looking for a hotel near the airport? This is your best bet!
- Silver Cloud Hotel: One of the highest rated hotel in Seattle and for good reason!
Final Thoughts
What I love about Washington is that there are many hikes of all levels located around the state. Rattlesnake Ledge might not be the most intense hike but the views are impeccable for how close to the city you are. There’s so much to do around this area that you can spend an entire weekend here visiting other hikes and going to resturaunts/breweries. And when it’s time to go home, you’ll forget that you’re only 30 minutes away from the city!
If you’re short on time or are just nearby, this hike is perfect for all age ranges.
