Rattlesnake Ridge Hiking Trail Near Seattle

Rattlesnake Ridge Hiking Trail Near Seattle

If you're looking for good hiking trails near Seattle, you may want to consider Rattlesnake Ridge.  It's about a 45 minute drive east of Seattle on I-90, close to North Bend.  I get there by taking exit 32 on I-90 and driving about four miles south on 436th Ave SE.  Be prepared for some moderate to intermediate hiking with a good deal of elevation change and lots of switchbacks.  Bring your hiking shoes, a water bottle, snacks, and a camera. 

The hiking trail at Rattlesnake Ridge is nice and wide for the most part but it does get narrow in places.  About a mile and a half into your hike, you'll come to a fork in the trail and if you take a right, there's an overlook on a large rock outcropping (this is why you brought the camera).  If you're still feeling good, I suggest going back to where the trail splits and hiking a little further up the mountain to find the second overlook. It gives you a chance to get some cool shots of all the people on the first overlook.  This part of the trail looks a little less traveled, but it's probably my favorite part of the hike and you definitly don't feel like you're less than an hour from Seattle.

Feel free to bring your dog hiking with you (you will need a leash) and the kids will have fun with the chipmunks on the overlook.  It's about a one hour hike in and out so you may want to bring a light lunch, but trail mix should suffice.  As long as you're in decent shape this is a fun hike and you get rewarded with some wonderful views of Mt. Si, the Cascades, and Rattlesnake Lake.  The hiking trail at Rattlesnake Ridge is a great place to get some mud on your boots.