Rattlesnake Ledge Hiking Trail
Introduction
The Rattlesnake Ledge Hiking Trail is a popular outdoor attraction in Washington state. Located in the town of North Bend, the trail offers breathtaking views of the Cascade Mountains and Lake Sammamish. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or a beginner, there’s something for everyone on this trail. In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll cover the top attractions, hidden gems, food scene, budget-friendly tips, outdoor adventures, historical landmarks, family-friendly activities, off-the-beaten-path experiences, natural wonders, vibrant nightlife, local markets, beaches and mountains, cultural immersion, art and music scene, walking tours, architectural marvels, historical sites, biking routes, wellness retreats, and adventure sports.
Top Attractions
Rattlesnake Ledge Summit
The Rattlesnake Ledge Summit is the main attraction of the trail. It’s a 4-mile round trip hike with an elevation gain of 1,160 feet. The summit offers stunning views of the Cascade Mountains and Lake Sammamish. It’s a popular spot for taking photos and enjoying a picnic.
Snoqualmie Falls
Snoqualmie Falls is a must-visit attraction near the Rattlesnake Ledge Hiking Trail. The waterfall is 268 feet tall and is located in the Snoqualmie Falls Natural Area. There’s a viewing platform near the falls where you can take in the breathtaking views. There’s also a gift shop and a restaurant nearby.
Hidden Gems
Mason Lake
If you’re looking for a more secluded spot to enjoy nature, check out Mason Lake. It’s a 6-mile round trip hike from the Rattlesnake Ledge Trailhead. The lake is surrounded by trees and offers a peaceful and quiet atmosphere. It’s a great spot for fishing and swimming.
Mount Si
Mount Si is another popular hiking trail near the Rattlesnake Ledge Trail. It’s a 8-mile round trip hike with an elevation gain of 3,150 feet. The summit offers panoramic views of the Cascade Mountains and the Snoqualmie Valley. It’s a challenging hike, but the views are worth it.
Food Scene
The town of North Bend offers a variety of dining options. If you’re in the mood for pizza, check out Scott’s Dairy Freeze. They offer delicious pizza and ice cream. For a more upscale dining experience, try The Dining Room at Salish Lodge. They offer Pacific Northwest cuisine and stunning views of Snoqualmie Falls.
Budget-Friendly Tips
The Rattlesnake Ledge Trail is free to hike. However, there’s a $5 parking fee at the trailhead. To save money, carpool with friends or arrive early to secure a spot in the free parking area. Additionally, bring your own snacks and water to save money on food and drinks.
Outdoor Adventures
The Rattlesnake Ledge Trail offers a variety of outdoor activities. In addition to hiking, you can go fishing, swimming, and rock climbing. The nearby Snoqualmie River also offers kayaking and rafting opportunities.
Family-Friendly Activities
The Rattlesnake Ledge Trail is a great spot for a family hike. The trail is well-maintained and offers stunning views for the whole family to enjoy. Additionally, the nearby town of North Bend offers a playground and a community pool.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
Goldmyer Hot Springs
If you’re up for an adventure, check out Goldmyer Hot Springs. It’s a 20-mile round trip hike from the Rattlesnake Ledge Trailhead. The hot springs are located in a remote area and offer a unique and relaxing experience. Reservations are required.
Iron Horse Trail
The Iron Horse Trail is a 82-mile trail that runs from North Bend to the Columbia River. It’s a great spot for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. The trail offers stunning views of the Cascade Mountains and the Snoqualmie Pass.
Natural Wonders
Mount Si Natural Resources Conservation Area
The Mount Si Natural Resources Conservation Area is a protected area near the Rattlesnake Ledge Trail. It offers a variety of hiking trails and stunning views of the Cascade Mountains. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears and mountain lions.
Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
The Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest is a large forest near the Rattlesnake Ledge Trail. It offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and camping. The forest is home to a variety of wildlife, including elk, deer, and black bears.
Vibrant Nightlife
The town of North Bend offers a variety of nightlife options. For a casual night out, check out the North Bend Bar and Grill. They offer a variety of drinks and pub food. For a more upscale experience, try the Attic Lounge. They offer craft cocktails and small plates.
Local Markets
The North Bend Farmers Market is a great spot to pick up fresh produce and handmade goods. It’s open on Saturdays from June to September. Additionally, the nearby town of Snoqualmie offers a variety of shops and boutiques.
Beaches and Mountains
The Rattlesnake Ledge Trail offers stunning views of both the Cascade Mountains and Lake Sammamish. Additionally, the nearby town of Snoqualmie offers a beach on Lake Sammamish. It’s a great spot for swimming and sunbathing.
Cultural Immersion
The town of North Bend offers a variety of cultural experiences. Check out the Northwest Railway Museum to learn about the history of the railroad in the area. Additionally, the nearby town of Snoqualmie offers the Snoqualmie Valley Museum, which showcases the history of the Snoqualmie Valley.
Art and Music Scene
The town of North Bend offers a variety of art and music events throughout the year. Check out the North Bend Jazz Walk in September or the Paint and Sip event at Boxley’s in downtown North Bend. Additionally, the nearby city of Seattle offers a variety of art and music events.
Walking Tours
The town of North Bend offers a self-guided walking tour of the historic downtown area. The tour includes stops at the North Bend Theatre and the Snoqualmie Valley Historical Museum. Additionally, the nearby city of Seattle offers a variety of walking tours, including the Seattle Underground Tour and the Pike Place Market Food Tour.
Architectural Marvels
The Salish Lodge
The Salish Lodge is a historic hotel near Snoqualmie Falls. It was built in 1916 and offers stunning views of the falls. The hotel has been featured in a variety of movies and TV shows, including Twin Peaks.
The Space Needle
The Space Needle is an iconic landmark in Seattle. It was built in 1962 for the World’s Fair and offers stunning views of the city. You can take an elevator to the top to enjoy the views and dine at the revolving restaurant.
Historical Sites
Twin Peaks
If you’re a fan of the TV show Twin Peaks, check out the nearby town of Snoqualmie. Many scenes from the show were filmed in the area, including the famous Snoqualmie Falls. Additionally, the town offers a variety of Twin Peaks-themed events and tours.
The Museum of Flight
The Museum of Flight is located in Seattle and offers a variety of exhibits on the history of aviation. The museum features a collection of over 150 aircraft and spacecraft, including the original Boeing 747 and the Concorde.
Biking Routes
The Rattlesnake Ledge Trail is not open to bikes. However, the nearby Snoqualmie Valley Trail offers a 31-mile trail for biking, hiking, and horseback riding. The trail runs from Duvall to Rattlesnake Lake.
Wellness Retreats
The nearby town of Snoqualmie offers a variety of wellness retreats, including the Salish Lodge and Spa and the Snoqualmie Falls Forest Theater and Yoga. Additionally, the town offers a variety of yoga studios and wellness centers.
Adventure Sports
The Rattlesnake Ledge Trail offers a variety of adventure sports, including rock climbing and bouldering. Additionally, the nearby Snoqualmie River offers kayaking and rafting opportunities. The area is also a popular spot for paragliding and hang gliding.