The Humble Joy of Rattlesnake Ledge

You want an authentic, addictive taste of what the Seattle geography has to offer her outdoorsy visitors? Look no further than Rattlesnake Trail located on the cusp of the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. In general, the Rattlesnake Lake Recreational site is fabulous. You want to take a serene stroll around a small lake? You got it. You want to paddle board in easy waters surrounded by green, rocky mountains? You got it. You want to hike a mossy, moist trail 2.5 miles into the atmosphere to behold the wilderness beyond? Heck yeah, you definitely got it!

The reason I title this "The Humble Joy" is simply because Rattlesnake only offers a small taste of the geographic glory that the Pacific Northwest has to offer. For many new comers, such as myself, Rattlesnake Ledge is easy to get to, only 35 minutes away from my own home in Bellevue. It makes it an easy go-to hike on days where we don't feel like driving two hours to find a suitable hike. It is also ranked moderate on the All Trails App, and rightfully so, as there are brief moments of steepness, but overall, it is a relatively chill climb.

Readers be warned, however, as due to its close proximity to the city of Seattle, and its renowned beauty, Rattlesnake can be very busy! If you are like me, and prefer the peace and solitude of a hike uninterrupted by the rest of mankind, I highly encourage you pick a weekday to do this trek. It will be worth it. Good luck, and happy trails!

The views from the top.

My dare-devil boyfriend (and frequent muse) finding delight in a rocky scramble at the top of the trail. It should be said that people have died on the ridge, and his example is not one to replicate. Don't take selfies near the edge, folks!

Late fall was a sadly barren lake view.