Rattlesnake Ridge / Ledge

I'm going to say it is officially hiking season, though Pongo and I have been hiking for a few months. But this is the time of year we really get geared up.  I was thrilled when friend and school psychologist, Julia and her dog Zed invited us to hike Rattlesnake Ridge last weekend.  It is a popular trail that I have heard of, but never hiked.  Located in North Bend in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, it is a quick 2 miles to Rattlesnake Ledge where there are spectacular views. Four miles roundtrip, it is easy to fit in and then return to the city for other weekend activities.

If you know anything about Western Washington, then you know there are no rattlers on this side of the state.  So if that gets you wondering how this mountain got its name, the story goes like this: Seattle pioneer Arthur Denny gave the area its name when a frightened road surveyor thought he was being attacked by a rattlesnake after hearing seed pods rattling on a nearby meadow.


Julia and I had planned to meet at 8:30, but since I had never been there, I ended up parking in the wrong lot 1/2 a mile down the road and then couldn't get cell service. After 10 minutes of waiting, I decided to drive a little farther and was shocked to find that the parking lot at the trailhead is enormous!  It was well after 9 before I found her.  Finally together, Pongo and Zed posed with Julia near Rattlesnake Lake, which lies below the mountain near the trailhead.  I was even more shocked at the number of people heading for the trail.  We saw families and groups of friends of all ages, boy scout groups and hoards of teenage girls.  There were dogs of all sizes from chihuahuas to pitbulls and German Shepherds, and oh so many Aussies!  And two Corgies - my daughter would not forgive me if I left out the Corgies.  (She has been asking for one, to which I give the typical parent answer: maybe someday.)

Pongo started out on the trail in front, but didn't keep the lead for long.  Afterall Zed is ten years younger than him at least! Julia and I chatted, but surprisingly not about work.  Usually it is so hard not to leave that behind.  When you work with children, there are kids you worry about and can't get out of your head and heart.  But on this day we talked about our own personal lives and of course, our dogs.  As we passed back and forth over the switchbacks crossing the mountain, gaining 1160 feet to the ledge.  I was surprised at how quickly we emerged at the top.  It was an easier hike than Little Si, which is a bit of a struggle near the top.  

  

We sat down for a snack of oatmeal cookies
 made by my husband and peanut butter sandwiches.  

From the ledge you can see Rattlesnake Lake below.

Views of Mt. Si and Mt. Baker can also be seen.

A trail led up this mountain ridge too,
but we did not venture up it today.

Julia and Zed relax at the top of the ledge

A couple stops to survey the scene.

What a beautiful hike! We didn't stay long at the ledge and quickly headed back down. The trail became more and more crowded as the morning disappeared. Julia and I were both glad we had come, but the trail felt a little claustrophobic the longer we were on the mountain.  I was sweating through my T-shirt and was thankful for the shade all along the trail. When we reached the lake again, Pongo stood for 15 minutes with his paws in the water, lapping up its coolness and quenching his thirst.  I sat enjoying the view on the beach, watching kayaks cross the lake. 

Rattlesnake Lake

I don't recommend hiking this on a weekend this time of year.  Go during the week or get there by 7 am.  At noon the parking lot was full and there were already more than fifty cars parked along the sides of the road to the park entrance.  But this is a must-see for hikers in Western Washington.  It is a unique place.   I am drawn to the views of the lake.

I am counting down to the last days of school. Now there are only four more days left.  Pongo and I are looking so forward to a summer of hiking.  Visiting old favorites and exploring new ones alike. Stay tuned!