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| View from Stan's Overlook |
Distance: 12 Miles Out and Back
Elevation Gain: 2520 Ft
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| Trail distance chart and rules |
In a typical Pacific Northwest winter weekend with gloomy overcast sky, I decided that I could do with some useful exercise by hiking a nearby trail. I also wanted to do a new trail. I had already done Rattlesnake Ledge near the Rattlesnake Lake before, though I have not written on this blog about that trip. However, the ridge line of the Rattlesnake Mountain runs roughly parallel to the I-90 highway, and it is possible to traverse the whole mountain between Snoqualmie (I-90 Exit Number 27) and Rattlesnake Lake (I-90 Exit Number 32). So I got started at the Snoqualmie trail head and headed east.
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| The starting part of the trail is on a forest road |
For a shorter hike, Stan's Overlook at 2.2 miles would be a perfect destination. There are a couple of picnic table and a gorgeous view of several mountains including Mt. Si and Mt Teneriffe with a panoramic view of the quiet townships of North Bend at the foot of Mt Si and Fall City closer to the West. I met a few other hikers at that point, some of whom really enjoyed a picnic there. However, I decided to press on forward.
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| Stan's Overlook |
Windy's Landing is another point offering views but dense fog prevented me from enjoying those views what would be at its most appealing on a sunny day. Rest of the trail was uneventful except for encountering patches of snow on ground near the East Peak. Yet at the East Peak, I had the novel experience of watching Steller’s Jays eating out of hands of another couple of hikers.
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| Steller’s Jay bird eating out of hand |
That is where I turned around for the return trip. This trail being gradient being comparatively gentle, I committed the mistake of moving too fast through most of my return trip, even running at times. With the heavy hiking boots on, it took a heavy toll on my leg muscles around knees. As a result, I was not in a position to run - my other fitness gig - for next several months. Another lesson learned, the hard way of course.
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| Area Map on the Trail Head Information Board |
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