Rattlesnake Mountain

View from Stan's Overlook

Distance: 12 Miles Out and Back
Elevation Gain: 2520 Ft

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.

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.

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.

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.

Area Map on the Trail Head Information Board