The hike to Grand Prospect is located just a mile from the junction of I-90 and Highway 18. The trailhead, situated at the west end of Rattlesnake Mountain, is called Snoqualmie Point. Most of the hike is through lovely forest. However, there are two focal points on the parish hike portion of the trail: Stan's Overlook and Grand Prospect. The parish portion of the trail? The full length of the trail is actually just over 11 miles. Hikers bring two cars and leave one either at Snoqualmie Point or at Rattlesnake Lake and then launch off for a full day of hiking as they work their way back to the "left" vehicle. One of the most pleasant things about this hike, even on weekends, is the relative lack of crowds.
If you go by the signage at the start of the hike, you will see that it is 4.2 miles to Grand Prospect. However, repeated GPS readings result in only 3.5 miles to Grand Prospect. So, that is the mileage we use - a fairly easy, straight forward 7 mile round trip hike on a well marked trail. Several years ago, the trail of completely reworked. More than likely, after massive undertaking, relocating the trail off logging and service roads, the trail got shortened. The makers of the new signs more than likely simply used the mileage numbers that were readily available.
The trail tends to follow just below the crest of Rattlesnake Mountain. This mountain stretches from Highway 18 all the way to Rattlesnake Lake, situated in a high valley on the south side of North Bend. Grand Prospect is sort of half way across the lengthy mountain. As you can see from the accompanying photo, Grand Prospect has a great view looking out over North Bend, Mt Si, and the mountains all the way to Mt. Baker. (Yes, that is the Outlet Mall in the lower middle of the photo!)
The first half mile is a lazy walk through shady deciduous trees, with a few old cedars and firs thrown in to enhance the view. The second half mile is across an extensive clear-cut. Open views should be relished because most of the rest of the hike is in lovely, about 40 year old forest. This second half mile, by the way is the steepest part of the hike, gaining about 750 feet of elevation. The total elevation gain to Grand Prospect is about 2,000 feet. How nice to gain a lot of that right away.
It won't take hikers long to realize that the trail goes through a series of gates. Since the trail is designated for hikers only, the gates are designed to keep bikers and horse riders off the trail. Dogs are allowed, by the way, but they must be kept on leash. Our hike leader would expect St. Barbara parishioners to follow the leash law even though it is widely ignored.
Stan's Overlook If you are out of shape, at least go as far as Stan's Overlook. The overlook is about 1.8 miles from the trail-head. You will have gained about 930 feet of elevation by that time (almost half of the trip total). The Overlook features a great view over the town of Snoqualmie with vistas, on a clear day, stretching nearly to the Canadian border. A picnic table and several benches make this a fine place to eat lunch, rest and enjoy the scenery before returning to the trail-head. Hikers going all the way to Grand Prospect should make a brief stop here. It really is a lovely place. However, if you are going on, don't stay too long! After all you are only half way to the destination.
Grand Prospect As soon as you leave Stan's Overlook, the trail crosses a small portion of clear cut. Again, soak up the views. After that, the rest of the journey is through restful, contemplative, soft underfoot forest. The trail uses several portions of very old, overgrown logging roads as you get closer to Grand Prospect. You will know that you are almost at the destination when you start to get open views on your left with plenty of mountains coming into sight. At Grand Prospect, a fading sign names many of the mountains that are visible from that location. Several well-placed benches provide the hiker with the best view seats possible while enjoying lunch.
How to get there The trail-head is about 21 miles from church. Depending on where you live, take Highway 18 toward I-90. Head east on I-90 (toward Spokane) and go one mile. Get off at exit 27. Road signs will say "Snoqualmie Indian Reservation" and "Snoqualmie/North Bend". After about 200 feet, the exit road will loop most drivers to the left. That is NOT for you, unless you want to go to the casino. Take the road to the right and then up a short, steep hill. At the top of the hill turn right into the parking area, marked by a green colored steel gate. There is a "his and hers" at the trailhead. Hiking boots are best but sturdy athletic shoes work as well. Grand Prospect Hike is good even on a day with gentle rain.
The hike to Grand Prospect is located just a mile from the junction of I-90 and Highway 18. The trailhead, situated at the west end of Rattlesnake Mountain, is called Snoqualmie Point. Most of the hike is through lovely forest. However, there are two focal points on the parish hike portion of the trail: Stan's Overlook and Grand Prospect. The parish portion of the trail? The full length of the trail is actually just over 11 miles. Hikers bring two cars and leave one either at Snoqualmie Point or at Rattlesnake Lake and then launch off for a full day of hiking as they work their way back to the "left" vehicle. One of the most pleasant things about this hike, even on weekends, is the relative lack of crowds.